Begin with the ecological and cultural identity of the place. Let topography, water systems, habitats, and histories shape the planning frame.
Avoid generic policies and one-size-fits-all solutions. Let local knowledge, traditions, and relationships guide decision-making.
Prioritise resilience, regeneration, and intergenerational equity over expedience and efficiency.
Assess proposals based on their contribution to a collectively defined bioregional vision - not just their ability to meet regulatory thresholds.
Create space for participatory governance, peer learning, and community-led planning. Respect the legitimacy of lived and ancestral knowledge.
Planning is not just about land - it is about people, power, and trust. Build the social infrastructure that allows good decisions to emerge.
Treat plans and assessments as iterative, adaptive processes. Embed learning, feedback, and flexibility from the outset.
Don’t lose sight of the emotional and ethical dimensions of place. Planning should help people feel at home - in their landscapes, and in their lives.