The Regional Strategy

The proposals were considered in the consultation ‘prosperous places; taking forward the review of the sub-national economic development and regeneration’ published in November 2008. The consultation endorsed the principles of the single Regional Strategy. The Government responded to the consultation in November in 2008.

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill was introduced into Parliament in December 2008 which implements the proposals.  It is expected that the Bill will gain Royal Accent in the autumn of 2009.

Outline for the Regional Strategy

The Regional Strategy is to set out the overarching strategic framework for the South East. The intended outcome of the South East Regional Strategy is sustainable economic growth but must contribute to sustainable development.

The regional strategy will set out the South East’s vision for how and where sustainable economic growth will be delivered focusing on the relationship between the economy and the key drivers for growth, the environment, communities and regeneration in the South East. Like the current Regional Spatial Strategy the Regional Strategy will be part of the statutory development plan.

The South East Regional Strategy and will be developed within and by the Region, commissioned by South East of England Partnership Board.

The South East Regional Strategy will build on the experience gained through developing the South East Regional Economic Strategy, the South East Regional Spatial Strategy, the South East Regional Sustainability Framework  as well as other South East strategies.

Principles for the Regional Strategy

The regional strategy should be a succinct document based on sound evidence giving a clear and distinctive sense of direction for the South East. The regional strategy should:

• set out the long-term vision to what the South East will look like in 15 to 20 years time and how the vision will be achieved meeting sustainable development objectives
• be regionally specific and address the needs of the South East and the needs of urban and rural places within the Region
• demonstrate how the strategy for the South East will deliver sustainable economic growth
• address issues best dealt with at the regional level rather than through national or local strategies, plans and policies
• integrate and demonstrate from the onset a Sustainability Appraisal, the Strategic Environment Assessment and Habitats Regulation Assessment in to the development of the strategy
• ensure stakeholder engagement is a fundamental feature of the process of developing and delivering the strategy

The National Dimension of the Regional Strategy

Although the regional strategies are setting out regional visions, the Government has three clear national level expectations for each regional strategy:

• Economic Outcomes – Economic growth in all regions
• Housing Outcomes – Test the housing supply figures from the National Housing and Planning Advisory Unity for each region
• Climate Change – Develop an ambitious strategy which will progress against the UK greenhouse gas targets and makes use of national energy policies.

For further information visit www.se-partnershipboard.org.uk