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Regional Planning Priorities Relevant to INTERREG IIIB: East of England

Emerging RPG 14 – Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England Vision, Aims and Objectives

These are the emerging vision, aims and objectives of RPG (14). They were included in the Consultation on Options Leading to RPG 14 for the East of England 2021 document (Sept-Dec 2002). Submitted comments will be used to inform the next stage of the process:- preparation of the Draft RPG, due to be submitted in Early 2004.

They have been drawn from the: They provide an initial indication of the region’s priorities, which project promoters should consider when developing applications to INTERREG III-B programmes (elements could change as the RPG is prepared).

Vision

The Spatial Planning Vision for the East of England is to develop a prosperous, outward looking and more sustainable region, respecting its diversity, maintaining and enhancing its assets, and sustaining and improving the quality of life for people who live in, work in or visit the region.

Strategic Aims

1. to conserve and enhance the rich cultural and environmental diversity of the region;
2. to promote social progress and improvement in the quality of life of those living in, working in or visiting the region;
3. to enable the region’s potential for economic growth to be achieved in the interest of all groups of people and all parts of the region;
4. to protect and enhance the quality of the region’s natural and built environment, including the diversity of its wildlife and landscape character; and
5. to manage resources innovatively and in accordance with sustainable development principles, in order to minimise the region’s global environmental impact.

Objectives

1. promote prosperity and employment growth, where appropriate, to meet identified employment needs;
2. promote social inclusion and access to employment and services among disadvantaged groups;
3. promote and enhance cultural and environmental diversity while addressing the distinctive needs of constituent parts of the region;
4. promote regeneration and renewal in disadvantaged areas;
5. deliver more integrated patterns of land use, activity and development, including employment and housing;
6. promote the vitality and viability of town centres;
7. promote the re-use of previously developed land in meeting future development needs;
8. meet identified housing needs, and in particular provide sufficient affordable housing;
9. promote the protection and enhancement of the built and natural environment, including consideration of flood risk, and encourage good quality design for all new developments whether or not related to heritage buildings or landscapes;
10. minimise the demand for use of resources, in particular water, minerals, aggregates and other natural resources whether finite or renewable, by encouraging efficient use, re-use, or use of recycled alternatives, and endeavouring to meet needs with minimum impact;
11. minimise the environmental impact of travel, by reducing the need to travel, encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transport, and widening choice of modes; and
12. ensure that infrastructure programmes whether for transport, utilities or social infrastructure, will meet current deficiencies and development requirements; and that the responsible agencies commit the resources needed to implement these programmes.