Regional policy in the East of England

Why it matters

The Government is finalising policies that will decide and shape the region's future.

This includes what can and can’t be built in the East of England for the next 15 years.

These policies will be contained in the masterplan for the region known as the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).

All local councils in the region will have to abide by its content when they make plans for and decisions about their area.

We took part in the public hearings on the draft RSS and raised concerns that this development would:

• Place more strain on water resources.
• Add to the region's high levels of climate changing emissions.
• Increased road traffic.

The UK Habitats Regulations require authorities to test the RSS for its impacts on certain wildlife sites.

A report commissioned by Friends of the Earth has concluded that the RSS will have significant impacts on a number of important wildlife sites.

Further Information

Briefings:

• Tackling climate change in the English regions (PDF† - 361 KB).
• RSS a blueprint for justice and sustainable development in the English regions (PDF† - 458 KB).
• Tackling climate change through planning: the government's objectives (PDF† - 466 KB).

Next: More issues in the East of England >

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