Government Offices work with regional partners to develop, implement and monitor ‘Regional Spatial Strategies,’ which set out Government’s planning and transport policy for each region for a 15-20 year period. The strategies provide frameworks for determining planning applications, as well as for preparing both Local Development Documents and Local Transport Plans.
More information on the national picture
Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has today (12 May 2008) issued the East of England Plan (the Revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England) and the Supporting Document.
The review for the East of England is the first region wide RSS review to be completed. It embeds within the statutory planning system a sustainable long term vision for development in a region with particularly strong growth pressures. It is a big step forward to deliver more affordable housing, better transport plans, and the environmental controls the region needs. It represents a 15-20 year vision to tackle climate change, address housing shortages and strengthen the region's economy.
It is still identifiably based on the Draft Plan produced by the East of England Regional Assembly (see the 'Regional Spatial Strategy' page for further details on the timetable for the development of the Plan).
All the representations on the Proposed Changes and Further Proposed Changes have been carefully considered and summaries of the consultation responses are included within the Supporting Document.
Copies of the Plan and the Supporting Document are being sent to all of the local authorities, MP's and MEP's in the East of England. The documents are also widely available for public inspection at libraries and can be viewed and downloaded below. Paper copies can be purchased from TSO who can be contacted through their website (www.tsoshop.co.uk), by email (book.orders@tso.co.uk) or by telephone (0870 600 5522). The ISBN number is: 978 0 11 753995 2 and the pack will cost £40.
This Plan is a major step forward for the region and the country. It is a key milestone in putting in place sustainable growth and setting the strategic planning context for decision makers in the East of England for the period to 2021 and beyond. The GO looks forward to working with the East of England Regional Assembly, the local authorities, local delivery vehicles and other key partners on its delivery to ensure it is implemented quickly and effectively.
