2. PLANNING CONTEXT: UN Sustainability Goals.

The Forest of Dean Planning Policy is held within an international and national framework. It is important to place the local planning framework within this context as the international planning framework is relevant to local planning. Themes and issues that effect global development effect the local development strategies of the Forest of Dean. Sustainability, health and wellbeing and a response to climate change are all Economic growth and good design are all included in the United Nations Sustainability Goals and the European Landscape Convention. Below are some of the most relevant examples from the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals.

2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment ( Target 2.3)

By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. ( Target 3.6) . This supports traffic calming design and car free areas of the design. Supports active travel and creation of walking and cycling infrastructure. Target

3 Good health and wellbeing

By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes. (Target 3.7) Supports the inclusion of community healthcare and education facilities within the development. By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination (Target 3.9) supports the reduction of cars in the development through design and an emphasis on reducing journey times by developing nearby services and jobs in addition to promoting active travel.

6 Clean water and sanitation

7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes (Target 6.6) supports the developments commitment to SuDS rainwater capture systems and recycling of grey water. It also supports the implementation of flood mitigation infrastructure and the potential impact of the settlement on the surrounding area.

By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) supports the development of renewable energy infrastructure throughout the development and impacts the choice of location which takes into account aspect and potential solar gain.

Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labourintensive sectors(Target 8.2) supports the development of employment within the development which is one of the key principles of the garden cities approach and addresses the commuter travel out of the district for work. The development seeks to be attractive for start-up tech industries and sustainable tourism.

Target 8.3 refers to decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, all part of the vision for the new town.

11 Sustainable cities and communities

By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons. (Target 11.2) supports the focus on the connectivity and movement infrastructure of the development. Target 11.4 refers to Strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage which influences the selection of the location and its context in the cultural and heritage landscape. Target 11.6 refers to paying special attention to air quality waste management both core principles of the eco towns guidance. Target 11.7 refers to providing universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Responsible consumption and production

By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.( Target12.5) supports the recycling strategy of the district and the Ecotowns ethos of the development.

13 Climate challenge

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. (Target 15.5) the development is bound by Biodiversity Net Gain guidance and as such aims to increase the biodiversity of the site by at least 10% and mitigate any negative impact on the environment. 50% of the site is green infrastructure not including gardens and the focus is on creating sustainable and biodiverse open green spaces.

Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning (Target 13.2) the design approach of the settlement addresses climate change through the 20-minute cities approach and by for example aiming for carbon zero infrastructure, sourcing building materials locally and maximising the use of renewables. 15