News Release : 20 July 2001

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY CAUTIOUSLY WELCOMES LONDON MAYOR'S STRATEGY

The South East England Regional Assembly welcomes many of the London Mayor's proposals for the future development of London with its commitment to accommodating growth within London and the safeguarding of the green belt. This was the message from the Regional Assembly at its Annual General Meeting in Woking, Surrey (11 July 2001)

Over 100 representatives from all of the region's local authorities, as well as economic, social and environmental bodies attended the South East England Regional Assembly Annual General Meeting in Woking, Surrey, where they discussed and responded to the Mayor's formal consultation on 'Towards the London Plan', the first stage of a new development strategy for London.

Cllr Nick Skellett, Chair of the Regional Planning Committee and Leader of Surrey County Council said: "The Assembly congratulates the Mayor of London on the production of 'Toward the London Plan'. We agree with much of its overall policy and approach, particularly the emphasis on providing for London's housing and employment needs within London, and his focus on an urban renaissance theme.

"However, we are concerned about some of the Mayor's proposals. There is a lack of detail about London's waste disposal plans within the consultation document. This is a highly sensitive issue which requires early and full consultation by the Mayor in relation to his evolving plans.

"And whilst we support London's housing and employment targets, we feel greater clarification on how these will be achieved is needed.

Other concerns which the Regional Assembly have raised with London about the Spatial Development Strategy are:

• More attention to movement across the London and South East regional boundaries, especially in terms of rail services;
• Clarification of the Mayor's proposals for Strategic Corridors to the east, west and south of London, which will cross regional boundaries;
• Early consultation on the Mayor's waste plans, including commercial as well as household waste disposal.

Mike Gwilliam, Director of Planning and Transport said: "The Assembly is fully supportive of London's development plans. However, we will be seeking clarification in future on the concerns which we have raised to ensure that the South East and London continue to have a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship."

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
   
   
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
   
   
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
   
   
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
   
   
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007

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