Panel Report on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West

Consultation on the draft RSS ended in 30th August 2006 and issues raised were then discussed at a 10 week Examination in Public (EIP) held in Exeter before an independent panel chaired by Jim Parke. This ended on 6 July 2007.

The Panel's report contains conclusions about the draft RSS and recommendations about what changes they suggest could be made.  These recommendations have been made in response to the many representations that were sent in on the draft RSS and the discussion which took place at the EiP.

What Happens Now?

The Secretary of State will now consider the Panel's recommendations and representations made on the draft RSS.  Based on these, the Secretary of State will publish proposed changes to the draft RSS this Spring together with a further Sustanability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment.  It should be noted that no decisions have been taken yet on any of the Panel's recommendations.

As part of the consideration of the Panel's recommendations, the Secretary of State will have regard to the Government's published statements on planning policy.

Public Consultation

Plase note that there is no public consultation on the Panel's report.  However, there will be further consultation of at least eight weeks on the Secretary of State's proposed changes when they are published in the Spring.  Then, following due consideration of all the further representations made about the proposed changes, the Secretary of State will produce a final version, which we expect to be issued in Autumn 2008.  This will replace the Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (RPG10) and will form a statutory document with which local authority development plans will need to conform.

Where can I see the report?

Copies of the Panel report are available for inspection during normal office hours at:

Government Office for the South West, 2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EH
South West Regional Assembly, Dennett House, 11 Middle Street, Taunton, TA1 1SH
Principal offices of local planning authorities in the Region (details available on request from GOSW or SWRA)
Copies will also be available in most local libraries.
Alternatively, you can download the report free of charge (see link at the bottom of this page) or if you would like us to e-mail or post you a copy, please let us know.

Any queries about the Panel report should be addressed to the Regional Planning team here at GOSW; tel - 0117 900 1705.