To the Panel Secretary
Thank you for your letter and email of last week, together with the minutes of the WMRSS Proposed Phase 2 Revision Pre-Examination Meeting and enclosed notes for guidance.
Below is the Draft List of Matters which I propose to cover in my Examination-in-Public Submission :
Matter 1. Context of the Phase 2 Revision
- Do proposed changes constitute a Review ?
- Sustainability Appraisal and SEA issues
- Separation of Phases 2 and 3
Matter 2. Level of Growth in Region 2006-2026
- Indicators of Dysfunctional Growth
- The Real Economy (as distinct from speculative)
- The Housing Market
Matter 3. The Spatial Strategy
- Existing RSS likely to cope with “real” growth to 2016
- Difference between “spatial strategy” and “development scenario”
- Proposed Phase 2 Revision needs more “nuanced” approach
Matter 4. The Sub-Regional Dimension (Worcestershire)
- Importance of Urban Renaissance at sub-regional level
- Legacy of previous regional planning policy ie dispersion
- Transport issues eg proposed Worcestershire Parkway
- Issues for South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy
Matter 5. Housing
- Causes and consequences of the “Credit Crunch”
- Level of empty property in the region
- Definitions of housing need and “affordability”
- Issue of “new settlements” eg scale/location
Matter 6. Employment Land
- “Investment Locations” & sustainable regeneration
- Proposals for “Regional Logistics Centres”
- Employment land & sustainable development
- Town centre, retail and office policies
Matter 7 . Waste
- Need for sustainable, balanced and flexible policies
Matter 8. Transport
- Demand management and modal shift issues
- Transport investment priorities and relationship to RSS
- Strategic park and ride (including parkway stations)
Matter 9. Implementation, Monitoring and Review
My primary interests relate to :
- SA/SEA and use of project environmental impact assessments
- Quantum, phasing and type (brown/greenfield) of land supply
- Links to RES and RHS and related delivery mechanisms
