Regional_Planning

Regional and Strategic Planning | Tutor Marked Assignment: Module 3 | | Contents 1. Introduction 2 1.1 Requirement of the Tutor Marked Assignment 2 1.2 Scope of report 2 1.3 Methodology 2 1.4 Report Structure 4 2. Climate Change and Rural Regeneration 5 2.1 Chosen issues and their presentation in the RSS 5 2.1.1 Climate Change 5 2.1.2 Rural Regeneration 6 2.2 Relevance of the issues 7 2.2.1 The issue of climate change on the East Midlands 7 2.2.2 The impact of the East Midlands on climate change 10 2.2.3 Rural regeneration in the East Midlands 10 3. Strategic policies associated with climate change and rural regeneration, their mechanisms, agencies and success 12 3.1 List of policies and their agencies 12 3.2 Success of strategic policies implemented 15 4. Conclusions 17 5. Selected Bibliography 19 6. Appendix A 21 1. Introduction 1.1 Requirement of the Tutor Marked Assignment The Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) requires two main issues in a chosen Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) to be explained and assessed. Until recently eight geographic regions within England issued a document, a RSS, for the purpose of providing broad development strategy for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). RSSs are prepared by analysing data and reports to evaluate trends and assess needs, with consideration of the UKs planning policy statements and European Union (EU) directives. The TMA asks how the RSSs present these issues or needs and how they are relevant to the region chosen. 1.2 Scope of report The RSS focused upon is the East Midlands Regional Plan, published in March 2009. A map of the East Midlands region is reproduced in Figure 1. The Plan identifies several significant issues for the area, two of which are climate change and rural regeneration. In this report the current East Midlands RSS has been compared to other current RSSs and the draft RSS of the South West Region. The London Plan has been excluded due to its unique character and hence it’s lack of use for purposes of comparison. Facts and figures have been taken from the RSSs and therefore often refer to data several years old; where figures have not been readily available the Office for National Statistics data has been quoted. 1.3 Methodology In order to undertake this TMA representatives from the East Midlands Council (EMC) have been interviewed and the documents produced for, and relating to, the East Midlands Regional Plan such as Annual Monitoring Reports have been consulted. The RSSs from the 7 other regions have been studied to establish their key objectives and policies: a short summary of findings can be found in Appendix A. Government documents have been consulted and are listed in the Bibliography. Figure 1: Population Density and LPAs in the East Midlands 1.4 Report Structure * The introduction outlines the objectives, scope and methodology of the report. * This is followed by an outline of the two issues examined from the chosen Plan, how they are presented and what context or relevance they have to the region. * The strategic policies associated with the issues are listed, their mechanisms (including agencies involved) and their success evaluated. * In the assessment of the issues and policies, possible reasons for their success or failure will be considered. * The conclusion will consider the abolition of the RSS and regional planning systems, and how this may affect the successful resolution of the issues. * Finally the appendices and bibliography lists the sources of some of the content of this report. 2. Climate Change and Rural Regeneration 2.1 Chosen issues and their presentation in the RSS 2.1.1 Climate Change ‘Climate change’ a term used to describe the change of weather patterns over long periods of time; widely attributed to changes in levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and heat waves. Climate change is associated with the increase of seasonal average temperatures in this country leading to wetter winters and dryer summers. Climate change is presented as a core issue in the RSS as seen in paragraph 1.2.3 below. The significance of the impact of climate change is repeated in all the RSSs examined: either in key policies and/or in key objectives for their region as can be seen in Appendix A. 1.2.3 “Climate change is now widely recognised to be the most significant issue for the future of the Region cutting across all land use sectors and affecting the East Midlands’ environment, economy and quality of life.” East Midlands Plan, Core Strategy, Page 15 1.2.3 “Climate change is now widely recognised to be the most significant issue for the future of the Region cutting across all land use sectors and affecting the East Midlands’ environment, economy and quality of life.” East Midlands Plan, Core Strategy, Page 15 The East Midlands Plan (EMP) places high importance on the mitigation of climate change because of: * growing pressure from both the UK government and European Union (EU) legislation which the RSSs must consider during their preparation. The UK government have issued updated Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) to accommodate the EUs directives on climate change; the EMP specifically names the UK government’s revised Sustainable Development Strategy Securing the Future published in March 2005 and the European Union Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) as policy context for the Plan (paragraphs 1.1.2 and 1.1.3 page 13, EMP). * direct relationships with regional issues such as energy production and agriculture as discussed below in 2.2 Relevance of the Issues. A number of policies are specified in the RSS to deal with climate change; these are listed in Figure 3. However in paragraph 1.2.3 the Plan states that these policies are to be viewed as part of an ‘overall coherent strategy’ in conjunction with the core objectives in Policy 1. (Policy 1: Regional Core Objectives for the East Midlands are listed in Appendix A). 2.1.2 Rural Regeneration ‘Rural regeneration’ is the structured improvement of rural areas that have seen decline in their population and economies often because of limited employment opportunities and poor infrastructure. As a region with a high percentage of its population living in rural communities the Plan has many policies which reflect the need to develop its economy and reduce social exclusion. The Plan presents the issue of rural regeneration as a priority in key areas as outlined in paragraph 2.1.9. 2.1.9 There are particular priorities in rural areas, where considerable amounts of deprivation and disadvantage still exist. It is very important to create sustainable rural communities, ensuring appropriate levels of new growth to allow rural communities to flourish and thrive. The rural economy also needs to be encouraged in line with the principles expressed in PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas. East Midlands Plan, Core Strategy, Page 21 2.1.9 There are particular priorities in rural areas, where considerable amounts of deprivation and disadvantage still exist. It is very important to create sustainable rural communities, ensuring appropriate levels of new growth to allow rural communities to flourish and thrive. The rural economy also needs to be encouraged in line with the principles expressed in PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas. East Midlands Plan, Core Strategy, Page 21 This has led to policies being developed to encourage sustainable economic regeneration, reduce social exclusion and deprivation. Relevant policies are listed in Figure 4. 2.2 Relevance of the issues There is a relationship between climate change and the East Midlands that makes it particularly relevant to this region: * The effects of climate change on the East Midlands, and * The effect of the East Midlands on climate change. Rural regeneration following a recession is relevant to the East Midlands because of the number of people affected by the rural environment; its economy, housing provision, amenity and biodiversity. The East Midlands has been disproportionally effected by the recession due to many local industries being reliant on house-building and manufacturing (East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) Evidence Base, chapter 7, page 37) and higher numbers of unemployment in the communities (EMDA Evidence Base, chapter 3). The two issues chosen for examination are particularly relevant to the East Midlands because they are closely inter-related. The policies to mitigate the effects of climate change (a core principle in the RSS) often inhibit the regeneration of a rural area that may rely on developing green belt land or increasing CO2 emissions through new transportation links. 