What is sustainable development?

The most widely used and accepted definition of sustainable development was first coined in 1987 by the Brundtland Commission:

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

However the definition of sustainable development and regeneration is widely debated with many arguing that the needs of the future cannot be predicted.

Others argue that sustainable development should focus solely on the environmental responsibility of developers whilst some view sustainable development as encompassing all aspects social, economical, political and environmental responsibility.

The UK Government and Devolved Administration widen this definition to imply that there is a responsibility to reduce poverty and ensure an equal quality of life for all:

"The goal of sustainable development is to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations"

It is widely argued that development and the sustainability of development largely depends upon improving the quality of life and the sense of community. The ultimate aim of development must be to ensure that we are not creating the ghettos of tomorrow. A simple definitions that reflects this view are is:

“Places where people want to live and work , now and in the future” – ODPM January 2005

Conversely Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) hold the view that sustainable development is concerned with rectifying the mistakes of previous generations for the benefit of future generations.

“Sustainable design is a broad concept which aims to reduce the adverse effect of human activities on our world.”

Finally it can be agreed that sustainable development is about creating better places and spaces for future generations which encompasses a broad range of disciplines. The Vision for Leeds 2004-2020 which the strategy for Holbeck Urban Village incorporates cites sustainable development as:

“Achieving social, environmental and economic objectives at the same time , and not at the expense of each other.”