PLANNING INSPECTORATE AND THE DRAFT REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR THE SOUTH WEST

That this House notes that the process of finalising the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West has yet to be completed; further notes that grave concerns have been expressed as to the provisions within the draft RSS by individuals, organisations and stakeholders; further notes that the draft RSS is being used as a reference document by the Planning Inspectorate when considering appeals; considers that such use is an affront to the democratic process and brings the whole RSS process into disrepute; expresses concern that the result of such an approach will be an increase in the number of large-scale planning applications submitted by developers taking the opportunity to apply on the basis of the draft strategy; believes that such applications may have a detrimental effect on communities in the South West; and calls for the abandonment of the Regional Spatial Strategies.