2.2.1 The issue of climate change on the East Midlands The East Midlands is the one of the least urban regions in England (see Figure 2) with 88% of the land being classified as rural (as defined by the Office of National Statistics in their Rural and Urban Statistics Guidance Notes). Rural communities in the East Midlands account for 34% of the population (source: A Pritchard, EMC) which is higher than the 30% average seen in the most other English regions. Figure 2: Comparison of rural areas by region. Rural areas are more susceptible to the effects of climate change such as flooding and drought than urban areas (Commission for Rural Communities, State of the countryside 2010 (CRC 2010), page 178) mainly due to its effects on agricultural industry (which covers 78% of all land area in the East Midlands according to the Environment Agency (EA), East Midlands State of the Environment.). * Agriculture is reliant upon the climate and natural resources such as rainfall and soil quality however the EMDA Evidence Base, (chapter 7, page 19) discusses the likely changes to rainfall levels and the detrimental impact upon crops. * The East Midlands is generally low lying and vulnerable to flooding (EMDA Evidence Base, Chapter 7); the EA predicts that up to 18% of all agricultural land is at risk to flooding. This is also important as the East Midlands produces 20% of all wheat in the UK and a reduction in production could have an impact on the cost of food as well as effecting employment generally from loss of land to floods. * The agricultural industry employs about 40,000 people, and although the number of farms is increasing the number of people employed on the land is falling according to figures from the EAs East Midlands State of the Environment. Therefore opportunities for employment in agriculture, particularly in Lincolnshire, are dependent upon the successful management of farms despite increasingly flood prone lands that may be adversely affected by the government’s decision to reduce flood defence funding by 11% over the next 4 years (Planning Issue 1910, 03.06.2011 page 10). Furthermore the two issues are related by their conflicting requirements upon the planning system as discussed in section 4. Rural communities are vulnerable to effects of climate change in the East Midlands because many live in remote areas that are susceptible to extreme weather events. * Coastal communities are at risk from rising sea levels and exceptional tides that cause erosion and/or flooding, making land difficult to farm or live upon. This causes uncertainty and destabilises both communities and businesses. (East Midlands Flood Risk Appraisal, page 20). * Guidance on development in flood risk areas (PPS 25, Development and Flood Risk) has highlighted the need for more land to become available for housing away from flood risk zones. According to the East Midlands Regional Flood Risk Appraisal (Consultation Report) of October 2009 floods in the summer of 2007 caused 4900 properties to be flooded in the region. It also states that 200,000 properties are already built in flood risk areas with up to 20% of the region being in Flood Zone 2. This suggests that effects from climate change in the future will exacerbate housing land shortages especially in rural areas. * Remote communities are often cut off from the surrounding areas during extreme weather conditions. However, perhaps more significant are power interruptions as rural communities tend to rely on electricity where mains gas is not available. Climate change is also having an impact on biodiversity as extremes in temperature and drought uncommon to the UK have a detrimental effect on indigenous species. Furthermore, as more land is used for development and farming, natural habitats are being lost especially in the East Midlands where the EMP notes that “The continued long term decline in biodiversity is a cause of particular concern” (EMP, Overview, page 9). 2.2.2 The impact of the East Midlands on climate change The East Midlands has a large greenhouse gas emission rate due to its particular characteristics. * It generates 10 to 15% of the UKs energy in large, mainly coal fired power stations that produce 87.2% of the regions CO2 emissions. (EMDA Evidence Base, Executive Summary, page 12) * The population are dispersed widely and produce higher than average emissions from road transport (EMDA, as above). * Housing stock is generally older and inefficient (CRC, 2010) using less efficient fuels for space heating, such as oil rather than mains gas (DEFRA, Distribution Impacts of Personal Carbon Trading). * Agriculture, while not a major producer of greenhouses gases does produce significant amounts of very potent gases. The farming of the 500,000 cattle in the region produces methane gas which is 20 times more damaging than CO2 in equivalent amounts. Also, arable farmers who use inorganic nitrogen fertiliser on soil, release nitrous oxide which is 300 times more harmful than CO2 (CRC, 2010, page 179 ). 2.2.3 Rural regeneration in the East Midlands Many rural areas have been subject to the loss of local amenities such as: small hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists, shops and post offices (CRC 2010, chapter 2). Although many rural communities have suffered some loss of local services it does not follow that they are severely economically disadvantaged (CRC 2010, chapter 3), however there are sub-regional areas within the East Midlands that have ‘significantly’ deprived areas (that is, multiple dimensions of deprivation as identified in the Indices of Deprivation 2004 – noted in Greens Mapping Deprivation in the East Midlands – Implications for Policy, Appendix A) and are also economically depressed, such as some of the coastal communities in the Eastern Sub-area and former mining towns in the Northern Sub-area. Rural and remote communities (Eastern Sub-area for example) suffer from economic deprivation more than other parts of the region due to lack of infrastructure, well paid employment opportunities and affordable housing (Paragraphs 2.4.8, 4.4.6 and 4.4.41, EMP). Former industrial areas such as the Northern Sub-area, have been adversely affected by the decline of heavy industry that was once prevalent in the region leading to some areas being classified as being some of the most deprived in England (East Midland Overview; point 11, paragraphs 2.4.19 and 4.3.33-Mapping Deprivation in the East Midlands – Implications for Policy). 3. Strategic policies associated with climate change and rural regeneration, their mechanisms, agencies and success 4.1 List of policies and their agencies | Policy | Successful Implementation | Policy 2 | Promoting Better Design | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Housing Market Areas, Code for Sustainable Homes, The Homes & Communities Agency, The building for Life Assessment, SuDs | | Policy 29 | Priorities for Enhancing the Region’s Biodiversity | | Agencies + Indicators | UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Regional Habitation Targets, Natural England, England Biodiversity Strategy, Biodiversity Action Reporting System, Region Biodiversity Strategy | | Policy 30 | Regional Priorities for Managing and Increasing Woodland Cover | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Forestry Framework (Space4Trees), Regional Woodland Opportunity Mapping, Lincolnshire Limewoods Project, Boston Woods Initiative, Northamptonshire Growth Areas, Forestry Commission | | Policy 32 | A Regional Approach to Water Resources and Water Quality | | Agencies + Indicators | Water companies, developers and the Environment Agency - Water Resources Strategy and Action Plans, SuDS, EU Water Framework Directive, River Basin Management Plans | | Policy 34 | Priorities for the Management of the Lincolnshire Coast | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Habitat Targets, The Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership, Integrated-Coastal Zone Management, RSPB | | Policy 35 | A Regional Approach to Managing Flood Risk | | Agencies + Indicators | Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, SuDS, PPS25, Environment Agency, East Midlands Regional Flood Risk Appraisal | | Policy 36 | Regional Priorities for Air Quality | | Agencies + Indicators | UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, PPS1-Climate Change Supplement, Smarter Choice, the Nottingham Declaration, Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust (EST), | | Policy 39 | Regional Priorities for Energy Reduction and Efficiency | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Authorities, energy generators, Energy White Paper 2007, Building a Greener Future, Heat and Energy Saving Strategy, Renewable Heat Obligation, Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff, Regional Energy Strategy, ATLAS, CABE, Housing Associations, RDA-Sustainable Construction, EST | | Policy 40 | Regional Priorities for Low Carbon Energy Generation | | Agencies + Indicators | UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, PPS1 | $ $ | Policy 43 | Regional Transport Objectives | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Transport Objectives, Local Transport Plans, DfT-Delivering a Sustainable Transport System | | Policy 44 | Sub-area Transport Objectives | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Freight Strategy, Local Transport Plan | | Policy 45 | Regional Approach to Traffic Growth Reduction | | Agencies + Indicators | Public and local bodies, Congestion Management Study, Commission for Rural Communities, Delivering a Sustainable Transport System | | Policy 46 | A Regional Approach to Behavioural Change | | Agencies + Indicators | Public and local bodies, Regional Transport Strategy, Local Transport Plans | | Policy 49 | A Regional Approach to Improving Public Transport Accessibility | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Authorities and service operators, Regional Public Transport Network, Regional Transport Strategy, Local Transport Plans | | Policy 50 | Regional Heavy Rail Priorities | | Agencies + Indicators | DfT Rail, Network Rail, Local Authorities, public bodies, community rail partnerships and train operating companies, Community Rail Routes | | Policy 51 | Regional Priorities for Bus and Light Rail Services | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Authorities and public bodies and service providers, bus lane implementation | | Policy 52 | Regional Priorities for Integrating Public Transport | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Planning Authorities, Local Transport Authorities and public transport service providers, park and ride facilities, transport interchanges developed, DfT, The Nottingham Hub, Network Rail Board | | Figure 3: Policies aimed at controlling climate change | Policy | Successful Implementation | Policy 6 | Overcoming Peripherality in the Eastern Sub-area | | Agencies + Indicators | Programme of infrastructure improvements, public transport, road improvements on key transport corridors, high speed broadband | | Policy 7 | Regeneration of the Northern Sub-area | | Agencies + Indicators | Growth Point Programme of Delivery, Annual Population Survey, Regional Biodiversity Habitat Management, Housing Trajectories, Benefit claim count, New Build figures | | Policy 14 | Regional Priorities for Affordable Housing | | Agencies + Indicators | Housing Market Area Assessments, SLG Housing Statistics, National Housing and Planning Advice Unit, Affordability ratios | | Policy 15 | Regional Priorities for Affordable Housing in Rural Areas | | Agencies + Indicators | Matthew Taylor Review-Living, Working Countryside, East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum, Regional Housing Group, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), Housing Need Surveys, Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Housing Market Assessment, Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership, Leicestershire and Rutland Housing Enabler, Lincolnshire Rural Affordable Housing Partnership | | Policy 19 | Regional Priorities for Regeneration | | Agencies + Indicators | Government’s Rural Strategy, Regional Priority Areas, European Regional Development Funding, Dept for Work and Pensions, Annual Business Inquiry, Sub Regional Investment Plan – Priorities for Action | | Policy 24 | Regional Priorities for Rural Diversification | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Authorities, emda, Sub Regional Strategic Partnerships, Government’s Rural Strategy, BERR VAT registrations, Annual Business Inquiry, ONS Business Demography, ONS Job Density Figures, East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum – East Midlands Rural Framework, Rural Development Programme for England, INSPIRE, | | Policy 43 | Regional Transport Objectives | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Transport Objectives, Local Transport Plans, DfT-Delivering a Sustainable Transport System | | Policy 44 | Sub-area Transport Objectives | | Agencies + Indicators | Regional Freight Strategy, Local Transport Plan | | Policy 45 | Regional Approach to Traffic Growth Reduction | | Agencies + Indicators | Public and local bodies, Congestion Management Study, Commission for Rural Communities, Delivering a Sustainable Transport System | | Policy Northern SRS 3 | Sub-Regional Employment Regeneration Priorities | | Agencies + Indicators | LDF Core Strategies, Housing Market Assessments, Affordable and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessments | | Policy Lincoln SRS 1 | Spatial Priorities in the Lincoln Policy Area | | Agencies + Indicators | Development targets on previously developed land, Local Development Frameworks, Sub Regional Strategy and Growth Point Plans, Lincolnshire County Council, | | Policy Lincoln SRS7 | Deprivation and Exclusion | | Agencies + Indicators | Local Development Frameworks, Affordable housing target for the Central Lincolnshire Housing Market Area, Lincolnshire Housing Strategy | | Figure 4: Policies for rural regeneration Key: To Figures 3 & 4 Insufficient Data | Towards Target | Away from Target | No Change | No Data | | | | | | The data included in Figures 3 & 4 have been drawn from the latest RSS and the latest Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for the East Midlands. Where multiple indicators are present in individual policies, corresponding numbers of icons have been used, to show that there has been more than one source of information. Agencies and indicators listed in the AMR policy commentary and included in the Figures 3 & 4, refer to some of the consultees and targets. However, during an interview with the former manager of the Regional Planning Body, Mr Andrew Pritchard; a list of other institutions and documents was discussed as having an input into the development of the RSS and the AMR, (the list below is by no means exhaustive): Consultees | Documents considered | Partner Local Authorities | PPS 1 and it’s supplements | Neighbouring Regional Planning Bodies | PPS11 | EMDA | Planning documents of the neighbouring regions | Government Office for the East Midlands | Regional Futures: Englands Regions in 2030. English Regions Network | EA | EU ESDP | Natural England | UK government’s, Sustainable Development Strategy – Securing the Future | English Heritage | EU Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive | Utility Companies such as Severn Trent Water | Regional economic Strategy – A Flourishing Region | Non-Government Offices * CPRE * Friends of the Earth * National Trust | Regional Cultural Strategy – The Place of Choice | The general public | Green Infrastructure for the East Midlands | Planning Aid – especially reflecting minority groups such as Travellers and ethnic minorities | EU Interreg IIIb Community Initiative | 3.2 Success of strategic policies implemented As can be seen from Figures 3 & 4 there has been a mixed outcome shown in the AMR. Of a total of 64 points, over a third has insufficient or no data to register a result. This is because many of the questions are either new or relied on new mechanisms to build data sets from; such as the Code for Sustainable Homes key indicator which was new to the questionnaire in 2008 and received few replies from LPAs regarding its use. This lack of data is unhelpful as it does not give feedback as to the usefulness and success of policies. Nearly a third recorded no improvement or “moving away from target” which is particularly significant when considering the knock-on effects of not reaching some targets. For example, the provision of affordable housing and the building of new houses overall has been found to be below target (AMR, chapter 2 Housing, page 46) resulting in extra pressure for future development to ‘catch up’ in order to meet projected demand. By not reaching targets, an affordability gap is widening forcing house buyers away from rural areas (and possibly jobs and amenities) to cheaper accommodation more regularly found in urban areas. This puts pressure on existing housing stock and facilities in urban areas and although is consistent with regional objectives to expand in ‘Principle Urban Areas’ rather than unsustainable rural settlements, it does increase travel figures (if commuting is increased) and reduces the vitality of rural areas by de-populating them. The recession has been instrumental in the failure of implementing some policies that rely on inward investment, such as house building. Private investment has been more difficult to attract especially in areas which suffer from poor connectivity due to their remoteness and limited broadband access. Successful policies are relatively low in number, with few showing outright success concerning the two chosen issues. Most positive results are tempered with an accompanying poor indicator result as can be seen in the Figures. Policies showing the best results are those that have been implemented with the help of large government bodies such as the Environment Agency; for example the development of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments which then guide future development. The Third Sector and non-government bodies have provided policy implementation in areas such as biodiversity assessments and habitat protection. This type of support has been successful as it does not rely solely upon public funding and is a source of expertise. The government focus on renewable energy via the PPS1 Climate Supplement, has maintained pressure on LPAs to “identify carbon saving opportunities” (AMR, chapter 4, page 119) and prepare Supplementary Planning Documents outlining local policy on Sustainable Development which has in turn resulted in successful implementation of part of Policy 39: Regional Priorities for Energy Reduction and Efficiency. The reduction of CO2 emissions achieved by controls on development primarily using Building Control regulations and Policy 2: Promoting Better Design, have shown successful results as energy consumption figures continue to fall (AMR, chapter 4, page 119) despite rising costs. However, emissions from the coal fired power stations in the region have levelled out with little chance of reducing pollutants or CO2 emissions unless there continues to be a significant increase in energy production from renewable sources. Cottam power station has begun to use wood chip supplied by Strawsons Energy, alongside its coal intake as part of an initiative to reduce fossil fuel dependence. This could be extended to other power stations in the region and is already successful in the Drax power station in Yorkshire. 