This year World Population Day is celebrated across the world on the 11th of July. This history of this special event stems from a United Nations Development Programme from 1989.
The key focus is to shine a light on key issues including sustainable development, gender equality, youth empowerment, reproductive health and education
The current levels of population continue to rise with a figure of 7 billion being reached in 2011 and projections citing a figure of 9 million by 2037. There are many factors leading to this increase not limited to:
- Increase in life-expectancy through improved living conditions and healthcare.
- Inaccessibility to reproductive education.
- International migration.
- Economic stability driving improved welfare standards and population growth.
To support the increasing population growth there needs to be a correlating increase in homes, infrastructure, services, provisions and employment to sustain these growing communities.
Planning is at the forefront of this with placemaking and place-shaping through strategic planning decisions which must carefully balance existing and future needs and resources.
Applications must consider additional demands on resources in addition to the benefits they bring. Local Planning Authorities will determine how any proposal will meet the ongoing needs of each community and in some instances, contributions will be sought to support additional demands. These can include amongst others sums payable towards education provision, highway improvements, healthcare, libraries, sports and leisure facilities and affordable housing.
Spatial planning teams with local Councils will map out future development requirements for housing, employment and infrastructure. Targets are set for sufficient land to supply the calculated need for homes to ensure that there is a sufficient supply over a specified period (Five-Year Housing Land Supply). For Councils who are under-performing on their housing performance this can impact the way in which they receive applications so it can be a factor in the outcome
As populations increase there is also awareness of environmental considerations and how carbon emissions must be reduced and construction must include technologies for energy efficiency.
Conclusion
As World Population Day highlights the increase in population over time and the socio-economic factors which influence this it is important to connect that planning and plan-making supports the ongoing need for careful management of resources, protection of the environment and future-proofing demands for people to live, study, work and enjoy happy, healthy lives in their communities.
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T: 01908 592580 E: info@warnerplanning.co.uk
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