Government is committed to plan for infrastructure in parallel with housing growth in the South East. This was the clear statement by Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper to South East England Regional Assembly representatives.

As the Assembly puts the final touches to its draft South East Plan, Chairman Cllr Keith Mitchell met with ODPM Minister Yvette Cooper MP to discuss ways of increasing infrastructure investment to support growth in the region. The meeting was part of the regular dialogue with Government sought by the Assembly under its ‘infrastructure concordat’. Deputy Chairman of the Assembly, Cllr Don Turner, and Planning Chairman Cllr Christine Field were also involved.

The debate addressed Government’s proposals for a Planning Gain Supplement and the draft guidance on planning for housing (PPS3).

Reflecting on the discussion, Housing and Planning Minister, Yvette Cooper said:

"We have always been clear that building homes for the next generation will be firmly linked to increased investment in transport infrastructure and local services in addition to new design and environmental standards.

"That's why we are consulting on a Planning Gain Supplement to unlock the increase in land value and have announced plans for a cross-cutting review looking at how to deliver infrastructure across Government departments. We want to work with local authorities and other partners to find the right way to make development sustainable and I hope the Regional Assembly takes an active role in the consultation process."

Cllr Keith Mitchell added:

“The Assembly recognises that the Planning Gain Supplement could make an important contribution to funding the vital infrastructure the region needs, even at current levels of growth. The devil is in the detail, however, our greatest fear is that money raised in the South East will be siphoned off elsewhere. So we welcome the offer to work closely with Government to find ways through these concerns.”

Brownfield and greenfield land

The meeting found less common ground on the draft Planning Policy Statement on Housing (PPS3). The Assembly’s view that the new arrangements will impede the development of brownfield land was strongly disputed by the Minister.

Cllr Mitchell commented:

“Local authorities obliged to maintain a ready land supply for housing will come under intense pressure to release greenfield sites.”

But Yvette Cooper responded:

“We agree that we need to continue to give priority to brownfield development, reform the planning system for housing and give more help to first-time buyers. Draft PPS3 maintains our commitment to prioritise development of sustainable brownfield sites for housing. A record 72% of new homes are now being built on brownfield land, ahead of our target of 60% by 2008.”

Contacts

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Heather Bolton, Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. The South East England 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 Regional Assembly is made up of 112 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) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
• It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
• 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.
• 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