The draft policy was prepared by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) as a single issue review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). The Secretary of State's Decisions on the recommendations of the Examination in Public Panel were also issued on 27 March 2009 along with a Sustainability Appraisal, Habitats Regulations Assessment and a Non Technical Summary.
The Secretary of State has considered the recommendations in the Report of the Panel, who conducted the Examination in Public to test the merits of the draft policy. The Proposed Changes and Secretary of State's Decisions are the results of that consideration and are now subject to eight weeks public consultation. The closing date for responses is 17:00 on 22 May 2009.
Key elements of the proposed changes include:
- Increasing the numbers of additional pitches to be provided in the East of England by 2011 from 1,187 to 1,237 and treating them as minima;
- Including provision for transit sites, 160 pitches by 2011;
- Including provision for Travelling Showpeople, 184 pitches by 2011;
- Slightly lower pitch requirements for Basildon and Epping Forest, recognising the particular delivery challenges in those districts.
Copies of the proposed changes and Decisions are being sent to the local authorities, MPs and MEPs in the East of England. The documents will also be made available for public inspection in libraries across the region and can be downloaded via the online consultation.
The responses to the consultation will be carefully considered before the finalised review is published later this year.
