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decision-making in light of that re-evaluation so that they accord the
preservation of ecosystem health its proper place amongst factors of
importance for society
s well-being.
I consider in this chapter how the planning system should be restruc-
tured to re
'
ect a prior choice in favour of maintaining ecosystem
functionality where this objective is in con
ict with economic and social
goals. Accordingly, my concern here is with exploring how the system
could be used to provide strategic support for the objectives of ecological
governance. I suggest that the legal framework should mirror that which
I propose for policy-making in combining an equivalent statutory state-
ment of the purpose of planning with principles that lay down how plan-
making should be conducted if it is to advance this end.
103
The statutory
objective would again make the reduction of anthropogenic stresses on
ecosystems as far as possible and within the quickest feasible timescales
for social and economic adaptation, planning
'
s principal purpose. The
principles should also correspond with the hierarchy of reducing con-
sumption, obviating development and substitution used in policy for-
mation so that plan making is primarily concerned with establishing
how the reductions in ecological stresses envisaged in policies might be
achieved through modifying practices and replacing current means of
meeting local, regional and sectoral needs with less ecologically demand-
ing alternatives. The assessment of plans with a view to identifying the
most effective means available of securing reductions in environmental
pressures will assist with observance of the planning system
'
s statutory
objective.
104
Giving strong direction in this way, and, as I discuss below, through
setting rules for decision-making on development proposals, would be
necessary if planning is to support the signi
cant change in direction
that an ecological transition entails. In this regard, my proposals go
beyond those of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution
which concludes, in its report on environmental planning, that a state-
ment of purpose for the planning system and a requirement that certain
environmental matters be considered in decision-making would
'
be
.
105
This re
suf
ects
a difference in emphasis on what the envisaged planning systems are
intended to achieve. The Royal Commission
cient to in
uence the general direction of planning
'
'
s recommendations seek to
103
Chapter 3,
Section 3.3.1
.
104
Chapter 5,
Section 5.4
.
105
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution,
'
Environmental Planning
'
, p. 109,
para 8.37.