The primary aim of this Master Plan is to promote a sustainable development strategy for Old Harwich. Sustainable development is defined internationally as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

The Master Plan will set out the principles of a spatial strategy to promote a sustainable pattern of development and change within Old Harwich. The Master Plan consists of two strands which are embraced in two core policies:

• Identifying Old Harwich's development needs where it will do most to assist urban regeneration
• Restraining development in locations where it would cause harm to the environment or regeneration.

The Landscape Partnership are undertaking a Harwich Design Guide which is designed to ensure that the exterior spaces around new development are designed to consistently high standard and, also, that any improvements to the existing fabric of the town are carried out in an appropriate manner.
View the Design Guide [2MB PDF] document which was produced in February 2007.