Tag Archives: Regional Spatial Strategy

Farewell Regional Plans

Posted on March 28, 2013 by MichaelWellock

Originally outlined in the Coalition Programme for Government in May 2010 the death of regional plans (Regional Spatial Strategies) has been a slow and painful one. Eric Pickles first tried to see off regional plans in a letter to local planning authorities in May 2010. Only to be challenged in the courts by Cala Homes. This legal process finally running out of steam in May 2011. Next up it was found abolition needed separate strategic environmental assessments for each regional plan. Now abolition of all the regional plans is all but complete. With some relief Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said: “This government is committed to localism and greater local decision-making in planning. The flawed top-down targets of regional planning, … Continue reading

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Localism Bill: Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies

Posted on June 7, 2011 by MichaelWellock

Without doubt, so far, the most contentious aspect of the Localism Bill has been the intention to abolish regional planning – Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS). RSS are currently part of the statutory development plan and must be taken in to account when preparing local plans. RSS is particularly important in setting district housing targets, and identifying where major development, for example for employment should be focused. Government originally tried to revoke RSS shortly after being elected, only to be challenged in the courts. In November 2010, this decision was challenged and RSS reinstated. Local Plans must still take account of RSS. However, at the end of May, Government were successful in the Court of Appeal in establishing that the intention … Continue reading

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