4. Conclusions The role of the RSS is to provide regional policies help LPAs work cohesively on strategic matters that require cross-boundary partnerships by providing common objectives to underpin local planning documents. The RSS has limited scope for mitigating major issues such as economic recession; however it has proved a useful tool for regeneration by channelling EU and government funding to Regional Priority Areas. It has done this by providing a data set that defines the areas in most need and gives a recognised baseline that progress can be then measured from. The RSS Evidence Base and the AMR produce current information for the benefit of all LPAs. The reports act as local planning document data and help support local decision making by understanding how local areas fit into a wider picture of development; both geographically and chronologically. The accumulation of in depth region-wide data is sometimes held back by piecemeal local authority information as seen in the number of indicators with insufficient data replies. Given time the merging of data could become a useful tool for local authorities who otherwise would have to gather relevant data in order to prepare evidence for Local Frameworks (that is acceptable to government Inspectors). The governments ‘Localism’ Bill has forced the retirement of regional planning with the aim of making strategic planning ‘bottom up’ with more direction from the local community and local authority as to how and where, development takes place. Controversial issues such as climate change, which often require the combined efforts of multiple sectors and authorities, and therefore may find it more difficult to receive attention and successful mitigation. Working together in small groups of authorities may be more cost effective and would satisfy the governments ‘duty to co-operate’ but as a senior planner said in interview “it’s a ‘duty to co-operate’ not necessarily ‘to agree’”. It also prompts the question of how local authorities interact when they are at different stages of plan preparation, how are differences to be reconciled' Whose data or needs takes precedence' The faults of lengthy production timescales of RSSs and sometimes patchy monitoring responses to AMRs may yet seem small considerations compared to the issues that may arise if an already stretched planning system is required to take on further decision making and public participation. 5. Selected Bibliography AECOM, (October 2009). East Midlands Regional Flood Risk Appraisal (Consultation Report). East Midlands Regional Assembly. Cabras, Dr Ignazio. (2010) Community Cohesion in Rural UK: The Case of Rural Co-operatives and their Potential for Local Communities. Employment Research Institute. Edinburgh Napier University. Edinburgh. Communities and Local Government Committee. (March 2011). Abolition of Regional Spatial Strategies: a planning vacuum. House of Commons. The Stationery Office Limited. London DEFRA, Commission for Rural Communities. State of the countryside 2010 Commission for Rural Communities, Gloucester. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (March 2008). Distributional Impacts of Personal Carbon Trading. DEFRA, London. HMSO EEDA. (July 2008). Rural Development Programme for England: East of England Regional Implementation Plan, 2007-2013. DRAFT (13) submitted to DEFRA. Environment Agency, 2010. East Midlands State of the Environment. Environment Agency. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/MIDS_East_SOE_Agri_LM.pdf Government Office for the North East (2008) The North East of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021, London: TSO. Green, AE. (August 2005). Mapping Deprivation in the East Midlands – Implications for Policy. Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, Coventry. Joshua Thumim and Vicki White, Centre for Sustainable Energy, (2008). Distributional Impacts of Personal Carbon Trading: A report to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Defra, London. Natural England, 2009. State of the natural environment in the East Midlands. Natural England. Office for National Statistics. Rural and Urban Statistics in England: Guidance Notes. Directgov http://www.ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/geography/products/area-classifications/rural-urban-definition-and-la-classification/index.html Rural Partnerships Team, Environment, Resilience and Rural Group, Government Office for the North West, (April 2006). The North West Regional Rural Delivery Framework. RRDF Secretariat, Government Office for the North West. http://www.emda.org.uk/research/documents/eb2010/CHAPTER_7_Environment_FINAL.pdf 6. Appendix A East Midlands | RSS March 2009 | Table of Policies(First 10) | Policy 1 Regional Core Objectives Policy 2 Promoting Better Design Policy 3 Distribution of New Development Policy 4 Development in the Eastern Sub-area Policy 5 Strategy for Lincolnshire Coastal Districts Policy 6 Overcoming Peripherality in the Eastern Sub-area Policy 7 Regeneration of the Northern Sub-area Policy 8 Spatial Priorities in and around the Peak Sub-area Policy 9 Spatial Priorities outside the Peak District National Park Policy 10 Managing Tourism and Visitors in the Peak Sub-area | Regional Vision | The East Midlands will be recognised as a Region with a high quality of life and strong healthy sustainable communities that thrives because of its vibrant economy, rich cultural and environmental diversity and the way it creatively addresses social inequalities, manages its resources and contributes to a safer, more inclusive society.In the next two decades development should be concentrated on the region’s major urban areas,in ways that allow cities and towns to work together for mutual benefit while retaining theirdistinctive identity. | Regional Core Objectives | a) To ensure that the existing housing stock and new affordable and market housing address need and extend choice in all communities in the region.b) To reduce social exclusionc) To protect and enhance the environmental quality of urban and rural settlements to make them safe, attractive, clean and crime free places to live, work and invest ind) To improve the health and mental, physical and spiritual well being of the Region's residentse) To improve economic prosperity, employment opportunities and regional competitivenessf) To improve accessibility to jobs, homes and servicesg) To protect and enhance the environmenth) To achieve a ‘step change’ increase in the level of the Region’s biodiversityi) To reduce the causes of climate change by minimising emissions of C02 in order to meetthe national targetj) To reduce the impacts of climate change, in particular the risk of damage to life and propertyfrom flooding and sea level change and the decline in water quality and resources.k) To minimise adverse environmental impacts of new development and promote optimumsocial and economic benefits through the promotion of sustainable design and constructiontechniques. | Regional Characteristics | - Area covered is 15,627 square kilometres or 6033 square miles- Population of around 4.3 million – or 275 people per sq km.- 88% of the land area is rural | Key characteristics of the Region include: | The East Midlands is a large and diverse region. It has a distinctive ‘polycentric’ settlement structure, based on the three major cities of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and the growing regional centres of Lincoln and Northampton. | Key Challenges | - There is a general ‘north/south economic gradient’ running across the East Midlands. There are some areas of serious economic disadvantage, in particular in the Northern Sub-area, but also in parts of many towns and cities elsewhere in the Region, in the more isolated and sparsely populated rural areas and on the Lincolnshire Coast.- The continued long term decline in biodiversity is a cause of particular concern. The effects of climate change, particularly in terms of water quality and flood risk are also key issues.- Pressure is also growing on transport infrastructure as travel demand increases. The EastMidlands has experienced the highest rate of traffic growth of any region in England over recentyears. The main north-south road routes are increasingly congested, whilst additional investment isrequired in rail and other forms of public transport. Poor east-west links remain a key issue, forexample connections to and within the Eastern Sub-area. East Midlands Airport is a key national and regional asset but has significant environmental impacts that need to be sensitively managed. | Spatial Objectives | - To ensure that the location of development makes efficient use of existing physicalinfrastructure and helps to reduce the need to travel;- To promote and ensure high standards of sustainable design and construction, optimisingthe use of previously developed land and buildings;- To minimise waste and to increase the re-use and recycling of waste materials; and- To improve accessibility to jobs and services by increasing the use of public transport,cycling and walking, and reducing traffic growth and congestion. | East of England | RSS May 2008 | Table of Policies(first 10) | SS1: Achieving Sustainable DevelopmentSS2: Overall Spatial StrategySS3: Key Centres for Development and ChangeSS4: Towns other than Key Centres and Rural AreasSS5: Priority Areas for RegenerationSS6: City and Town CentresSS7: Green BeltSS8: The Urban FringeSS9: The CoastE1: Job Growth | Regional Vision | By 2021 the East of England will be realising its economic potential and providing a high quality of life for its people, including by meeting their housing needs in sustainable inclusive communities. At the same time it will reduce its impact on climate change and the environment, including through savings