sustainability Local Agenda 21
access to basic elements of life strategy
air quality
culture, recreation and leisure
economy and work
in Brighton & Hove education and training
energy use
healthy people & safe communities
decent homes
land use
the natural envirnment
transport
waste foreword
Sustainable development is about the quality of our lifestyles can deliver real improvements to the life we enjoy in the City of Brighton and Hove. For quality of life we enjoy. us as individuals and the communities we live in, it is about our environment, our health, our The challenge is to take this spirit of working housing, education and learning, and together forward toward a Brighton and Hove in opportunities for work and leisure. which future generations of residents and visitors can enjoy the best of this exceptional City and all Crucially, sustainable development is about the that it has to offer. place that is ‘Brighton and Hove’ and the responsibility we have for looking after it and improving it for ourselves, our children and for future generations.
This Strategy is about the council making the Councillor Ken Bodfish OBE, commitment to sustainable development across a Leader of the Council and range of services and activities. Chair of the Sustainability Task Group
The Strategy relies on a series of Action Plans to demonstrate exactly what can be achieved and how we go forward from here.
But rather than that being the end of the matter, preparing this Strategy and the accompanying Action Plans is just the beginning. Achieving sustainable development is not about any one organisation – it demands a real partnership with individual people and across communities, businesses, voluntary organisations and other public agencies. The intention then, is that this Strategy and the development of the Action Plans in particular, should provide a focus for bringing people together to see what we can really achieve in developing a Local Agenda 21. The spirit of working together to achieve sustainable development has been encapsulated in the hugely successful ‘ninelives’ campaign. This campaign has demonstrated how we can live more sustainably and how even small changes to
02 contents
1. Introduction purpose of the Strategy 04 preparation of the Strategy 05 ‘ninelives’ 05
2. Sustainable development and Local Agenda 21 what is sustainable development? 07 Local Agenda 21 and key dates 09
3. The context for preparing a Local Agenda 21 Strategy national policy and guidance 10 sustainable development and modern local government 13 community planning 13 best value 14
4. Vision, objectives and action access to basic elements of life 16 air quality 17 culture, recreation and leisure 18 economy and work 19 education and training 20 energy use 21 healthy people and safe communities 22 decent homes 23 land use 24 the natural environment 25 transport 26 waste 27
03 Introduction
Purpose of the Strategy is intended to provide a starting point for a Local Agenda 21 for Brighton and Hove (see page 8). The purpose of this Strategy is straightforward – it aims to provide a framework for improving our The Strategy identifies 12 ‘key objectives’ which environment and the quality of life enjoyed by provide the basis for preparing a series of Action people who live in Brighton and Hove and those Plans. To help achieve the 12 objectives, the who visit the City. Action Plans will set out specific activities together with a clear indication of how they will The Strategy sets out the council’s commitment be achieved; by when; and who will be involved. to take action for a more sustainable future and
1. improve everyone’s access to ‘basic elements of life’ such as good quality, local food
2. reduce air pollutants and improve long-term air quality
3. improve quality of life through leisure, cultural and recreational opportunities
4. increase the availability of jobs which improve sustainability and encourage local businesses to operate more sustainable business practices
5. improve the opportunities for people to develop educational and life skills
6. reduce non-renewable energy use in Brighton and Hove, through supporting the use of alternative fuels, and at the same time reduce local fuel poverty 7. improve the overall level of health for all communities in Brighton and Hove and to improve levels of health and safety at work and community safety
8. to ensure that everyone has access to decent, affordable housing that meets their needs
9. to make the most effective and efficient use of previously developed land (‘brownfield sites’) and promote best sustainable practice in new development 10. maintain and improve the natural environment, habitats and species of Brighton and Hove and to ensure that everyone has access to greenspace of biodiversity value 11. achieve a reduction in road traffic and progress toward a ‘people friendly’ city with an integrated transport system
12. reduce, re-use and recycle more of our waste Introduction
