Development of a conceptual framework for sustainability indicators used in structure planning

Abstract

Structure Plans in New Zealand are a non‐statutory method of land use planning (Quality Planning, 2009). They do not have any explicit legal status or statutory effect unless provided for as part of a statutory planning document, such as a District Plan (e.g. as policies and rules, or a zone). Nonetheless, Territorial Local Authorities (TLAs) and developers throughout New Zealand increasingly recognize the value of preparing Structure Plans to manage sustainable development of communities. They are frequently used as the first step in a plan change process, particularly in periurban areas and other landscapes that are sensitive to change, and as a framework for project planning and the introduction of more specific resource management provisions. This report provides a conceptual indicator framework that can be used to assist in improving the way Structure Plans in New Zealand address sustainable development goals. The proposed framework will support professionals in developing Structure Plans that adopt sustainability practices that are up to date with the latest thinking across the globe. The purpose of this report is to present a conceptual Sustainable Development Indicator framework that can aid the preparation, monitoring and benchmarking processes of Structure Planning in New Zealand. The report provides an overview of the current best practice in the use of Sustainable Development Indicator frameworks at the local structure planning scale, based upon an international literature review, and analysis of “grey” literature such as project reports available on the internet. It identifies a series of important lessons about sustainability indicators, and uses them to develop a framework that can be applied at different stages in the process of preparing a Structure Plan. The research upon which the report is based involved investigating local scale planning in other countries, particularly Structure Plans (or equivalent), and the way in which they incorporate the fundamentals of sustainable development. A particular focus was the way other countries have used Sustainable Development Indicator frameworks in local planning documents, as well as an exploration of what kinds of indicators are used at this scale. An overview of the New Zealand planning and sustainable development framework is included to provide context for the analysis.