This Bulletin reports the outcome of the Regional Planning Committee meeting held on 23 May 2001.

Ports

Before the Committee meeting the Regional Planning Committee received a presentation on National Ports Policy from Andrew Burr of the DETR Ports Policy Division. The Committee debated some of the implications for the South East Region.

Regional Transport Strategy

The Committee approved a new set of objectives which will underpin the Regional Transport Strategy that is now in preparation. They are summarised overleaf. The draft Strategy will go out for public consultation in Spring 2002.

London

The Committee received a presentation on "Towards the London Plan", the first stage in the formation of a Spatial Development Strategy for London. The Committee welcomed the underlying approach set out in the document, and many of the proposals. They nevertheless sought further clarification of several issues, including the realism of the housing supply expectations, the proposed strategic corridors and the Mayor's plans for waste disposal. Committee representatives will debate these issues further at a meeting of the Joint Advisory Forum with London and the East of England on 15 June, prior to advising the Assembly on a formal response.

Strategic Rail Authority

The Committee considered the Strategic Rail Authority's interim proposals for the development of the rail network and stressed the need for a full strategic framework with clear investment priorities for the South East Region, to be published without further delay.

Central Railway

The Committee received a progress report about Central Railway's proposal for a new freight route around London. They remained unconvinced by the Central Railway proposals but agreed to ask the Government and the Strategic Rail Authority to investigate an objective study of the case for a strategic freight route as soon as possibly, examining all options. Until the study is completed, it was agreed that no view should be taken of the Central Railway proposal.

A27 Worthing-Lancing Study

The report on this study was not available for the meeting and will be considered by the Full Assembly at the July plenary on 11 July at Woking.

Minerals and Waste Planning

The Committee was briefed on the regional waste disposal and minerals supply picture, both topics which are to be the subject of early reviews. Delays in completing Government research was, however, holding up progress and the Committee will ask Ministers to avoid further delay.

Climate Change Partnership

The Committee agreed to recommend that the Assembly become a member of a new Regional Climate Change Partnership, subject to negotiations on appropriate terms.

Date of Next Meeting

The Committee's next meeting will be on 10 October 2001.

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Last updated: 21 August 2007