The Strategy and its accompanying Action Plans One of the key messages arising from are an integral part of the community planning consultation on the Strategy was the need for a process – wider involvement and partnership council-wide commitment to sustainable work across the statutory, voluntary, community development, illustrated by its own actions. and business sectors to develop and implement the Action Plans will help the Local Strategic (specifically, consultees expressed support for Partnership in setting priorities for a community preparation of ‘Action Plans’ (referred to above) strategy (for further information on ‘community setting out the council’s current commitments planning’ see page 13). and proposed actions, which could then be used as the basis for other groups and organisations Preparing the Strategy to ‘add’ their own projects and activities – this would help to ensure much wider ownership of This Strategy has been prepared by the city the Strategy – something that is essential if we council’s Sustainability Task Group: are to achieve a genuine ‘Local Agenda 21 for Brighton and Hove’.) Councillors: Ken Bodfish OBE (Chair), Betsy Brewer, Joyce Edmond-Smith, John Newington, ninelives Jayne Bennett, Carol Theobald, Keith Taylor The Strategy and Action Plans are intended to The Task Group has drawn together the key complement and be informed by ninelives, a objectives for this Strategy using much of the major innovative public information campaign consultative work that has already informed launched in June 2001. many of the council’s current plans, programmes and strategies. In particular, the Group has The campaign has taken the 29 national quality drawn upon the ‘quality of life’ indicators of life indicators and packaged them as a series developed by the Brighton and Hove Community of nine ‘life skills’. Following an open Environment Partnership (BriHCEP), the council’s competition, nine people from across the city own Environment Policy (1997) and the UK were selected to test their skills over a period of Strategy for Sustainable Development. nine weeks by undertaking challenges to become more sustainable. They were supported by a A draft of the Strategy was published in March team of professional advisers and mentors drawn 2001 and publicised in Brighton and Hove City from the council and other public and private News and the Argus – copies were distributed organisations across the city. to interested individuals and groups for their comments. A dedicated website, www.ninelives.tv, allows people to follow the nine through their video
05 Introduction and written diaries. The council’s newspaper, City News, has followed their ‘highs and lows’ and provided practical guidance on living in a more sustainable way The progress of the nine has also been publicised in a weekly feature in the Argus and a weekly spot on Southern Counties Radio.
The campaign received sponsorship from the Environment Agency, Churchill Square, and Brighton & Hove Bus Company, who displayed the faces of the nine on the outside of 20 buses during several weeks of the campaign.
To find out more about ninelives, visit the website at www.ninelives.tv.
The intention of the campaign, through its aim of encouraging the citizens of Brighton and Hove to re-assess their lifestyles and take up the ‘sustainability challenge’ in a way that is accessible and relevant to their daily lives, is to contribute to the development of the Local Agenda 21 for Brighton and Hove.
06 Sustainable development and Local Agenda 21
What is sustainable development? conservation and management of resources for development - protecting the atmosphere and Sustainable development is about ‘ensuring a oceans; managing fragile ecosystems; sustainable better quality of life for everyone, now and for approaches to farming; and environmentally generations to come’. ‘a better quality of life – a sound waste management. strategy for sustainable development for the UK’ strengthening the roles of major groups - global To see the UK Strategy for Sustainable action for women; strengthening the role of Development, visit www.sustainable- children and youth in sustainable development; development.gov/uk_strategy strengthening the role of non-governmental organisations; and local authority initiatives. The concept of sustainable development came to the forefront of political thinking at the United means of implementation - financial resources and Nations Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in mechanisms; international institutional and legal 1992 (see Table 1: ‘a brief history of sustainable arrangements and mechanisms for co-operation; development’ page 9). Representatives from over and transfer of environmentally sound technology. 170 nations, including the UK, met to discuss the declining state of the global environment and to to see the original Agenda 21, visit consider the impact this was likely to have on our http://sedac.ciesan.org/entri/texts/a21 future development. Agenda 21 recognises that too often, economic, The result of the Earth Summit was ‘Agenda 21’ – social and environmental factors are considered an ‘action plan’ for all nations, designed to tackle separately when decisions are made and that this the global threats to our long-term survival and has a direct impact on the actions of all groups in well-being. In 40 chapters it outlines actions that society, including governments, business and can be taken at international, national and local individuals. In setting out the proposed actions, level and asks every nation to produce their own Agenda 21 therefore emphasises the need to plan for sustainable development. The chapters integrate economic, social and environmental are divided into four key sections covering: considerations at all levels in addressing the challenges we face today and responding to the social and economic dimensions - combating needs of future generations. poverty; improving human health; and integrating environment and development in decision-making.
