GREEN campaigners and businesses are working in partnership with the South East England Development Agency (Seeda) to progress ideas for sustainable development aimed at making a positive impact on the quality of life in the South East.

At a second annual conference, Seeda brought together representatives of 60 key organisations from around the region to continue the discussion about sustainable development in the South East.

One topic was the challenge of harnessing economic growth to bring lasting improvements to the quality of life for communities throughout the region. Delegates addressed the role that Seeda could play in leading sustainable development in the future, and how Seeda's economic action plans measured up against proposed sustainable development indicators.

Senior personnel from organisations such as the National Trust, the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the wildlife trusts sat down with their opposite numbers from business associations such as the House Builders' Federation and chambers of commerce.

Transport and utility companies were also represented alongside government bodies such as the Environment Agency and English Heritage.

Chairman of the Seeda board committee on sustainable development Kit Oliver said: "Economic development agencies have a central role to play in promoting sustainable development.

"At Seeda we welcome this brief and take our role in influencing the debate very seriously."