Dr. Conor Norton:

I will make some general comments. The coldness of the language is based on the fact that we are talking about processes. Planners are driven around the idea of sustainable development, which, of course, we understand as having social, economic and environmental objectives. Sometimes, it is a difficult balancing act. Planning often is about trade-offs. I am encouraged to note that practice is improving in some areas, particularly around plan-making. Good local plans are informed by good principles of place-making and the application of key skills such as urban design. In recent times, we have seen very good examples of this. It is only in this way that we will get the proper development management outcomes. The plan is extremely important. We often forget about that. Development management is ultimately based on good plans. Obviously, there are other matters to consider, such as planning guidance, etc., but the planning guidance is integrated into good plan-making and that is a process in which there is consultation and the involvement of the community and local elected representatives.