07 Sustainable development and Local Agenda 21
Local Agenda 21
Whilst many of the issues raised at Rio were of global importance, Agenda 21 recognises that many of the solutions require action at a local level – hence, the well-known phrase ‘Think Global, Act Local’.
Chapter 28 of Agenda 21 states that local authorities are the level of government closest to people in their daily lives and as such,
‘play a vital role in educating, mobilising and responding to the public to promote sustainable development’
To reflect this role, Agenda 21 calls on all local authorities to produce a ‘Local Agenda 21’ for their own areas – a local action plan to promote sustainable development.
The Local Agenda 21 should reflect the results of consultation and consensus building with local people, community groups and public and private sector organisations. As part of this approach, it is important to seek the views of those who may not have had the opportunity to contribute before.
Once it has been prepared, the Local Agenda 21 should not ‘sit on a shelf’ – it must become a ‘mainstream’; part of the local authority’s work – act as a powerful catalyst for change and influence the design and implementation of local programmes and policies at all levels.
08 Sustainable development and Local Agenda 21
Table 1 key dates in a brief ‘history’ of sustainable development and Local Agenda 21
The 1970s Policy makers recognised: - limits to economic growth - instability caused by increasing poverty and environmental destruction
1972 UN Conference on Human Environment debated the ‘rights’ of humanity to a healthy and protective environment
1973 & 1979 Oil crises remind national leaders of the political dangers of relying on natural resources held by other nations
1980 Brandt Commission on international development World Conservation Strategy launched to match, ‘superficially conflicting goals of development and conservation’
1983 Brundtland Commission formed to debate sustainable development. Their report was published in 1987. Their definition of sustainable development is the one which formed the basis of all future policies: ‘Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable – to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’
1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) - World leaders sign up to the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 – the agenda for sustainable development in the 21st Century 5th European Environmental Action Programme – Towards Sustainability - launched
1994 the first UK National Strategy for Sustainable Development published
1999 latest UK National Strategy for Sustainable Development published, entitled, ‘A Better Quality of Life’.
2001 ‘Sustainable development’: - underpins environmental management by government agencies - increasingly influential in land use planning - the control of environmental pollution and many other areas of environmental policy - central to much of the ‘modernising local government’ agenda 2002 Rio +10 Earth Summit, Johannesburg
reproduced courtesy of Diane Warburton, Principal Research Fellow, Brighton University
09 The context for preparing a Local Agenda 21 Strategy
National policy and guidance as a benchmark for measuring progress – subsequent sets of indicators have been The UK Strategy for Sustainable Development published to allow local and regional states that whilst the need for development is as comparisons to be drawn. great as ever, future development cannot continue to follow the model of the past. The To see the national indicators, visit Strategy sets out a framework for thriving cities www.sustainable-development. gov.uk/indicators based on strong economies, good access to services and safe and attractive surroundings. At a regional level, a document entitled ‘A Better Quality of Life in the South East’1 has been The UK Strategy’s priorities are: prepared to provide a framework for sustainable • more investment in people and equipment for development and a consistent context for the a competitive economy strategies of the South East England • reducing the level of social exclusion Development Agency (SEEDA); the South East • promoting a public transport system which England Regional Assembly (SEERA) and the provides choice, and also minimises harm and Government Office for the South East (GOSE). reduces congestion • improving the larger towns and cities to make Among a number of key principles, ‘A Better them better places to live and work Quality of Life in the South East’ calls for: • directing development and promoting agricultural practices to enhance the • an integrated approach to decision-making in countryside and wildlife which economic, social and environmental • improving energy efficiency and tackling waste objectives are promoted simultaneously • working with others to achieve sustainable • a culture of responsibility where those development internationally responsible for environmental damage or social disadvantage pay for this to be rectified To find out more about sustainable • respect for environmental limits, particularly development, visit in respect of natural resources such as water www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/what_is_sd and biodiversity • a proactive approach to taking action to To complement the national strategy, a report realise economic, social and environmental entitled, ‘Quality of Life Counts’ was published in opportunities. December 1999, setting out 150 indicators of sustainable development, including 15 headline indicators, used to monitor and report on 1 ‘A Better Quality of Life in the South East’ – prepared by SEERA; SEEDA; the progress nationally. The indicators are intended Environment Agency and the National Health Service - 2001.
