Regional Govenance was Prescott's dream.
Posted by Lizabeth on Wednesday, 22 November 2006 21:20:33
Regional Governance.
May I offer the following information relating to the North East Assembly (NEA)
I can guarantee it is correct as it is from their latest glossy brochure, one of dozens of publications they have produced over the past seven years
1998. Regional Development Agencies Act designates Regional Development Agencies and Regional Chambers (Assemblies)
1999. North East Assembly (NEA) established
2001 Government announces ‘Strengthening Regional Accountability' initiative
2002 NEA becomes the Regional Planning Body. Government publishes ‘Your Region Your Choice' outlining proposals for elected regional assemblies
2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act introduces statutory Regional SpatialStrategy (RSS) to be prepared by Regional Assemblies
Referendum votes ‘no' to a DIRECTLY ELECTED ASSEMBLY, therefore current Assembly arrangement continues.
2005 RSS submitted to government
2006 New Chief Executive appointed
Comment.
The NEA provides the statutory framework (the regional RSS) which guides development over the next 20 years. The NEA call themselves ‘The Voice for the Region' I wonder whose voice? Of particular concern is although about 80% of the North East voted against an elected assembly this unelected body is producing the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) to provide policies and proposals for shaping the North East to 2010
The pressure to meet deadlines for consultations is becoming unsustainable. Many people are unaware of the documents let alone the deadlines for consultation.
The methodology used in general to provide new planning policy in general and to promote wind energy in particular is unacceptable and undemocratic. Verbosity is trying to bafflle brains and with consultations often no more than cons it appears to have resulted in flaws in the planning for onshore wind.
As the ODPM says "Forget old battles, we now have the law."(Planning and Compulsory Purchase ACT 2004)
Referendum, Regional governance, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act