The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West sets the spatial framework for the future development of the region over the period 2006 to 2026. It seeks to tackle the major challenges that the region faces over this period, including accommodating a substantial increase in population and a growing economy, tackling climate change and reducing the region's ecological footprint as defined by the consumption of natural resources and energy. It is vital that the RSS is aligned with and actively helps to support the delivery of the RES. The responsibility for producing the draft RSS lies with the South West Regional Assembly. The South West RDA has been actively involved throughout development of the draft RSS (see below).

Draft RSS Response (Aug 2006)

30 August 2006, the South West RDA submitted its response to consultation on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.  
 
The strategy sets out a framework about the scale, type and location of development needed in the region up to and beyond 2026. It was prepared by the Regional Assembly. The South West RDA contributed to the development of the draft RSS. The RDA's response (see below) supported strong correlation between the draft RSS and the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) in relation to key overarching issues such as ambitions for sustainable development, growth within environmental limits and strategically significant places in the region. However, the RDA also expressed concerns about, for example, the way in which draft RSS helps prepare the region for continued and sustainable economic success and about the way the RSS provides for the needs of a growing population. 
 
The South West RDA will now prepare its case in greater detail to present to an independent panel appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in spring 2007 next year. Following recommendations from the panel a final version of the strategy will be agreed in 2008.  
 
South West RDA covering letter to South West RSS EiP (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 32.91kb) 
 
Consultation Response to the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006 - 2026 (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 374.91kb)

Possible Development Strategies Consultation (Nov 2004)

In Novenber 2004, The South West RDA provided a response to the Regional Assembly's consultation on possible development strategies for the South West to 2026. 
 
The South West RDA encourages the Regional Assembly to produce an ambitious, future looking spatial strategy that enables continued sustainable economic growth of the region and the development of sustainable communities. The Agency suggests there should be a strong focus in the spatial strategy on urban areas, which offer the best opportunities for sustainable growth.  
 
The strategy should also promote the different role, function and potential of the region's cities and towns, alongside recognition of the differing needs of parts of the region. A positive interaction between cities, towns and rural areas should also be a feature of the strategy. To that extent the strategy should help provide appropriate development in towns and rural areas to help secure more sustainable settlements. However, although there is now a better understanding of the region than five years ago, a spatial strategy should not be chosen until current research and studies are complete. 
 
Regional Spatial Strategy 2006 - 2026: Executive Summary (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 99.66kb)  
Regional Spatial Strategy 2006 - 2026: Full Response (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 337.62kb)