10 The context for preparing a Local Agenda 21 Strategy
2 Regional Planning Guidance highlights the need Table 2 a ‘sustainable society’ seeks to for urban areas to become the main focus for development through making them more protect and enhance the environment attractive accessible and better able to attract • use energy, water and other natural resources efficiently investment. The Guidance calls for development and with care activity that is less dispersed with more • minimise waste, then re-use or recover it through recycling, composting or energy recovery and sustainable patterns of activity, allowing home, sustainably dispose of what is left work, leisure and community services to be in • limit pollution to levels which do not damage natural closer proximity and minimising the amount of systems land required in all new developments. • value and protect the diversity of nature
The Regional Economic Strategy3 meet social needs • create or enhance places, spaces and buildings that meanwhile, recognises that: work well, wear well and look well • make settlements ‘human’ in scale and form ‘A high quality of life is essential to sustainable • value and protect diversity and local distinctiveness and wealth creation. Environment-related economic strengthen local community and cultural identity activity contributes millions of pounds to the • protect human health and amenity through safe, clean, regional economy…’Quality of life’ is one of pleasant environments • emphasise health service prevention action as well as the key reasons why blue-chip companies and care their highly skilled employees choose to locate • ensure access to good food, water, housing and fuel at in the region’. reasonable cost • meet local needs locally wherever possible Whilst emphasising that each local area will want • maximise everyone’s access to the skills and knowledge to develop its own strategy and priorities, the needed to play a full part in society • empower all sections of the community to participate in guidance for local authorities on Preparing an decision-making and consider the social and community effective Local Agenda 21 Strategy (February impacts of decisions 1998) provides a ‘checklist’ for local authorities, outlining some characteristics of a sustainable promote economic success society (see table opposite). • create a vibrant local economy that gives access to satisfying and rewarding work without damaging the local, national or global environment To see the guidance on preparing a LA 21 • value unpaid work Strategy, visit www.defra.gov.uk/ • encourage necessary access to facilities, services, goods environment/sustainable/la21/policy and other people in ways which make less use of the car and minimise impacts on the environment 2 Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9) – GOSE – 2000 • make opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation readily available to all 3 ‘Building a World Class Region’ - SEEDA – 2000.
11 The context for preparing a Local Agenda 21 Strategy
At a practical level, the guidance sets out three core elements of a dynamic Local Agenda 21 Strategy: a Vision Statement to identify the main sustainability aims and issues for the area and set explicit objectives for local quality of life; an Action Plan showing which organisations or sectors will take what action and by when; and, Implementation Mechanisms showing how actions will happen and how progress will be assessed. and six key components of the Local Agenda 21 process:
• managing and improving the local authority’s sustainability performance; • integrating sustainability issues into the local authority’s policies and activities; • awareness raising and education; • consulting and involving the wider community and the general public; • working in partnership with others - central Government agencies, business, community groups and the general public; • measuring, monitoring and reporting
12 Sustainable development The community strategy is intended to influence a and modern local government wide range of activities and provide an 'over- arching' framework for other plans and strategies. Sustainable development lies at the heart of the The guidance for preparing community strategies government's programme for the reform of public emphasises the importance of building upon services. Reforms are aimed at ensuring services: existing work such as that on Local Agenda 21.
• are better co-ordinated; Specifically, the Local Agenda 21 strategy can • are responsive to the needs and concerns of directly inform the community strategy by the local community; helping to identify: • are delivered in ways that suit the people who • a vision for the future depend upon them; and, • links between social, environmental and economic • take account of the needs of future generations. issues; • priorities for action Community Planning • opportunities for involvement and participation.
