News Release : 12 October 2001

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR A MORE DEVOLVED PLANNING SYSTEM

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD FOCUS ON PLANNING ISSUES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE and devolve more decisions to the Regional Planning Bodies and local authorities, so that they can develop a more dynamic approach to planning and development delivery. This is the message of the South East England Regional Assembly.

The Assembly's Regional Planning Committee agreed the recommendation at its 12 October meeting in response to the Review of the Planning System, announced by Secretary of State, Stephen Byers in July 2001.

The Assembly believes that changes to the planning system should focus on the following principles:

• Improved implementation and delivery mechanisms to make planning more creative
• A streamlined development plan system with fast track reviews
• Greater devolution of power to the regions on regional planning issues
• Increased resources for the planning authorities
• Improved skills for those involved in the planning systems
• Better community engagement in the planning process by clear consultation processes and links to Community Strategies, now being prepared by every local authority.

Mike Gwilliam, Director of Planning and Transport for the Assembly said: "The Regional Assembly welcomes the review as an opportunity to improve the planning system in England, whilst retaining the principles which have served us pretty well for 50 years. As the Regional Planning Body for the South East, the Assembly will be lobbying Government to develop the system so that more decisions are devolved to the region and local authorities.

"Ministers also need to help local authorities work with developers to deliver high quality development. To do this, they need better tools which Government can help provide. At present, too much reliance is placed on processes and paper plans. We need more emphasis on delivery and the creative side of planning. But this will also need some more resources. We hope Ministers will listen."

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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