I AM writing to let your readers know that at the Regional Assembly’s October 2008 meeting it was resolved to object to the scale of growth of around 29,000 dwellings per year being proposed for the region in the proposed changes to the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (the long term plan for the South West). Members unanimously expressed their willingness to deliver the 23,000 dwellings per year for 20 years, originally proposed in the draft strategy, which was submitted to the Secretary of State by the assembly in April 2006.

I think the economic events since then have confirmed that this cautious approach on growth is correct, coupled with much greater emphasis on delivering what we have all agreed in the draft RSS. This will ensure we are best able to respond when the economic upturn comes.

I am writing to provide an update on where we are now in the process concerning the RSS. I am advised by Government Office South West (GOSW) that about 35,000 responses were received in response to the consultation, although this figure includes the total number of signatories of petitions and form letters.

As you will appreciate this level of response amounts to a major workload for GOSW and will undoubtedly influence the timing of final approval of the RSS. They obviously need to give full and fair consideration to all the representations, but share everyone’s concern to see the RSS finalised as soon as possible. It looks likely that this will now be published in the summer of 2009.

GOSW’s advice is that planning authorities should not wait for publication of the RSS, but should continue to progress their core strategy and other key development plan documents, taking account of the Secretary of State’s proposed changes.

For more information visit www.southwest-ra.gov.uk.

MIKE BAWDEN Chairman of the Regional Assembly’s Planning Group