As part of a package of measures introduced via By successfully making the link between the Local the Local Government Act 2000, local authorities Agenda 21 strategy and the community strategy, have a new power to promote ‘economic, social significant progress can be made in putting and environmental well-being' and an sustainable development 'at the heart' of accompanying duty to prepare community decisions about the future of the local area. As strategies for their areas. such, the Local Agenda 21 strategy will become an integral part of the community strategy. The aims of community strategies are closely allied to those of Local Agenda 21 - they are Brighton and Hove’s Local Strategic Partnership intended to improve the quality of life of local (LSP) will play an important role in bringing communities and contribute to the achievement partners together to co-operate on preparing the of sustainable development. Accordingly, community strategy and oversee the actions needed community strategies must set out: to tackle local priorities. The LSP is a single partnership, bringing together different public • an integrated approach to the sustainable sector organisations (council, police, health etc.) and economic, social and physical development of the business, community and voluntary sectors. our cities, towns and rural areas; • a clear strategy and vision for the future for more information on Local Strategic Partnerships, visit www.local-regions. dtlr.gov.uk/lsp/guidance/index.htm
13 Best Value
Best Value is about improving the council’s performance through, ‘continuous improvement in the way it which its functions are exercised, ‘having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness' (Local Government Act 1999).
Part of achieving Best Value means that all of the council's services will be reviewed over five years. In carrying out such reviews, the council must take into account the principle of sustainable development. Specifically, the Best Value review process provides great potential for:
• asking if sustainable development objectives are being met
• monitoring progress toward meeting sustainable development objectives
With these factors in mind, the council’s Best Value Review Plan commits the council to: developing quality of life performance indicators ensuring that every best value review includes an audit of the environmental impact of the delivery of the service under review and that these impacts are addressed in the action plans arising from reviews for more information on Best Value, visit – www.idea.gov.uk/best value
14 Vision, objectives and strategy
The city council’s vision for Brighton and Hove expresses a commitment to: ‘a cosmopolitan city by the sea, where people have a high quality of life in a decent environment’. Achieving this vision demands an ‘holistic’ approach which recognises that economic, social and environmental factors which govern our ‘quality of life’ are inter-related – this means looking at the ‘whole picture’ when addressing specific problems and a greater understanding of the links between issues such as employment, transport and health.
In this context, the key objectives for sustainable development identified by the council’s Sustainability Task Group are set out on the following pages and accompanied by some of the actions necessary if they are to be achieved. In line with the holistic approach referred to above it is important to recognise that these objectives are connected – for example, what we can achieve in promoting sustainable transport has implications for air quality and people’s health, whilst levels of energy use and efficiency will be influenced by the way we use land and the design of new buildings.
15 Access to basic elements for life
An individual’s quality of life is severely reduced be fully supported, with the aim of including if their access to the basic essentials is lost – good other locally produced food at a future stage. shelter, food, water and income. People who live in poverty have less access to these basics. Innovative ways of developing facilities such as the Open Market, to encourage organic key objective produce for example, should be explored. Local To improve everyone’s access to the housing problems are severe. The city council’s ‘basic elements of life’. Housing Strategy aims to deliver the basic right of a decent home in the face of escalating actions demand (decent homes, page 23). Farmers’ markets, local markets and allotment gardens can improve access to wholesome, New ways of working with partners such as the locally produced food at affordable prices. Police and voluntary agencies are focused on The formation of a local ‘farmers market’ will reducing the number of people sleeping rough.
