Following an independent public examination, proposed changes to the South West's draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) were published today. The report includes updates on housing, sustainable energy, transport and employment. Proposals include:
- A 29% increase in housing provision to 29,623 pa (592,460) to address housing shortages, affordability issues and take account of past under delivery in the region following the recommendations of the Independent Panel. An additional 1,150 homes a year will ensure West of England, Exeter and Plymouth housing matches anticipated job growth.
- The latest household projections forecast that over 28,000 new households will form a year in the region up to 2026. The South West is already the only region with above average house prices and below average incomes.
- An increase in the affordable housing target to 10,000 homes per annum (35% of total housing provision).
- Projected economic growth of 3.2 GVA per annum will help deliver 484,500 jobs.
- Development to focus on the strategically significant cities and towns of Bristol (£22m already allocated through New Growth Point funding), Bath (£2m), Cheltenham, Chippenham, Swindon (£11.5m), Salisbury, Dorchester, Exeter (£5.5m), Gloucester, Newton Abbot, Weymouth, Plymouth (£10m), Torbay, Taunton (£8.5m), Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil and the Cornish towns of Redruth, Truro (£5m), Falmouth, Pool and Camborne (£3.7m), as well as other market and coastal towns.
- Kerrier, Restormel and Teignbridge have also just been identified as New Growth Points and will now be eligible to bid for growth funding to support development in their areas.
- Strong support for appropriate development in rural areas, including provision for housing and economic development in rural communities, including small towns and villages where development will deliver greater self containment and stronger local communities.
- Plans to help tackle climate change and contribute to delivering our national renewable energy targets.
- Strategic flood risk assessments will ensure new development is delivered in a way that mitigates the threat of flooding.
- Promoting sustainable public transport, walking and cycling and tackle congestion problems in our main urban areas particularly around Bristol.
- Ensuring development is supported by effective infrastructure.
Today's public consultation will last until Friday 17 October 2008. After considering any further views received as a result of this consultation, the final Regional Spatial Strategy will be published, if possible, before the end of 2008.
Announcing the consultation Communities Minister, Baroness Andrews said: "The South West needs a long term development vision that tackles the threat of climate change, addresses housing shortages and strengthens the region's economy.
"Beyond the short term squeeze of the credit crunch the number of new households are still outgrowing the number of homes being built - not least because our society is ageing and more people are choosing to live alone.
"In a rural region known for its quality of life if more homes are not built now the housing ladder will get even further out of reach leaving the next generation with nowhere to live further exacerbating the real problems in the South West. Already it is the only region with above average house prices and below average incomes.
"The proposals in this strategy set out a vision for the South West's future. It is important that local views and all who are interested in the future development of the area have the opportunity to comment before the final report is published."
The Matthew Taylor Review is also expected to provide important steps for planning and affordable housing to breathe new life and prosperity into rural communities.
The Government has already made up to £133m available to councils affected by last summer's floods to date to allow councils to enforce this action plan. It has also put in place tough new planning rules (PPS25) that protect new homes against flood risk that mean the Environment Agency must be consulted on all new developments.
To download a copy of the consultation documents follow the relevant link below:
