Regional Spatial Strategy- what is built and where in Yorkshire and Humber

How much housing should we have in the Region? Where should new housing development go? What type of housing should we build to meet our communities’ needs? Do we need new transport and infrastructure? How should we provide for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation? Which parts of the Region should we prioritise for investment?

The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly is currently undertaking a partial review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (entitled the RSS 2009 Update) to address the requirements of the Housing Green Paper and look at accommodating housing growth in the Yorkshire and Humber Region.

Between 3 November 2008 and 2 January 2009 we will be consulting on strategic options for accommodating growth in the region. We are pleased to invite you to attend one of four events being held during the strategic options consultation stage:

Tuesday 11 November 2008: National Centre for Early Music, York

Thursday 13 November 2008: Octagon Centre, Hull

Tuesday 18 November 2008: Megacentre, Sheffield

Thursday 20 November 2008: Marriott Hotel, Leeds

The purpose of the events is to introduce and consult on the strategic options for accommodating growth in the region and will consist of discussions, presentations and interactive workshops during the day and an open drop-in session in the evening. The events are open to everyone in the region.

Please find attached an invitation providing further information on the events and a booking form.

To reserve your place, please contact the person below to get a booking form and return the booking form by Friday 10 October 2008 (places are limited). If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact Hannah on 01924 331592 or email rssupdate@yhassembly.gov.uk

Kind Regards

Hannah Madajewski
Planning Administrator
Yorkshire and Humber Assembly
18 King Street
Wakefield
WF1 2SQ
Tel: 01924 331592
Fax: 01924 331559
Email: Hannah.Madajewski@Yhassembly.gov.uk

Economic and regeneration (spatial planning) changes to who makes the decisions that affect Leeds...

In July 2007 the Government published the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration (SNR). This provided the framework that will enable central and local government and other partners to work together to help maximise prosperity in all parts of England and tackle social deprivation and inequality.

This consultation sets out and seeks views on the proposals contained in the SNR for putting in place reforms that would:

- Streamline the regional tier, introducing integrated strategies and giving the regional development agencies (RDAs) (e.g. Yorkshire Forward) lead responsibility for regional planning; (this means the Regional Assembly would lose one of it's core roles- I am unsure whether the regional assembly will cease to exist)

- Strengthen the local authority role in economic development, including a new statutory duty to assess local economic conditions; and

- Support collaboration by local authorities across economic areas.

The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reforms look forward to receiving your views (apparently).

see:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/regional/sub-national-review/page40430.html
and:
http://www.bmgresearch.co.uk/SNR-Consultation/KMS/news.aspx

Yorkshire Forward taking on new roles. Yorkshire and Humber Assembly

Sub-national review proposals published

The government has released their plans for implementation of last summer's sub national review of economic development and regeneration. These include; a scrutiny role of regional policy for local government and a greater role for Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) (Yorkshire Forward) who will take on some functions of the Regional Assemblies (including regional spatial planning). The review also proposes putting Multi Area Agreements (MAAs) on a statutory footing and gives further details of how the new integrated regional strategies will work.

To download a copy of the implementation plan click here: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file45468.pdf

The roles of Yorkshire Forward and the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly will be affected by the plans.

Regional Decision Makers

Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber

“The Government Office for Yorkshire and The Humber works with organisations across the region to deliver Government policies and programmes and to contribute a regional perspective in their development. As the representative of central Government in the region, we promote effective integration of policies and programmes so that they reflect priorities at regional and local level. Our Aim is to deliver thriving and sustainable communities across the region by working in partnership, ensuring effective delivery of Government programmes and informing policy development to:

Improve the economy

Improve the quality of life of all those who live or work in the region, and the quality of experience for those who visit

Protect and improve the natural and built environment “

http://www.goyh.gov.uk/goyh/

Yorkshire Forward

“Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy.”

http://www.yorkshire-forward.com/www/index.asp

Yorkshire and Humber Assembly

“The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly works closely with partners on key regional issues, and to promote and champion the region nationally and internationally. We lobby for the very best deal for Yorkshire and Humber and all its communities.”

http://www.yhassembly.gov.uk/

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) is important for influencing Leeds planning policy and is taken into account when deciding planning applications. There are some proposed changes to the RSS, including a weakening of the requirement for new developments to have on-site renewable energy generation. To make a representation on the proposed changes please see:

http://www.goyh.gov.uk/goyh/plan/regplan/propchanges/

The deadline for responses is 21st December 2007