Regional Spatial Strategies

Proposed Changes to the East Midlands, South East and South West Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs) were published by the relevant Government Offices in July 2008.  This is the final stage of public consultation on these new documents before the Plans are adopted and become part of the Development Plan, replacing previous Regional Planning Guidance and Structure Plans.

 

All of the Regions have ended up with a higher housing requirement than originally envisaged by the Regional Assemblies and/or the Independent Panels of Planning Inspectors.  This has caused some controversy, particularly in the South West.

 

The Government Offices and Regional Assemblies must now consider all of the representations submitted on the Proposed Changes.  This may lead to further changes being made to the Plans, which may also require further consultation and hearing sessions, depending on the nature of the changes.  If the changes are all relatively minor, then the Plans could all be adopted by the end of 2008 or early 2009.  However, from the same stage in the East of England Plan process, it took over a year to achieve adoption, so watch this space.