C O N T E X T 1 5 0 : J U L Y 2 0 1 7 13 less. Groups involved in preparing neighbourhood plans often address heritage issues, either through specific heritage policies or through land use, growth, urban design and other policies that impact on how historic buildings are used, and on how historic areas adapt to meet the needs of current and future generations. In relation to planning policies, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines sustainable development as having social, economic and environmental dimensions. So heritage is considered by neighbourhood planning bodies as an integral part of the wider social, economic, and environmental planning of the area. The basic conditions that neighbourhood plans must meet include achieving sustainable development. Achieving sustainable development could address various issues: Planning for growth Accommodating housing growth near existing centres helps to ensure that historic settlements and their community facilities remain viable. Unfortunately, the default position of some is that new housing development is automatically a threat or a necessary evil. But housing growth is often part of the solution for historic town centres. Integration Ensuring that new development integrates with established centres is essential, in particular through consideration of pedestrian connectivity and permeability. Ease of movement is not just about pedestrian convenience; it can fundamentally affect the viability of shopping areas. Patterns of growth Policies should ensure that new uses and growth are allowed in sustainable locations. This could include sites within existing settlements, in urban extensions to established centres, or in areas well served by public transport. This can be achieved by various means, such as site allocations, definition of growth envelopes, identification of areas of development restraint, and designation of local green space. Land use Use policies are a means to supporting diversification, allowing existing centres to adapt to modern needs. For example, policies could support food, drink, recreational and cultural uses in retail areas, or commercial uses in agricultural buildings. Policies can also encourage and enable employment development and community facilities, as part of a balanced mix of uses. Terraced housing in London’sWaterloo. Built in the 1820s, it survived the era of slum clearance and is now appreciated as the best of tightly grained urbanism.
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