In response to confirmation today (Tuesday) by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, that Regional Spatial Strategies will be abolished, Fiona Howie, Head of Planning for CPRE, says:

“There will not be many tears shed following the scrapping of top down housing targets. In recent years regional plans have too often been misused to impose unrealistically high housing targets on local communities, resulting in frustration and loss of green field sites.

“However, the abandonment of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) will leave a worrying gap. Strategic planning has helped ensure local authorities make consistent decisions on development across their boundaries, including affordable housing, public transport and waste provision. These developments need a high level of cross authority working and the Government will need to outline a credible alternative to fill this void.

“In line with the localism agenda, local authorities will be left to decide how many new homes they need and where they should be located. Our branches will be watching closely to see whether local authorities continue to protect Green Belt and other valuable green spaces in line with the new Government's intentions. We believe it is still vital to focus new home building on brownfield land driving regeneration, supporting vulnerable communities and protecting treasured green spaces in our towns and countryside.”

Ends

Notes to Editors
• 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