The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)
The RSS sets out a framework for ‘where things go' and what the scale of development should be. It links service provision such as healthcare, education, as well as basic infrastructure such as transport. The draft RSS contains some promising aspirations for sustainability. It includes, for example, principles aimed at reducing the region’s ‘eco-footprint’ and greenhouse gas emissions (in particular CO2), and for creating sustainable communities. SSW believes the Regional Spatial Strategy’s overarching sustainability principles need to be given ‘teeth’ to ensure that they are fully reflected within development proposals.
Since much of the RSS is based on the goal of accommodating a higher percentage of the population in the region’s urban areas, a significant increase in the provision of protected networks of quality urban greenspace (which enhances health and well, low carbon access, biodiversity and local food networks) is fundamental.
SSW’s submissions to the RSS ‘examination in public’ have emphasised the essential need for the region to prioritise low carbon access and transport. We do, however, recognise that inconsistencies across central government policy are hindering the region in adopting truly integrated low carbon policy and achieving overall reductions in its greenhouse gas emissions. SSW urges the Government to review the inconsistency of pursuing high carbon policies – in particular aviation expansion – given the urgency of the shared low carbon agenda.
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.