EXPERTS have devised a new method of measuring rural sustainability.

The project aims to help public authorities, local communities and professionals reach a balanced view about rural sustainability.

It was commissioned by a range of organisations, including the Rural Services Network and the Commission for Rural Communities.

Documents describing the sustainability process are available on a dedicated website at www.ruraltoolkit.org.uk.

Although website visitors must register to download the documents, doing so is free of charge.

The team behind the project said it wanted more people to give their views on their work.

"Traditionally, planning and housing policies have focused development at key locations based on assessment of the availability of public transport, shops, facilities and services," says the website.

"But more sophisticated planning and development processes are needed if we are to encourage a more sustainable approach that recognises how places and communities really work in practice."

The documents set out how sustainability can be measured across different settlement sizes – from the smallest, most scattered hamlet to larger market towns.

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