Regional development

ePolitix.com Stakeholders comment on the sub-national review of economic development.

Under the plans, regional assemblies are set to be disbanded with control passing to regional development agencies. Regional spatial and regional economic strategies are also set to be merged.

 

Stakeholder Response: The Woodland Trust

To send a comment to The Woodland Trust, click here

Lee Bruce of the Woodland Trust told ePolitix.com: "We are deeply concerned by the decision to disband the regional assemblies and give responsibility for planning solely to the members of the regional development agencies (RDAs).

"This will allow the most enthusiastic proponents of airport and motorway expansion unprecedented control over the future of our urban and rural landscapes.

"The decision to merge the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) with Regional Economic Strategy (RES) is yet another indication that the government is interested in skewing the planning system in favour of economic rather than environmental or social concerns.

"The merger was justified by the government on the grounds that this may avoid duplication of effort, however the decision could be disastrous for the environment.

"In the past it was possible to get issues including woodland creation, biodiversity and climate change embedded into the RSS, but such triumphs may be limited under the new framework as these issues are given only a cursory glance in the RES.

"Under the aegis of reform, the DCLG, DEBRR and the Treasury appear determined upon strengthening the economic pillar of development at the expense of the environment.

"The sub-national review is clear on this point and unapologetically wants to 'ensure that capacity-building programmes are geared to the economic development role'.

"Sentiments of this sort are unlikely to engender confidence that all concerns will be treated equally when consideration is being given to planning decisions.

"Such decisions may well be made at the expense of our natural heritage which is after all one of the country's greatest glories – our children will not forgive us if we continue to irreparably damage the natural environment."

 

Stakeholder Response: CPRE

To send a comment to CPRE click here

Neil Sinden, CPRE policy director, said: "Giving the regional development agencies responsibility for planning is like putting a fox in charge of the hen house.

"Our recent research (Environmental Sustainability and English Regional Strategies) shows how regional assemblies have worked hard to secure environmentally sustainable development but have been frustrated by the government's approach to economic development. 

"There is a need for regional reforms but not the kind being proposed today. If carried through, these proposals would only make matters much worse.

"In partnership with Friends of the Earth and WWF-UK, CPRE will be organising a seminar in the early autumn to explore issues raised by our report and the sub-national review.

"If you are interested in attending please contact Amanda Brace at amandab@cpre.org.uk."