Environment

306. The environment of Hampshire is a major asset. A healthy environment is vital to the quality of life. Human activity can cause irreversible damage and there is a growing concern about the long-term impact of present trends.

307. Environmental considerations include not only the traditional matters such as the historic, natural and built environment, but also other matters such as air and noise pollution over which development plans have more limited control.

308. There will inevitably be a tension between the needs of development and the environment. It is therefore important to establish the basis upon which the balance between the two should be struck. Balance is at the heart of sustainable development. Ensuring that the Plan makes an effective contribution towards creating an acceptable quality of life, not only for existing and future residents, but also for those who travel to Hampshire for business and leisure, means that development and the environment must be considered as complementary.