16 air quality
There is increasing evidence of the extent to actions which air pollution has effects on health and the There are already several key strategies in place environment and contributes to climate change. to deliver reductions in the level of air pollution. Some key air pollutants can be measured and The city council will ensure that, through their concentrations monitored as a basis for effective partnership working, the regional air improving air quality. quality remains at a very high standard. Monitoring the levels of pollutants in the air is a Road transport is a significant, but not the vital part of the identification and reduction only, source of various pollutants, such as programme. nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particles, that effect health and carbon dioxide emissions The city council will also use its influence to that affect climate change. ensure that it and its key partners and businesses change their existing vehicle fleets to sustainable key objective fuels – LPG, electric or bi-fuelled vehicles – and To reduce air pollutants and maintain a that Staff Travel Plans are set up. commitment to improving good long-term air quality by influencing ourselves and others to provide and use sustainable forms of transport and encouraging energy sources that are not based on fossil fuels.
17 Culture, Recreation and Leisure
Cultural activities in their widest sense contribute sought for major improvements to our open greatly to the health and well being of Brighton spaces (for example, Lottery funding for Preston and Hove – sports encourage physical health and Park). fitness and contribute to social development; the preservation of open spaces, important views The city council will promote the use of parks and outstanding buildings creates spaces to and the opportunities they present for improving enjoy and spend time; involvement in the arts health through recreation and, in doing so, will expands creative horizons and the imaginationn. acknowledge the wide variety of roles that parks and open spaces play, their importance for The historic aspect of a city creates a sense of informal recreation, contact with nature and belonging – so the role of facilities such as local their cultural and historical significance. The studies, records and archives is also important in council will work with sports clubs and making Brighton and Hove a healthier place to community associations to promote sport as part be. Half of the city’s population takes part of developing participation; reducing crime and regularly in a cultural activity of some kind. tackling anti-social behaviour. The city council will support the development of the rich and key objective diverse cultural sector in Brighton and Hove. To improve quality of life through leisure, Working with organisations such as the Brighton cultural and recreational opportunities. Festival as well as smaller local groups, the council will seek to promote opportunities and actions services for all. The city council is committed to supporting a number of key development projects including further development of the seafront, to improve leisure and cultural facilities for residents and visitors. External funding will continue to be
18 economy and work
The opportunity to work is one of the fundamental staff development and training aspects of quality of life and makes an important • employ local people wherever possible contribution to the overall sustainability of • promote equal opportunities and celebrate diversity communities. Jobs should ideally be rewarding, • seek the most effective and efficient use of socially useful and environmentally responsible. previously developed land and buildings • form part of the environmental technology sector key objective e.g. solar panel production, and minimise their To increase the availability of jobs which improve environmental impact by: sustainability and encourage local businesses to • working towards a high level of recycling of their operate more sustainable practices. own waste products • adopting policies to ensure maximum waste actions reduction The city council will continue to take initiatives to • obtaining materials from ethical and sustainable provide additional employment opportunities, sources broaden the economic base of the local economy • encouraging staff and customers with ‘green’ and attract inward investment to the City. The city travel plans council will use its powers and resources to focus support on attracting and developing businesses Local businesses wishing to become more which work to sustainability principles, for sustainable will receive additional support example, businesses which: wherever possible through information, education, awareness raising, funding (if applicable) and • help to broaden the economic base of the city locally supported business networks. Grant-aided • adopt Corporate Social Responsibility and a wider regeneration work (e.g. through SRB, European role in partnership with community and voluntary funding or future governmental support) should sector organisations ensure that sustainability principles are at the heart • develop flexible working patterns and promote of bids for funding and project development.
19 education and training
Access to education and life skills can play a vital actions role in improving people’s quality of life. Beyond To work in partnership with local education and their early years, people may seek training to training providers to identify needs and improve improve their employment prospects or provision and access to all forms of life-long participate in learning for pleasure. learning;
An awareness of sustainability issues integrated To work with schools to facilitate increased and into learning opportunities can provide people more creative links with their local communities; with the knowledge and motivation to contribute towards a To include and integrate sustainability more sustainable future. knowledge and good practice in teaching and learning settings wherever appropriate within key objective the relevant curriculum framework. To improve the opportunities for people to gain access to education and develop life skills.
