This report relates to the draft East Midlands Plan (Regional Spatial Strategy or RSS) which was published for public consultation by the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) on 28 September 2006. This mapped out future development of the region up to 2026 including housing growth levels, the Regional Transport Strategy and policies on other major issues, including waste disposal, minerals, energy, environmental protection and sub-regional strategies.
Consultation on the draft Plan ended in December 2006 and issues raised were then discussed at an eight week Examination in Public (EIP) held in Leicester and Lincoln before an independent panel chaired by Prof. Stephen Crow. This ended on 19 July 2007.
The Panel’s report contains conclusions about the draft Plan and recommendations about what changes they suggest could be made. These recommendations have been made in response to the many representations that were sent in on the draft Plan and the discussions which took place at the EIP.
What Happens Now?
Amongst the many recommendations of the Panel are suggestions to change the housing provision figures in some parts of the region and for a further review of Green Belt boundaries around Nottingham to be undertaken.
It should be noted that no decisions have been taken yet on any of the Panel’s recommendations. The Secretary of State will now consider the recommendations and representations made on the draft Plan. Based on these the Secretary of State will publish proposed changes to the draft Plan in spring next year together with a further Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment.
As part of the consideration of the Panel’s recommendations the Secretary of State will have regard to the Government’s published statements on planning policy. For example, in respect of Green Belt, policy is laid out in Planning Policy Guidance Note PPG2 Green Belts, published in 1995.
Public Consultation
Please note that there is no public consultation on the Panel’s report. However there will be further consultation of at least eight weeks on the Secretary of State’s proposed changes when these are published in spring next year. Then, following due consideration of all the further representations made about the proposed changes, the Secretary of State will produce a final version, which we expect to be issued in autumn 2008.
Where can I see the report?
Copies of the Panel report are available for inspection during normal office hours at:
- Government Office for the East Midlands, Belgrave Centre, Stanley Place, Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GG.
- East Midlands Regional Assembly, Council Offices, Melton Mowbray. LE13 0UL
- Principal offices of Local Planning Authorities in the region (details available on request from GOEM or EMRA).
- Copies will also be available in most local libraries.
Alternatively you can download the report free of charge at the bottom of this page, or if you would like us to email you a copy, or post you a paper copy, please let us know. A charge of £5 will be due to cover post and packaging.
Any queries about the Panel report should be addressed to the Regional Planning Team here at the Government Office:
Tel: 0115 971 2775
email: regional-planningem@goem.gsi.gov.uk
