Election of Chair and Vice Chair

Councillor Nick Skellett, Leader of Surrey County Council, was unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Regional Planning Committee for a further year. David Wilson, Managing Director of Eurotunnel Developments Limited, representing the CBI on the Committee, was elected as Vice Chair.

Review of the Planning System

The Committee agreed a response to Stephen Byers' invitation to submit suggestions for improvements to the Planning System. The Committee suggested six key principles which should be the focus for improvements, whilst emphasising that the planning system contained many positive features which should be retained. They also set out six suggestions for improvements to the regional planning process which would improve effectiveness. These included clarifying the status of Regional Planning Guidance, a more flexible process of review, stronger links to other regional strategies and effective mechanisms for implementation, and support for guidance to look 25-30 years ahead so as to establish the basis for long term investment decisions.

Regional Housing Statement

The Committee decided that, whilst the draft Regional Housing Statement correctly focused on the importance of improving the supply of affordable housing in the Region, it also needed to support this theme with a sharper focus on actions and the identification of a clear target for affordable housing supply over the next 4-5 years (the period covered by the Statement). The Committee further resolved that, in view of the importance of the issue, the Chair would seek an early meeting with Lord Falconer to emphasise the urgency of the issue for the Region and to press the case for further resources.

Regional Waste Strategy

The Committee received a report on the preparation of a new Waste Strategy for the Region, and emphasised the high priority that this work should take. A new Task Group had been established, but additional support was needed from waste planning authorities in the Region.

The Committee agreed to ask the authorities to increase their officer support where possible. It is intended to publish the draft Regional Waste Strategy in the autumn of 2002.

European Transport White Paper

A new White Paper from the European Commission set out priorities for North West Europe and reviewed progress in improving a high priority European Transport Network (TENS). Given the Commission's acknowledgement of the importance of the Region's gateway role in respect of Europe and the problems of congestion on key routes, the Committee agreed that the White Paper presented opportunities to emphasise to the Commission the need for further investment, in key South East routes, and further European funding. Discussions will now take place with European Commission officials to emphasise these needs.

Update on Rail Issues

The Committee noted with disappointment the continuing lack of progress by the Strategic Rail Authority in defining a clear strategy and programme of action. They also noted with concern that the SRA's analysis of Central Railway's proposals was still not in the public domain and, apparently, did not cover the range of issues requested by the Assembly. The Committee therefore agreed that the Chair and Vice Chair should present the Regional Assembly's concerns to the Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority at an early meeting.

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Last updated: 21 August 2007