Regional planning suffers from a serious democratic deficit. If Regional Development Agencies are to have planning responsibilities from 2010 new arrangements must ensure that decisions are not left to unelected quangos. The Agencies must also evolve beyond their current focus on economic growth.

This was the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s [1] reaction to the launch today (Monday) of the Government’s consultation on the future of regional planning. [2]

Fiona Howie, CPRE’s Senior Regional Policy Officer, said:

‘We have repeatedly raised our concerns with the Government about the lack of democratic accountability the RDAs will bring to regional planning. Although local authorities will be consulted it is clear that the RDAs will still lead the development of the plans.

‘We welcome the requirement for RDAs to consider the need for a low carbon economy, but this is too narrow a focus and too weak. Wider environmental issues, including water management and protection of the landscape and biodiversity, must be at the heart of regional planning.’

Fiona Howie concluded:

‘The Government has acknowledged the importance of stakeholder engagement in planning. In light of this, thorough engagement with environmental, social and economic stakeholders, as well as local authorities, needs to be a central part of the regional planning process.’

– END –

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen.

2. Copies of Prosperous Places: Taking Forward the Review of Sub-National Economic Growth and Regeneration are available to download at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file45468.pdf