Moving towards sustainability does not necessarily mean fundamental changes in the approach to development. Many of the issues raised in this guide will already be taken into account, at least to some extent, in development proposals. However, a shift to more sustainable forms of development will require a wider approach embracing global as well as local environmental concerns and a lifecycle approach to individual schemes.

Prior to submission of any proposal for development it is important that the wider context of a site is examined in a site appraisal which identifies both the constraints and opportunities for sustainable development. The site appraisal should examine both the site and its surroundings and include an assessment of accessibility, particularly with regard to public transport, walking and cycling. The location of a site is critical in that any gains made through an energy efficient building will be nullified if the development is reliant on energy intensive forms of transport. Overall the principal goal of new development should be to minimise the need to travel.

A good site appraisal is likely to reduce problems and conflicts at later stages in the planning process.

The appraisal will provide the basic information necessary to determine site layout and will include details of:

• accessibility by walking, cycling, public transport and car;
• othe character of the surrounding area and the significance of the site to the area;
• site stability and any contamination;
• any archaeological or historic interest; both in and close to the site, including the setting of a listed building;
• existing buildings and structures and their potential for re-use;
• solar radiation levels and direction;
• wind speed and direction;
• microclimate, soil type, water drainage and water table;
• existing vegetation and features of nature conservation interest;
• boundary features, such as hedges, stone walls, watercourses, etc;
• all watercourses, waterbodies and associated habitats within and adjacent to the site;
• levels of atmospheric pollution, noise gradients, etc;
• the potential for CHP.

Through pre-application discussions and negotiations developers will be encouraged to submit a site appraisal where the above factors are likely to have a bearing on the determination of the planning application.