Planning in rural areas is about balancing the many demands on, and needs of, rural communities. Ultimately we believe that England’s rural communities should be diverse, thriving and sustainable, where everyone is able to play a full part in society and where no-one is disadvantaged. 

We think that community planning, with its emphasis on strong public participation, and land use planning have an essential role in realizing this.  However, sustainability and sustainable development are contested concepts, in particular in terms of their application through policy on rural communities.