Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)
Regional Planning Guidance and Structure Plans have been replaced with Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS). The RSS for the North West of England provides a framework for 'development and investment in the region and its sub-regions, priorities for growth and regeneration, and policies to achieve sustainable development across a wide range of topics - from jobs, housing and transport to climate change, waste and energy.'
The RSS is mandatory under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which introduced a two-tiered planning system that consists of the RSS at regional level and LDF's (Local Development Framework) at local level.
The RSS 'complements but does not repeat national policy as expressed, for example, in Planning Policy Statements (PPS's) circulars and White papers. It brings an understanding of the North West region to target the delivery of such policy and address specific challenges and opportunities. The spatial dimension is very valuable in this respect, providing focus for developing, integrating and articulating policy in a way that acknowledges functional linkages and disparities.'
Planning Policy Statement 11 (PPS11) sets out the procedural policy on the nature of Regional Spatial Strategies and focuses on what should happen in preparing revisions to them and explains how this relates to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and associated regulations. For more information click here.
For the North West Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021 click here.
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The National Planning Policy Framework is the Coalition's response to streamlining National Planning Policy such as Planning Policy Statements (PPS), Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) and Circulars.
In October 2010 an event was held at the Merci centre in Manchester by North West Environment Link - 'Big Society and the Environment'.
Natural England has produced a document 'Nature Nearby - Accessible Natural Greenspace Guidance' that outlines its proposals on how to implement the ANGSt standard.
A Prospectus for Green Infrastructure - underpinning the sustainable development of Northwest England.