4.1. A set of strategic objectives (SO) have been defined which aim to deliver the plan's vision as detailed above. The objectives build upon national policy and address key local challenges. These objectives will form the basis for developing the spatial strategy for the district and local plan policies.

Business and the local economy

SO1. Support the local economy of West Suffolk by ensuring an adequate supply of land is available to accommodate a range of local businesses and startups.

SO2. Ensure adequate infrastructure is provided to support new growth and that communities are both physically and digitally well connected.

SO3. Support the growth of the visitor economy across West Suffolk.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation

SO4. Ensure West Suffolk is equipped to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on climate change through providing opportunities for sustainable travel, low-carbon buildings, and encouraging and utilising renewable and low carbon energy generation.

SO5. Avoid building in areas of greatest flood risk and manage future flood risk through improving resilience and by implementing innovative planning and management techniques.

Homes

SO6. Support a range of dwelling types and tenures that reflect communities' needs.

SO7. Create safe, inclusive and accessible places by focusing homes in sustainable locations where people can readily access jobs and facilities.

SO8. Promote high quality design and the use of sustainable building materials and techniques to create more distinctive and sustainable neighbourhoods which integrate with their surroundings.

Rural areas

SO9. Support agriculture, farm diversification, estate management and rural tourism that will sustain the function and character of the countryside and its communities.

SO10. Sustain and support the rural areas through the safeguarding of local centres and services and by encouraging rural diversification and the growth of the agricultural sector.

SO11. Meet the housing needs of rural areas appropriate to the requirements of individual settlements.

Environment

SO12. Conserve, enhance and protect the character, quality and appearance of the natural and historic environment and distinct landscapes.

SO13. Promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

SO14. Seek opportunities to increase the provision of multi-use green spaces and corridors.

SO15. Ensure new development maximises the potential to reduce its environmental impact including noise, air quality, recycling, waste reduction and water efficiency and seek to achieve net biodiversity gain.

Communities, wellbeing and culture

SO16. Enable healthy lifestyles and foster healthy and safe communities through good access to existing and planned community infrastructure, including leisure facilities and green spaces.

SO17. Reduce health inequalities and enable the provision of facilities to improve residents' physical and mental wellbeing.

Connectivity and accessibility

SO18. Reduce the need for travel and make access to jobs, facilities and green space by public transport, walking and cycling safer and easier.

SO19. Recognising the differences between urban and rural areas, foster and promote an integrated sustainable transport network across the district that promotes a modal shift in travel.