Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2
Although the transport and development planning processes are formally joined
at the regional level it would be more accurate to describe them as being mutually
'aligned' rather than genuinely integrated. As we will see, there are distinct
differences other than just subject matter which characterise the two processes
and which reflect their different origins. The attempt to integrate them at regional
level is relatively recent and procedures remain in place for both which would
enable them to function perfectly well in an administrative sense independently
of the other.
18.3 Regional Spatial Strategies
Government guidance on RSS is set out in PPS11 (ODPM 2004a)
and will be described
here under the headings of
• purpose
• form and content, and
• administrative procedures.
Purpose
The Government's ambition for RSS is expressed in the opening sentence of PPS11:
The main principles of the new arrangements are to deliver policy better at the
regional level and contribute to the culture change necessary to deliver the
Government's Sustainable Communities Plan.
(ibid. para 1.1)
The purpose of the RSS is to provide a broad development strategy for a region over
a 15-20 year period, taking into account
• the scale and distribution of provision for new housing
• priorities for the environment
• transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals extraction
and waste treatment and disposal.
From a transport perspective the strategy has an important role in identifying
planning policy levers which can contribute to more sustainable travel patterns.
In steering policies within local development plans it will also help deliver more
appropriate locations in relation to the existing and planned future transport network.
RSS has to be prepared in the context of a Regional Sustainable Development
Framework which is intended to have a 'key role' in resolving any conflicts between
individual strategies prepared by regional bodies. These include the Regional Economic
Strategy prepared by the Regional Development Agency (the only strategy other than
RSS to have a statutory basis) as well as strategies for health, higher education and
skills, housing, environment, culture and other policy areas. The Framework also seeks
to ensure a 'fully integrated approach to sustainable development' - a rather optimistic
aim except at a very generalised level commensurate with its 'vision' status.
RSS also has to be consistent with, and supportive of, these other regional strategies.
The Guidance is careful not to give RSS any primacy amongst these other strategies;
rather there is intended to be a 'two-way relationship' between them all. No indication
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