It is so important that we preserve local democratic control over planning decisions and ensure that environmental issues have key priority

Sustain believes the planning system should be responsive to communities that want to shape the place they live to bring about sustainable local food systems. Places where policy makers, growers, food retailers, food businesses and consumers work in partnership will be healthy communities. Communities should have a voice not only at the policy stage but also in responding to details of a specific proposal to ensure all impacts have been taken into account and all possible opportunities have been identified. Food partnerships can bring a wealth of expertise to decision making. For more information on our position regarding the proposed planning reforms, please see: https://www.sustainweb.org/news/oct20-planning-for-the-future/

A planning system in which all communities can meaningfully participate is an essential aspect of a democratic society.

We support a "presumption against development". That does not mean no development should happen but rather that the onus should be on the proposer to demonstrate that the development is needed and also has no more than a neutral environmental impact.