Purpose and intent. In order for the Township of East Brunswick to meet its responsibility to protect and defend its natural resources, ecological systems, open spaces, natural beauty and the value of the property within the Township, while at the same time recognizing the increased urbanization occurring within its boundaries and attempting to meet its responsibilities to bear its fair share of the region's need to provide for the construction of housing; and the Township, having studied and analyzed its environmental and natural resources and the potential hazards to those resources in anticipation of future development and having undertaken such studies as major steps in creating long-range plans directed toward the accommodation of housing and other development, while avoiding environmental degradation and its attendant threats to public health and safety; the Township Council of the Township of East Brunswick hereby declares it to be in the general interest of the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the Township of East Brunswick and in harmony with the objectives of this chapter and the Township's adopted Master Plan to permit greater flexibility in design, layout and construction in housing development than heretofore permitted, so as to encourage retention and preservation of woodlands, surface water, swamps, aquifers, aquifer recharge areas, poorly drained soils, floodplains and other open space land for aesthetic and scenic beauty, passive recreation, rejuvenation of resources and preservation of the ecological systems of the Township; and to encourage innovations in design and reflect changes in land development technology and to provide for necessary education and recreational facilities conveniently located to such housing; and, in such zones where applicable, to provide for necessary commercial facilities and services; to ensure compatibility among various land uses; to conserve the value of the land; to encourage more efficient use of land and of public services; to encourage better transportation of people; to prevent strip commercial development; and to preserve the residential integrity of the area.