in energy and water use and by strengthening its stock of environmental assets. | Regional Characteristics | - The East of England region covers an area of around 19,041 square km or 7352 square miles- The East had a population of about 5.8 million – or 304 people per sq km- Over 80% is rural in character. | Characteristics of Region | This is a region of contrasts. Its landscape varies in character from the long, low-lying coastline, with beaches, dunes, saltmarsh and estuaries, to the large scale open fen landscapes, the Norfolk and Suffolk heaths, and the rolling farmland with woodland and hedgerows characteristic of much of the rest of the region. | Key drivers | • Fostering and developing European and inter-regional links. The region has global, European, and inter-regional links, e.g. via inward-investment, transport and communications, trading links and key employment clusters. It is also a conduit between the rest of the UK and Europe;• Recognising London’s role as a world city and national economic powerhouse, directly or indirectly employing a significant proportion of the region’s population and contributing to regional prosperity, whilst exerting pressures on the region – for example in terms of migration, impact on transport networks and waste management;• Putting in place a framework that promotes sustainable development, especially to address housing shortages, support the continued growth of the economy and enable all areas to share in prosperity, whilst driving up energy efficiency and carbon performance, improving water efficiency and recycling an increasing percentage of waste;• Reconciling growth with protection of the environment and avoiding adverse effect on sites of European or international importance for nature conservation;• Concentrating growth at the key centres for development and change, which include all the region’s main urban areas and have potential to accommodate substantial development in sustainable ways to 2021 and beyond, whilst maintaining the general extent of the green belt;• Recognising the importance of a number of priority areas for regeneration, which include many of the key centres for development and change, whilst not overlooking pockets of deprivation in otherwise relatively buoyant towns and rural areas;• Setting in motion a dynamic growth strategy that will endure well beyond 2021, involving an early review of this RSS• Integrating region-wide policy for the East of England with the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy published in 2005; and• Taking account of the 2003 Aviation White Paper, notably the implications of continuing expansion at Stansted and Luton airports. | Planning Objectives | (i): To reduce the region’s impact on, and exposure to, the effects of climate change by:• locating development so as to reduce the need to travel;• effecting a major shift in travel away from car use towards public transport, walking and cycling;• maximising the energy efficiency of development and promoting the use of renewable and low carbon energy sources; and• reducing the risk of adverse impact of flooding on people, property and wildlife habitats.(ii): To address housing shortages in the region by:• securing a step change in the delivery of additional housing throughout the region, particularly the key centres for development and change; and• giving priority to the provision of affordable housing to meet identified needs.(iii): To realise the economic potential of the region and its people by:• facilitating the development needed to support the region’s business sectors and clusters, improving skills and widening opportunities in line with the Regional Economic Strategy;• providing for job growth broadly matching increases in housing provision and improving the alignment between the locations of workplaces and homes;• maintaining and strengthening the East of England’s inter-regional connections by improving access to economic opportunities in London; and• ensuring adequate and sustainable transport infrastructure(iv): To improve the quality of life for the people of the region by:• ensuring new development fulfils the principles of sustainable communities, providing a well-designed living environment adequately supported by social and green infrastructure;• promoting social cohesion by improving access to work, services and other facilities, especially for those who are disadvantaged;• maintaining cultural diversity while addressing the distinctive needs of each part of the region;• promoting regeneration and renewal of disadvantaged areas; and• increasing community involvement in the implementation of the strategy at the local level.(v): To improve and conserve the region’s environment by:• ensuring the protection and enhancement of the region’s environmental assets, including the built and historic environment, landscape and water;• re-using previously developed land and seeking environmental as well as development gains from the use of previously undeveloped land;• protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing biodiversity through the protection of habitats and species and creating new habitats through development;• providing a network of accessible multi-functional greenspace; and• reducing the demand for and use of water and other natural resources and reducing waste, whilst increasing the sustainable management of waste. | West Midlands | RSS June 2008 | Table of Policies(First 10) | Climate ChangeCC1: Climate ChangeUrban RenaissanceUR1: Implementing Urban Renaissance – the MUAs 20UR1A: Black Country Regeneration PoliciesUR1B: Housing and Employment LandUR1C: Strategic Office Development in the Black CountryUR1D: Retail FloorspaceUR2: Towns and Cities Outside Major Urban Areas 22UR3: Enhancing the role of City, Town and District Centres 24UR4: Social Infrastructure 25Rural RenaissanceRR1: Rural Renaissance 28 | Regional Vision | “The overall vision for the West Midlands is one of an economically successful, outward looking and adaptable Region, which is rich in culture and environment, where all people, working together, are able to meet their aspirations and needs without prejudicing the quality of life of future generations.” | Regional Core Objectives | a) where there are opportunities for all to progress and improve their quality of life;b) with an advanced, thriving and diverse economy occupying a competitive position within European and World markets;c) where urban and rural renaissance is successfully being achieved;d) with diverse and distinctive cities, towns, sub-regions and communities with Birmingham as a “World City” at its heart;e) which is recognised for its distinctive, high quality natural and built environment;f) with an efficient network of integrated transport facilities and services which meet the needs of both individuals and the business community in the most sustainable way; andg) where all Regional interests are working together towards a commonly agreed sustainable future. | Regional Characteristics | - area covered is 13,000 square kilometers or 5019 square miles- home to around 5.3 million people – or 407 people per sq km- 80% of the land area is rural | Key characteristics of the Region include: | The West Midlands is a Region of great diversity ranging from Major Urban Areas (MUAs) to sparsely populated rural areas. This diversity is also reflected in the nature of its population, with a wide range of multi-cultural communities.Combined with the variety of business, employment and skills, this creates major opportunities for the future. The challenge for the Region is to use this diversity as one of its key strengths. | Key Challenges | - there is a general ‘north/south economic gradient’ running across the East Midlands. There are some areas of serious economic disadvantage, in particular in the Northern Sub-area, but also in parts of many towns and cities elsewhere in the Region, in the more isolated and sparsely populated rural areas and on the Lincolnshire Coast.- The continued long term decline in biodiversity is a cause of particular concern. The effects of climate change, particularly in terms of water quality and flood risk are also key issues.- Pressure is also growing on transport infrastructure as travel demand increases. The EastMidlands has experienced the highest rate of traffic growth of any region in England over recentyears. The main north-south road routes are increasingly congested, whilst additional investment isrequired in rail and other forms of public transport. Poor east-west links remain a key issue, forexample connections to and within the Eastern Sub-area. East Midlands Airport is a key national and regional asset but has significant environmental impacts that need to be sensitively managed. | Guiding Principles | - To secure more sustainable patterns of development throughout the Region- To encourage a better balance between jobs, houses and services within each part of the Region in order to create more sustainable and stable communities;- To encourage economic growth and increased prosperity throughout the RPG period which serves the broad sustainable development needs of the Region - To ensure that regional inequalities in education, employment, health, environment, and social and cultural potential are narrowed.