On 6 July 2010 the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced the revocation of Regional Strategies with immediate effect. The Regional Spatial Strategy set out broad strategic policies that applied to the whole region or to distinct sub-regional areas.
To read Eric Pickles’ statement visit the Planning Inspectorate website (external link).
The statement confirms that Regional Strategies are being revoked and will therefore no longer form part of the development plan for the purposes of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (external link), also under review. The statement goes on to say that abolition will require legislation in the ‘Localism Bill’ which the Government will introduce in the current Parliamentary session.
Prior to abolition the regional spatial strategy was undergoing a partial review focussing on gypsy and traveller pitch provision, travelling show people pitch provision and regional parking standards. The report of the panel (external link) is also available on the Planning Inspectorate website as an informal document with no status.
Future North West (Formerly Regional Strategy RS2010)
‘Future North West’ is a document published by the Northwest Development Agency and 4NW, the former Regional Leaders Board as an informal high level statement of strategic priorities and framework for activity over the next 20 years. It builds on a substantial evidence base to help deal with issues that cross local boundaries
Your views and comments are invited on this document by 8 October 2010.
To find out more including details of how to respond to the consultation visit the Future North West web site (external link).
