The Secretary of State intended to publish the final Regional Spatial
Strategy at the end of June. However, on the 20 May, the High Court issued
a judgement that the previously issued Regional Spatial Strategy for the
East of England has failed to meet certain requirements of the Strategic
Environmental Assessment Directive, in respect of three towns. The
Department of Communities and Local Government and the Government Office
for the South West have considered the implications for the Regional
Spatial Strategy for the South West.
The Government announced on 25 September 2009 that it will carry out a
further appraisal of whether it's proposals for the Regional Spatial
Strategy for South West England are the most sustainable way forward for
the region.
The Government wishes to be satisfied that the Sustainability Appraisal of
last year's Proposed Changes to the SW RSS tested reasonable alternatives
to those Areas of Search for strategic housing, business and other
development which were added or amended following consideration of the EiP
Panel's report.
In the light of the Appraisal's findings, the Government will then decide
what action to take to complete the SW Strategy to provide the clarity and
certainty about the future framework for growth in the region.
The documents and all supporting documents including the
Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment are available
through the consultation portal here.
Copies of the Consultation Documents were sent to all those who
participated in the Examination in Public; to a large number of regional
partners and consultees, consistent with government guidance.
The consultation documents are available for inspection during normal
office hours at the offices of County, District and Unitary Planning
Authorities in the region; they are also available for inspection
at all libraries. Copies of the Consultation Documents can also be
made available for inspection at the Government Office by appointment by
contacting the RSS Team on 0117 900 1876.
Further details of the process so far and the key examination documents are
available through the Examination in Public website.
Once the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West is approved by
Government it will replace Regional Planning Guidance for the South West
(RPG10). It will form a statutory document with which local authority
development plan documents will need to conform. Advice on the process for
revising the Regional Spatial Strategy is set out in national guidance -
Planning Policy Statement 11 available to download from the link below.
Those who commented on the proposed changes will have received an
acknowledgement.The postcard / email provides information on how to
view your comment/s on the Limehouse website.
