13General objectives

13 General objectives

13 General objectives

(1) The general objective for ecologically sustainable development is to encourage the incorporation of the principles of ecologically sustainable development in the design and management of the built and natural environment to—

(a) provide for the preservation of natural resources to ensure their availability for the benefit of future generations, and

(b) minimise negative impacts of urban development on the natural, social, physical and historical environment, and

(c) maintain and enhance the quality of life, both now and for the future.

(2) The general objective for the built and natural environment and amenity is to encourage the design of buildings, structures and spaces which are compatible with the character, form and scale of the area to—

(a) protect and enhance the area’s natural features, character and appearance, and

(b) protect, conserve and enhance the area’s heritage, and

(c) provide an environment meeting the principles of good urban design, and

(d) maintain amenity and contribute to a sense of place and community, and

(e) provide an environment which is visually stimulating, while being easy to manage and maintain, and

(f) provide adequate access and linkages to public open space, and

(g) accommodate the existing and future needs of the locality concerned, and

(h) protect and conserve ecologically sensitive land, particularly that which is visually exposed to the waters of Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River and of natural or aesthetic significance at the water’s edge.

(3) The general objective for transport and access is to encourage the integration of the residential and non-residential land uses with public and private transport and improve access to—

(a) reduce the need for car travel and subsequent pressure on the existing road networks, and

(b) maximise utilisation of existing and future public transport facilities, and