We refer to the objective 'Ensuring a high quality public realm and environment for residents and workers'. As noted in Appendix 3 -5 of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA), this objective is quite non-specific in what a 'high-quality' environment is and could cover quite a broad spectrum of matters. The SA states that the objective should be extended to cover natural environment protection for its own sake and not simply as a resource for 'residents and workers' and the public realm. We support this, especially as all the other objectives relate to social and economic matters.

We suggest the objective would benefit from being amended as follows, in line with the recommendations of your Sustainability Appraisal:

'Ensuring a high quality built environment whilst protecting and enhancing the natural environment.'