Definition – A plan of action, comprising a combination of measures, designed to meet specified objectives. The selected measures should reinforce one another in meeting the objectives and overcoming barriers – see complementarity
and synergy.
The term strategy is sometimes used interchangeably with the term plan.
Relevance to SUMP – A SUMP is essentially a strategy, in that it proposes a coherent set of measures that are designed to realise a long-term vision and specific objectives. The preparation of a SUMP should also involve the review of related strategies prepared by public authorities and other stakeholders. This exercise will help to foster collaborative planning processes with the organisations involved, with the aim of achieving consistency among objectives and proposed measures wherever relevant (see integration). Examples of strategies and plans that should be considered during SUMP preparation include energy, health, land use and city resilience strategies.
A SUMP may also include or be supplemented later by more detailed strategies relating to specific policy areas or measures. Examples could include a cycling or electro-mobility strategy.
Source: Oxford Dictionaries (online); Konsult (online); IEE, 2013