Challenges abound here; there are few place in the United Kingdom where the natural environment is so closely linked to the built heritage as on Portland. There are constraints which impact fundamentally on the Island’s potential future; so, how should Portland’s development be directed?
Should we recognise that not all the Island’s environment is as good as it could be? Some developments have potentially detracted from the local character. Could we improve this position? ‘Central Government recognises the value of the natural and built environment and has established a series of initiatives to support the future of these’. Recognition of a green Infrastructure network, the Portland Quarry Nature Park and the Island’s conservation areas are examples.
With traditional quarrying and the maritime industry looking to their futures, how can their legacy best be managed? How important is our environment in developing industries such as tourism?
What of the future regarding climate change and coastal erosion, what constrains must we recognise here? With regard to our location, can we take advantage of sustainable solutions regarding energy and our use of it?
In short can the Island achieve a sustainable solution to its future, balancing all of these issues? Can the Neighbourhood Plan be part of a future sustainability?