Sustainable communities are inclusive,providing homes for people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds, throughout their lives.

Sustainable Communities:

• have thriving local economies
• are well connected and served by public transport
• have a range of services and a wealth of opportunities
• are well-governed with forums for resident consultation
• have a defined sense of place
• are environmentally sound.

The creation of sustainable communities is supported by a number of policy documents including the following from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (DHPCLG):

Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas -DoEHLG (Cities, Towns and Villages) (2009) [PDF 494kb]

Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities - DoEHLG (2007) [PDF 5.7mb]

Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities Policy Document -DoEHLG (2007) [PDF , 1.6mb]