- To facilitate appropriate development in rural communities where job and service needs exist- To protect and enhance the quality of the environment, strengthening the interrelationship with economic and social progress and health and well-being- To ensure that the Region’s economic and social potential is not undermined by congestion andinaccessibility, but is supported through the provision of a better balanced and improved transport system- To ensure that every part of the West Midlands has a positive role to play in achieving a wider regional vision, and to have full regard to the linkages and relationships that exist between the West Midlands and adjacent areas | South East of England | RSS May 2009 | Table of Policies(first 10) | POLICY SP1: SUB-REGIONS IN THE SOUTH EAST POLICY SP2: REGIONAL HUBS POLICY SP3: URBAN FOCUS AND URBAN RENAISSANCE POLICY SP4: REGENERATION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION POLICY SP5: GREEN BELTS POLICY CC1: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTPOLICY CC2: CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY CC3: RESOURCE USE POLICY CC4: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION POLICY CC5: SUPPORTING AN AGEING POPULATION | Single Regional Vision | A socially and economically strong, healthy and just South East that respects the limitsof the global environment. Achieving this will require the active involvement of allindividuals to deliver a society where everyone, including the most deprived, benefitsfrom and contributes to a better quality of life. At the same time the impact of current highlevels of resource use will be reduced and the quality of the environment will be maintainedand enhanced. | Regional Characteristics | - 19,096 square kilometres or 7373 square miles in area - 8.4 million people live in the South East – or 439 people per sq km- 80% of the South East is classified as ‘rural’ | Key characteristics. | The South East and London are strongly inter-linked: the wealth and influence of the cityspreads by varying degrees throughout the region. There are large commuter flows, with370,000 South East residents travelling to London each day while 128,000 Londonerstravel outwards to jobs in the South East. However, the South East also has a numberof nationally significant centres such as Reading and Oxford that generate their ownwealth and jobs and in turn their own commuting flows. The result is a multi-centred or'polycentric' region gathered around London, a city that operates on a global scale. | Key Challenges | The region is facing unprecedented levels of population growth.The South East population is ageing.Globalisation has changed the economic landscape.The pace of technological change is having an increasing effect on the way we live, work and do business.The size of households (i.e. the number of people) in the UK and in the region has been declining.Housing supply in the South East has been lagging behind population growth and housing affordability is worsening.The South East is already being affected by signs of climate change. | Core Objectives | i. a sustainable balance between planning for economic, environmental and social benefitswill be sought, to help improve quality of life for everyone in the South Eastii. economic growth and competitiveness in the region will be sustained, with Gross ValueAdded (GVA) in the region increased by 3% per annum over the period 2006-2016iii. new initiatives to tackle skills deficits will be promotediv. a closer alignment between jobs and homes growth will be pursuedv. economic and social disparities within the region will be reducedvi. a sufficient level of housing development will be deliveredvii. a substantial increase in the supply of affordable housing will be pursued, through a packageof measures to deliver this goalviii. adequate infrastructure will be provided in a way that keeps pace with developmentix. key transport links will be improved, providing access for all, especially disadvantagedgroupsx. health provision and access will be improvedxi. spatial planning in the region will take into account the needs of an ageing population andits implicationsxii. crime and the fear of crime will be reducedxiii. better natural resource management and efficiency will be pursued, leading to reductionsin the consumption of water and energy and the production of wastexiv. new development will be delivered in a manner which mitigates the effects of, and adaptsto, climate changexv. the best of the region’s historic, built and natural environment will be protected and wherepossible enhanced, both for its own sake and to underpin the social and economicdevelopment of the regionxvi. new development will be of high quality sustainable design and construction, and be anasset to the region. | Planning Principles | 1. A co-ordinated approach to managing change within the region’s key settlementsand their hinterlands. This will be achieved through the coordination of policy in nine identified sub-regions.2. Focusing new development on the South East’s network of regional hubs, according to their role and function, whilst promoting their accessibility and inter-linkages between them. This will include new development in five strategic development areas.3. Pursuing a continuing strategy of urban focus and urban renaissance, by encouragingaccessible mixed use development in the region’s network of town centres and by seeking a high quality built environment in all areas.4. Spreading opportunities more evenly around the region through co-ordination of regeneration and social inclusion activity in the region’s lagging areas.5. Respecting and maintaining the general pattern of the South East’s settlements and undeveloped areas, through the protection of the region’s identified Green Belts.6. Supporting the vitality and character of the region’s rural areas, whilst protecting the valuable natural and historic assets of the region | South West England2001 | RSS September 2001 | Table of Policies(first 10) | SD1 The Ecological Footprint SD2 Climate ChangeSD3 The Environment and Natural ResourcesSD4 Sustainable CommunitiesDevelopment Policy A. Development at the Strategically Significant Cities and Towns (SSCTs)Development Policy B. Development at Market TownsDevelopment Policy C. Development in Small Towns and VillagesDevelopment Policy D. Infrastructure for DevelopmentDevelopment Policy E. High Quality DesignDevelopment Policy F. Master Planning | Vision | “the South West must remain a region with a beautiful and diverse environment. By working together and applying the principles of sustainability we can achieve lasting economic prosperity and social justice whilst protecting the environment. This approach will secure a higher quality of life now and for future generations.” | Regional Strategy Summary | The regional future this Strategy is working towards can be summed up as one where:• All communities enjoy the benefits of further development and where housing needs are satisfied• The economy continues to prosper • Rural parts of the region fulfill their economic potential with vibrant market towns at their core• Bristol becomes a major European city • Plymouth continues its renaissance and becomes the economic hub of the far South West• Swindon, Exeter, Cheltenham/Gloucester, Bournemouth/Poole, Weston-super-Mare and Taunton develop as important focal points for economic growth• Regeneration of the Cornwall towns, Forest of Dean and Torbay and other priority areas continues to have effect• Growth is supported by necessary infrastructure in step with development | Regional Characteristics | - 23,829 square kilometres or 9200 square miles - 5.2 million people live in the South West – or 218 people per sq km- 93% of the South West is classified as ‘rural’ | Key characteristics. | The natural landscapes and historic environment are second to none. World Heritage Sites, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty cover over a third of the region and the coastline, over 1,130 kilometres in length, is extensive and internationally renowned. More thanthree million people (62% of the population)live within 10 kilometres of the coastline. | Key Challenges | * the region is growing and we anticipate an extra half a million people in the region by 2016. * climate change is a serious global issue already affecting the South West. * we have a significant problem with housing affordability resulting from high demand and relatively low wages. * we have high employment rates but relatively low productivity; we also have marked contrasts with the region and the widest variations in overall economic performance of any English region. * we have a dispersed population, which is a challenge for the effective delivery of services * we are producing waste at a rate disproportionate to our population * the environment is under pressure exemplified by loss of and damage to natural and historicassets, increasing demands for natural resource and poor local environmental quality * “we often find it difficult to get around, because the distances between places are large; theinfrastructure is often inadequate, and traffic congestion has increased.” * in stark contrast to the perceived high quality of life offered by the South West, we havesignificant and persistent pockets of deprivation and inequality. | Core Objectives | Aim 1 To harness the benefits of population growth and manage the implications of population changeAim 2 To enhance our distinctive environments and the quality of our cultural lifeAim 3 To enhance our economic prosperity and quality of employment opportunityAim 4 To address deprivation and disadvantage to reduce significant intra-regional inequalitiesAim 5 To make sure that people are treated fairly and can participate fully in society | Planning Principles | The Spatial Strategy for the South West is based on a recognition of the diverse needs and potentialfor change of different places and parts of the region. Development will be planned to meet theneeds of all communities and to realise their potential within environmental limits. To delivermore sustainable communities and a more sustainable region there will be:• Significant change at 21 Strategically Significant Cities and Towns (SSCTs) in orderto support their economic and service role and regeneration• Smaller scale change outside of those places to achieve more self-contained, balancedcommunities and a better local environment Across the region, the role and well-being of communities in all settlements and groups ofsettlements is of great importance to the quality of life enjoyed by residents and the development ofnew economic activity, services and housing will be provided to enhance their future role and function.In recognition of the diversity of the region, this core Spatial Strategy has been given different emphases:• Realising the economic and other potential, particularly of the SSCTs, to add to general regional prosperity and address local regeneration, particularly in the north and centre of the region• Stimulating economic activity and development to help achieve regeneration and reduce disparities, particularly in the western part of the peninsula and the Forest of Dean• Managing growth within identified environmental limits, particularly in the south eastern part of the region where development pressures are high and future outward expansion and development of the South East Dorset conurbation is heavily constrained by environmental designations | North East of England | RSS July 2008 | Table of Policies(first 10) | Policy 1 - NORTH EAST RENAISSANCE Policy 2 - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTPolicy 3 - CLIMATE CHANGEPolicy 4 - THE SEQUENTIAL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENTPolicy 5 - PHASING & PLAN, MONITOR AND MANAGE Policy 6 - LOCATIONAL STRATEGY Policy 7 - CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITYPolicy 8 - PROTECTING AND ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENTPolicy 9 - TYNE AND WEAR CITY-REGIONPolicy 10 - TEES VALLEY CITY-REGION | Single Regional Vision | ‘The North East will be a Region where present and future generations have a high quality of life. Itwill be a vibrant, self reliant, ambitious and outward looking Region featuring a dynamic economy, ahealthy environment, and a distinctive culture. Everyone will have the opportunity to realise their fullpotential.’ | Values | In everything we do we will integrate the principles of:- nurturing the human, cultural and environmental assets of the Region;- accelerating the renaissance of communities in urban and rural areas;- recognising global responsibilities;- raising the aspirations and profile of the Region; and- promoting leadership, good governance and corporate responsibility. | Regional Characteristics | - The North East covers an area of around 8,500 square km or 3282 square miles- The Region has a population of close to 2.5 million – or 294 people per sq km- Two-thirds of the Region, primarily to the north and west, are rural in character | Key characteristics of the Region | - Two main conurbations, in Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley- Other major centres, such as Durham City and Darlington- A regional network of rural service centres which serve surrounding hinterlands;- Some of the UK’s finest high quality, diverse countryside, and natural and built heritage including a varied coastline ranging from extensive sandy beaches, dunes, and inter-tidal flats to spectacular cliffs, islands and rocky outcrops, and two World Heritage sites;- Six ports (Teesport being the 2nd largest port in England) and two international airports (Newcastle International and Durham-Tees Valley) providing access to mainland Europe and beyond;- An improving and increasingly diverse and knowledge based economy with a decreasing emphasis on traditional industries such as mining, steel, shipbuilding, chemicals and heavy engineering;- A housing stock characterised by geographical areas of high and low demand.- Continuing problems of multiple deprivation in some areas | Key Challenges(first 10) | 1.37 Reducing Regional Disparities – the need to re-skill and increase economic participationwithin the workforce to enable the Region’s population to share in the growth of the economy andimproved quality of life and help reduce deprivation.1.38 Managing Structural Economic Change – continuing the transition of the economy from theindustrial heritage of coal mining, shipbuilding, chemicals and steel production to a more broadlybased economy centred on information-based ‘knowledge’ industries and the service sector.1.39 Maximising Productivity – employment growth in the Region is increasingly concentratedin the sectors with the highest productivity levels, particularly in knowledge intensive business services. To maximise sustained economic growth and competitiveness, the expansion of these best performing sectors is essential.1.40 Linking with Universities and Colleges – harnessing international networks, research,technology and the learning capacity of the Region’s universities and colleges, and improving linkswith business.1.41 Increasing Participation Rates and Entrepreneurialism – closing the skills and educationgap requires measures to increase participation rates to help stimulate economic growth and socialinclusion using the Regional Skills Partnership and other partners. Efforts are also under way toreduce worklessness and support employers and other agencies in initiatives that help reducelong-term illness. Participation in sport and recreation can also contribute to workforce health andreducing worklessness.1.42 Stemming and Reversing Population Decline – if the Region is to have a sustainable future,more people need to be attracted to the Region than choose to leave. People will only want to stayif the Region offers them economic stability, good quality housing and living environments that meettheir aspirations, and a good quality of life.1.43 Stemming Urban-Rural Migration – urban areas will need to provide the housing and livingenvironments that people aspire to, in order to reduce the trend of urban-rural migration.1.44 Tackling Low Demand and Regenerating Deprived Areas – creating equilibrium in thehousing market requires housing market restructuring and regeneration projects that provide a more diverse dwelling stock and better living environments that meet people’s needs and aspirations.1.45 Providing an Inclusive Range of Housing – policy frameworks and management tools needto be implemented that guarantee good quality housing, recognising issues of affordability, fuelpoverty and access to work and facilities in both urban and rural areas.1.46 Improving Health and Tackling Health Inequalities – it is important that people have goodaccess to services and facilities by modes other than the private car. The provision of health, sportand leisure facilities in new communities and the improvements of housing quality can also contribute to a better and healthier quality of life and can help reduce illness that contributes to worklessness. | Planning Principles | 2.3 The spatial strategy for all future development in the North East is based on the followingprinciples:- to promote an urban and rural renaissance;- to contribute to the sustainable development of the Region;- to reflect a sequential approach to land allocations; and- to include appropriate phasing and plan, monitor, manage mechanisms for planning andimplementation of new development. | North West of England | RSS September 2008 | Table of Policies(first 10) | Policy DP 1 Spatial Principles Policy DP 2 Promote Sustainable Communities Policy DP 3 Promote Sustainable Economic Development Policy DP 4 Make the Best Use of Existing Resources and InfrastructurePolicy DP 5 Manage Travel Demand; Reduce the Need to Travel, and IncreaseAccessibilityPolicy DP 6 Marry Opportunity and Need Policy DP 7 Promote Environmental QualityPolicy DP 8 Mainstreaming Rural IssuesPolicy DP 9 Reduce Emissions and Adapt to Climate ChangePolicy RDF 1 Spatial Priorities | Regional Vision | By 2021 we will see a region that has acted to deliver sustainable development, leading to ahigher quality of life for all, and reduced social, economic and environmental disparities.Development will be seen in a global context, and the region will contribute to the reduction ofcarbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.By 2021 we aim to see Manchester and Liverpool firmly established as world class cities thanksto their international connections, highly developed service and knowledge sectors and flourishingculture, sport and leisure industries. The growth and development of the Central LancashireCity Region as a focus for economic growth will continue, building on the existing individualstrengths of the urban centres around commerce, higher education, advanced manufacturingand resort tourism. The economy of Cumbria will be improved. The region’s towns and citieswill offer strong and distinctive centres for their hinterlands, with attractive, high quality livingenvironments that meet the needs of their inhabitants. Our rural communities will enjoy increasedprosperity and quality of life, whilst respecting the character of their surroundings and naturalenvironment. ‘ | Regional Characteristics | - The North West