20 energy use
The burning of fossil fuels is directly responsible The city council will commit itself to a for the degradation of many important natural sustainable approach in its consumption of systems and it is the responsibility of us all to energy in its operational buildings and in every reduce our impact and to repair some of the aspect of service delivery and will encourage damage that future generations will inherit. others to do the same. key objective Initiatives to maximise the use of sustainable To establish and implement a sustainable energy renewable energy technologies in all sectors of strategy comprising a wide range of renewable the community are essential to the success of a energy, energy conservation and fuel poverty sustainable energy strategy. The city council is initiatives across all sectors of the community. strongly placed to take the leading role in promoting and facilitating sustainable energy actions use in the business, retail and industrial sectors. The consumption of energy impinges on all Implementation of Brighton and Hove’s Home aspects of our daily lives. The use of electricity, Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Strategies are gas and other fuels at home and at work and the keys to securing sustainable use of energy the combustion of petrol and diesel to power for fuel and power in the domestic setting. motor vehicles are the most obvious ways in which we consume fossil fuels, generating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. However, energy is also consumed in the production and transportation of all the goods we buy, including the food we eat.
21 Healthy people and safe communities
Helping people to improve their health is of actions fundamental importance to promoting economic, A positive approach to health improvement will social and environmental well-being in Brighton include working in partnership to address national and Hove. A commitment to working in partnership priorities such as heart disease and death rates to address national health priorities and the wider from cancer, as well as reducing the number of determinants of good health will help to achieve all of accidents and helping young people to resist the key objectives throughout this Strategy. substance misuse. A commitment to partnership working extends to tackling some of the wider, inter- The social health of communities is equally important. related determinants of people’s health and welfare Improving care and support to children, families and including - jobs and income, access to healthy food; very young people, especially the most vulnerable, is standard of housing; availability of transport and critical to achieving long term sustainability under this environmental indicators such as air quality. The objective.The right to be safe and free from fear in our city council and its partners are well placed to lead on homes, local neighbourhoods, public places and improving levels of health and safety at work to help workplaces is vital. Improvements to the safety of the ensure that the workplace is compatible with people’s environment in which we live, work, travel and health needs and limitations. socialise can deliver real benefits for our health and well being. The council’s Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy sets out over 80 targets for reducing criminal key objectives incidents and improving safety for those most at risk, To work in partnership to: including children and young people, older people • address national health improvement priorities and members of black and minority ethnic and • reduce health inequality and address the wider lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. determinants of health The Strategy affords a high priority to improving the • improve levels of health and safety at work physical environment, increasing safety on public • improve care and support to children, families transport and tackling issues such as abandoned and young people vehicles, anti-social behaviour and drug misuse. • improve levels of community safety 22 decent homes
Decent, affordable, secure and warm properties brought back into use. The accommodation is key to ensuring the well being sustainability of homes is a key objective, with of individuals and communities. Access to particular emphasis on Lifetime Homes suitable housing provides an important standards and energy efficiency measures to ‘platform’ for improving other aspects of quality tackle fuel poverty. of life such as health and access to employment opportunities. An important priority for the authority is to raise the quality of all council housing to meet the key objective Decency Standard by 2010. Disrepair in private To ensure that everyone has access to decent, sector housing will be tackled by effectively affordable housing that meets their needs. utilising grants, other funding sources and the introduction of city-wide licensing of Housing in actions Multiple Occupation. The council’s Housing Strategy 2001-2006 ‘Housing – the well-being of the city’ celebrates Comprehensive community based consultation is the uniqueness of Brighton and Hove and looks of fundamental importance to achieving the at the challenges we face. The Strategy commits objective set out above and the city council will the council to work with service providers and promote the involvement of people from under- funding agencies, via the Brighton and Hove represented groups. Housing Partnership, on regeneration and development projects across a range of housing tenures and types.
A target has been set of a minimum 300 new affordable homes each year, maximising the use of ‘brownfield’ sites and the number of empty
23 land use
A positive approach to making the best use of actions the land available and securing development of Land use planning provides a framework for a high quality will support each of the other key achieving more sustainable patterns of land use objectives set out in this Strategy. and securing the re-use of sites that have lain vacant or derelict. key objectives To make the most effective and efficient use of The council’s Local Plan in particular, is a previously developed land (‘brownfield sites’) to powerful tool for ensuring that development relieve pressures on ‘greenfield’ sites and green activity makes a positive contribution to an spaces in the built-up area. integrated transport system with more opportunities to walk, cycle and take public To promote best sustainable practice in new transport. development, with an emphasis on minimising the production of waste, whilst maximising The Plan has a major role to play in promoting energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy good design; ensuring resources are used and opportunities for sustainable transport. efficiently and waste is minimised; and in enhancing our outstanding natural environment and built heritage.
