The Countryside Agency, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency are launching "Quality of Life Capital", an internet based source of information.
Countryside Agency Archive

Breadcrumbs

Life's Rich Capital - 13 March 2001

'Jobs versus the environment' is no argument for whether a new development should go ahead or not, according to the four countryside and heritage agencies of England. Planning decisions should be made on how the new development might actually enhance people's quality of life.

To help planners and policy makers in their planning decisions, the Countryside Agency, English Heritage, English Nature and the Environment Agency are today (13 March) launching Quality of Life Capital, an Internet based source of advice.

Quality of Life Capital is a web site containing advice, examples, and a discussion forum. It is a way for planners to identify 'what matters and why'. 

Quality of Life Capital has been tested in more than 15 different scenarios, with the help of local authorities and community groups who have given the process a strong endorsement - they found it useful because it:

  • considers environmental, social and economic factors in the same decision process;
  • identifies the conditions which proposed new developments should meet;
  • identifies the aspects of quality of life which could be damaged by a development, and requires these aspects to be provided elsewhere in the development.  

For more information on Quality of Life Capital contact:

Rick Minter, the Countryside Agency 01242 521381

Richard Howell, the Environment Agency 01454 878867

Michael Coupe, English Heritage 020 7973 3854

Helen Sisman, English Nature 01733 455000

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Notes for editors

For more information please contact 

  • Nigel Ellway at the Countryside Agency on 020 7340 2907
  • Beth McHattie at English Heritage on 020 7973 3254
  • Tracey McGeagh at English Nature on 01733 455080
  • Emer O'Connell at the Environment Agency on 020 7863 8710  

Journalists are invited to attend the launch event and a programme is attached.

.The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside.

English Heritage is the Government's adviser on all aspects of the built heritage in this country. It was established as The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England by the National Heritage Act 1983 and began work in April of the following year.

English Nature is the government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England. They work to ensure that future generations can enjoy a wealth of wildlife as a major part of their quality of life.

The Environment Agency is responsible for protecting and improving the quality of air, land and water in England and Wales. The Agency's vision is of a sustainable future in which a healthy, rich and diverse environment enhances the quality of life for present and future generations.