While Sustainability means many things to many people, Angus Council’s view is that sustainable development can be described as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (1).

Our group believes that a more precise model for sustainable development is based on a balance between the economic, environmental and social aspects of the development.

In other words, truly sustainable development can only be achieved when economically positive development is carried out in ways which do not damage the environment and which contribute to the health and general well - being of society. Sustainability, in all its aspects is neatly summed up in the diagram on the left. To be fully sustainable it is necessary for the proposed development to position itself right at the centre of the diagram.

Angus Council understands the importance of this balanced approach to sustainable development, because in all the meetings of the Development Council, they are guided by the following statement of principle (2), which reads:

"This report contributes to the following local outcome(s) contained within the Angus Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and Locality Plans:

• Safe, secure, vibrant and sustainable communities

• A reduced carbon footprint

• An enhanced, protected and enjoyed natural and built environment."

This approach, satisfying the requirements of a profitable economy, whilst safeguarding (and perhaps improving) the environment and standards of amenity and society, introduces the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (3), which requires companies to behave in ways which are sympathetic to the needs of the community and the environment.

This concept of Corporate Social Responsibility applies as much to Cononsyth Farms Ltd. as it does to Apple, Google and Amazon. Locating these hen houses where they will have a significant impact on local residents, whilst posing significant environmental risks is not socially responsibility.