covers an area of around 14,165 square kilometers or 5469 square miles- It is home to 6.8 million people – or 480 people per sq km- 81% of the region’s land mass is in rural use | Key characteristics of the Region | A region of stark contrasts and striking landscapes, the North West is the scene of economic growth and urban renaissance to rival any in Europe. From the outstanding natural beauty of the Lake District, England’s premier National Park, to the bustling, modern contemporary European City Region conurbations of Manchester and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture in 2008; from its extensive coastline and popular resorts like Blackpool and Southport, to great historic towns and cities such as Carlisle, Lancaster and Chester; with World Heritage Sites as wide ranging as Liverpool City Centre and Hadrian’s Wall, and superb landscapes including many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region is distinctive and diverse. | Key Challenges | The economy- the economic focus must now be on creating a more competitive region and developing the economic sectors with the highest growth potential. North West industry must be able to compete with its international rivals and this demands a first rate infrastructure, a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, and the best possible links to other parts of the UK, the rest of Europe and the world.Transport- the quality of many local services and infrastructure leaves much to be desired, and congestion on some rail routes, both in terms of the number of trains and passengers, is now a serious concern. On parts of the motorway network, worsening journey time reliability is a major problem, particularly for business and industry, and in urban areas, congestion is reducing the reliability of road-based public transport. Elsewhere, the main issues relate to road safety and theenvironmental and social impact of traffic in towns, villages and the wider countryside.Social Inclusion- Issues of deprivation, worklessness and social exclusion are concentrated indisadvantaged areas in and around the cores of Liverpool and Manchester, in the inner partsof other older industrialised towns, and in some of our coastal towns. They are frequently closelyassociated with health inequalities, crime and fear of crime. Environment- The highly urbanised nature of large parts of the North West has created a significant ‘ecological footprint’. From an environmental point of view, it is important not only to develop the North West as a better place to live, but also to make a more substantial contribution tonational and global environmental targets and initiatives. Particularly critical is the need to adaptto and, as far as possible, reduce, the effects of climate change; including by planning for theefficient use of energy and by developing renewable sources. We must also deal with dereliction;improve air and water quality; manage the fabric of towns and cities and sensitive coastal andrural landscapes; protect wildlife; increase tree cover; and find more sustainable ways of dealingwith waste. | Spatial Principles | - promote sustainable communities;- promote sustainable economic development;- make the best use of existing resources and infrastructure;- manage travel demand, reduce the need to travel, and increase accessibility;- marry opportunity and need;- promote environmental quality;- mainstreaming rural issues;- reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. | Yorkshire and Humberside | RSS May 2008 | Table of Policies(Spatial Vision and Core Approach) | YH1 Overall Approach and Key Spatial Priorities YH2 Climate Change and Resource Use YH3 Working Together YH4 Regional Cities and Sub-Regional Cities and Towns YH5 Principal TownsYH6 Local Service Centres and Rural and Coastal Areas YH7 Location of Development YH8 Green Infrastructure YH9 Green Belts | Spatial Vision and Core Approach | In Yorkshire and the Humber over the next 15 to 20 years there will be more sustainable patterns and forms of development, investment and activity, and a greater emphasis on matching needs with opportunities and managing the environment as a key resource. | Spatial Vision | 1. The long-term trend of population and investment dispersal away from the Regional and Sub Regional Cities and Towns has been reversed.2. Cities and towns have been transformed and are attractive, cohesive and safe places where people want to live, work, invest and spend time in.3. Principal Towns are fulfilling their role as focal points for rural communities.4. Urban and rural economies are more diverse and competitive, creating more and better jobs.5. Inequalities have been reduced, the health and well-being of the population has improved, and currently excluded communities and areas requiring regeneration have benefited from development and investment.6. People have better accessibility to opportunities and facilities, the use of public transport and walking and cycling has increased, and growth in traffic congestion and transport-related emissions has been addressed.7. Environmental quality has been raised, resource demands from development minimised, and the region is responding proactively to the global and local effects of climate change.8. The use of the region’s land and existing social, physical and green infrastructure has been optimised. | Regional Characteristics | - area covered is 15,420 square kilometres or 5953 square miles- population was 5,142,400 in 2006 (no overall figure in RSS) – or 330 people per sq km- 80% of the Region is rural in nature | Key characteristics of the Region include: | - The Humber Ports are a national asset and a unique resource for the Region. This port complex includes access to deep water facilities and the UK’s most inland port. The Humber Ports enable the Region to access national and international markets.- The Region is large and diverse, in terms of land area it is mainly rural in character. Market, coastal and other towns need to provide a strong focus for local communities, in terms of service provision and employment and housing opportunities. This will help to promote greater self-sufficiency in rural areas. The Region offers a high quality environment, including National Parks, Heritage Coasts and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. | Key Challenges | - Most of the Region’s Regional and Sub Regional Cities and Towns suffered from population decline during the second half of the twentieth century. This, along with significant economic change, contributed to more concentrated levels of deprivation. There is major opportunity to further strengthen and renew the Region’s cities and major towns as the prime focus of activity. Much remains to be done to create more attractive living and working environments.- The Region has some of the UK’s highest levels of crime and fear of crime. Low levels of education attainment and lack of basic skill requirements are also evident. Significant levels of deprivation are concentrated in many of the urban parts of the Region. In rural and coastal areas, isolation and peripherality also generate significant issues. Overall, there is a need for a more interventionist based approach to connect people in need with opportunities and reduce exclusion and inequalities. Studies show that accessibility to opportunities, facilities and services has a key influence on people’s quality of life. The voluntary and community sector will have an essential part to play in helping to address exclusion, inequality and crime.- The region is particularly susceptible to a number of environmental threats such as coastal erosion, flooding, atmospheric pollution and soil degradation, as well as the multi-faceted impacts of climate change.- Patterns of growth in the past have contributed to congestion, pollution, isolation and urban disinvestments.-The recent growth of the regional economy has been fuelled by the significant expansion of knowledge, business and financial services industries as part of the ’Leeds Economy’. Maintaining and sharing out the benefits of this growth is a key regional challenge. | Spatial Principles | Plans, strategies, investment decisions and programmes should aim to:1. Transform economic, environmental and social conditions in the Regeneration Priority Areas - the older industrialised parts of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and the Humber2. Manage and spread the benefits of continued growth of the Leeds economy as a European centre of financial and business services3. Enhance the role of Sheffield as an important business location within its wider city region4. Optimise the opportunities provided by the Humber Ports as an international trade gateway for the region and the country5. Support Principal Towns and Local Service Centres as hubs for the rural and coastal economy and community and social infrastructure and encourage diversification of the rural economy6. Protect and enhance the region’s environmental resources including areas of international and national importance, and the character and qualities of the Region’s coast and countryside including for economic and social development7. Avoid exacerbating environmental threats to the region and reduce the region’s exposure to those threats8. Avoid increasing flood risk, and manage land and river catchments for flood mitigation, renewable energy generation, biodiversity enhancement and increased tree cover9. Ensure that transport management and investment support and help deliver the spatial strategy |