24 the natural environment
The natural environment of Brighton and Hove is key objectives of exceptional quality and is highly valued by To maintain and improve the natural residents and visitors alike. Generations have environment, habitats and species of Brighton benefited from access to the South Downs which, and Hove and to ensure that everyone has access as the Council for National Parks points out4, are to greenspace of biodiversity value. To achieve a national icon that continues to inspire and lift our local targets set out in the Sussex the spirits.Green spaces in the built up area play Biodiversity Action Plan. a vital role by providing places where people can experience nature close to where they live. actions The city council is affiliated to the Sussex The city council will work to conserve and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) partnership, which enhance the wide variety of species and habitats is in the process of publishing a BAP for Sussex. found in Brighton and Hove to ensure that Action plans have already been published for present and future generations can enjoy our habitats such as chalk grassland and broad- high quality natural environment. Being actively leaved woodland. Each action plan contains involved in conserving natural systems, both as a specific targets that will be delivered by the member of a local groups, or as an individuals, partnership, local authorities, statutory agencies, provides an opportunity for direct contact and the local business community and local appreciation of our natural world as well as community groups.The city council’s Wildlife helping to maintain an important part of our Strategy, ‘Wildlife for People’ also includes a children’s inheritance. commitment to producing a BAP for Brighton and Hove. This will draw from the more generic BAPS set at County level to develop actions and targets for the City.
4 Council for National Parks, ‘South Downs National Park – Opportunities for Enhancement’, July 2001.
25 transport
Balancing transport and access needs with an actions improvement in the quality of the local Providing convenient alternatives to enable environment remains one of the biggest and people and goods to move in efficient and most pressing challenges facing Brighton and sustainable ways can be accomplished through a Hove. balanced combination of measures. These include encouragement by way of public road key objective and rail transport service improvements; greater To achieve a reduction in road traffic and access for buses, cycles and pedestrians and progress toward a ‘people friendly’ city with an better management of parking and traffic flow. integrated transport system providing a genuine Together these measures will reduce the need choice of safe, quick and sustainable transport. for private car travel, particularly for short or non-essential journeys.
The success of real, sustainable alternatives is closely linked to raising people’s awareness and providing the necessary supporting infrastructure. Delivering sustainable transport demands the involvement of people across all sectors of the local community – including residents, business, schools and public transport operators.
The city council’s full Local Transport Plan sets out in detail how these issues will be addressed.
26 waste
The environmental impact of waste and its actions management is enormous and is affecting our Significant cultural change is needed to move us global quality of life. away from our current ‘throw away’ society to one where reduction and re-use are common. It At the local level we are running out of space to must become easier for consumers and profitable dispose of our waste. Many waste materials are for businesses. potential raw materials and we must take time to recognise these potential resources and utilise Success depends upon effective partnership work them to reduce our demand on the planet’s that recognises that we all have a part to play. natural systems. The council will use its influence and powers to improve the opportunities for recycling and key objective reduction of household waste and will promote To reduce, re-use and recycle more of our waste. education and awareness of waste issues.
27 For further information on this Strategy please contact:
The Sustainability Team (Environment) on: (01273) 292246 and 292257, or email: [email protected]
The Sustainability Strategy can be viewed on the council’s website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
The Sustainability Strategy is available in large print, audio cassette and translated into community languages on request.
This document is printed on ‘Revive’ paper and board Made in the UK. 75% of the furnish is made from 100% de-inked post-consumer waste. The remaining 25% being mill broke and virgin fibre.
Eugropa Approved NAPM approved recycled product Fully recyclable and biodegradable Totallty Chlorine Free Elemental Chlorine Free