MPs ask Osborne to explain 'sustainable development'

MPs have demanded that the government explain what “sustainable development” means after Chancellor George Osborne said it would give companies a presumption in favour of development in yesterday’s Budget.

The environmental audit committee has produced a report that welcomes. the rule, but it critical of the government for not defining the term.

“We are concerned that the intention to introduce a presumption in favour of sustainable development might not be accompanied by a statutory description of what that means.

“As a result, the principles of sustainable development —living with environmental limits, ensuring a strong, healthy and just society, achieving a sustainable economy, promoting good governance and using sound science responsibly—are unlikely to be adequately represented in the planning process,” the report said.

The Chancellor yesterday confirmed that there would be a “new presumption in favour of sustainable development” in a major shakeup of the planning system.

The report, entitled Sustainable Development in the Localism Bill, was released on Tuesday rather than being a direct response to the Budget.