The Government today (Tuesday) launched the final version of its Plan for North East England [1] which sets out a vision for the region through to 2021.

Climate change and environmental protection policies have been much improved through the public consultation process. However, the Plan still assumes a high economic growth rate which looks totally unrealistic in the current economic climate and will pose a serious threat to the region’s countryside.

Countryside campaigners CPRE [2] are also disappointed that the Government has gone against recommendations from the independent Panel [3] and a strong environmental lobby by retaining ‘prestige employment sites’ (though renaming them ‘key employment locations’) on greenfield sites at Wynyard, NETPark (Sedgefield) and Faverdale (near Darlington).

CPRE North East Regional Policy Officer Nic Best said:

‘The Plan is riddled with contradictions. On the one hand it has good policies on climate change and environmental protection, all emerging from the constructive consultation process. On the other hand, it steadfastly assumes high levels of growth, airport expansion and a demand for housing way above past trends. [4]

‘The so-called “key employment locations” suffer from the same flaws as the Government’s proposed eco-town sites elsewhere in the country. Any number of on-site “green” measures will not stop them from increasing car dependency and undermining development in urban centres like Teesside, where it is needed.

‘Meanwhile, the Plan does little or nothing to address the increasing shortage of affordable housing, which is causing rural communities to become mere commuter settlements.’

Nic Best concluded: ‘

Current economic trends make the economic assumptions made in the Plan seem totally unrealistic. It will need close monitoring and a review to avoid the North East being lumbered with a whole herd of white elephants – to the detriment of the region’s wonderful countryside.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) covers Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co Durham and Tees Valley and is available to download from www.go-ne.gov.uk
A draft RSS was published in 2005 and underwent extensive consultation, including an independent Examination in Public in spring 2006. The Secretary of State published proposed changes in May 2007, and further proposed changes in February 2008.

2. 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. www.cpre.org.uk

3. The draft Plan was considered by a Panel of independent Inspectors at an Examination in Public in Spring 2006. The Inspectors were appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Following the five week process the Panel, chaired by Jim Parke, BSc (Hons), MRTPI, published their Panel Report in July 2006. A copy of the report can be found at http://www.northeasteip.co.uk/default.aspx.

4. The Regional Spatial Strategy assumes an annual growth in regional GVA (Gross Value Added) of 2.5% through to 2021. Key proposals include nearly 37,000 demolitions and around 158,000 new and replacement dwellings between 2001 to 2021. Over 3,400 hectares are allocated for industrial development including 470 ha of greenfield ‘key employment locations’ and 135 ha for ‘airport related development’.