The Government has announced its intention to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies and reform the planning system under the Decentralisation and Localisation Bill announced as part of the Queen's Speech 25th May 2010.
Further information is available on East Midlands Councils website:
http://www.emcouncils.gov.uk/Press-releases/Government-Announcement
The Regional Spatial Strategy for the East Midlands, the ‘East Midlands Regional Plan’ was published in March 2009. This document sets the long term strategic planning and transport policy framework for the region up to the year 2026. The existing approved East Midlands Regional Plan can be accessed via the East Midlands Government Office(GOEM) web site.
The Regional Spatial Strategy was produced by the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA). Leicester City Council, along with the other strategic planning authorities in the region, assisted in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the guidance. Along with national planning policy guidance, RSS provides the context for the preparation of Local Development Documents, Local Transport Plans, and Minerals and Waste Local Development Documents throughout the region and it forms a key element of the adopted Development Plan. The RSS includes policies that guide when and where land should be released for development. They recommend that development plans give priority to the redevelopment of previously developed sites and buildings within urban areas and other sustainable locations.
EMRA closed its doors on 31 March 2010. From 1 April a new organisation, East Midlands Councils which includes the East Midlands Leaders' Board is taking on some of its work.
Further Information
Leicester City Council: Planning Policy and Design Group
Contact the Planning Policy Teams
Government Office for the East Midlands (GOEM)
The Belgrave Centre, Stanley Place, Talbot Street, Nottingham NG1 5GG
Telephone: (0115) 971 9971
Fax: (0115) 971 2404
GOEM website
Email: planning.goem@go-regions.gsi.gov.uk
