Site updated 06-05-06
Regional Planning Priorities Relevant to INTERREG IIIB: South West
There exist a number of regional priorities which project promoters should consider when developing applications to INTERREG III-B programmes. A selective summary of these is presented below. Further more detailed information can be found in Regional Planning Guidance, the Regional Economic Strategy and other policy documents at regional and local levels.
The South West can be broadly divided into four spatially based sub-regions:
The Northern sub-region will continue to be the main focus for growth; its prosperity should be maintained and enhanced, because of the contribution the area makes to the rest of the region. In developing and implementing sustainable policies, the important relationships in both economic, transport and environmental terms between this sub-region and the adjoining regions of the South East, West Midlands and South Wales should be recognised; sub regional objectives include:
-
Fostering economic growth and build on economic strengths;
-
Seeking a sustainable pattern of development by strengthening the roles of the principal urban areas, fostering urban renaissance;
-
Curbing unsustainable outward expansion and aiming for greater self-containment in towns within commuting distance of the main urban areas;
In the South Eastern sub-region, it is important to sustain economic growth while recognising the constraints on physical development given the level of protection afforded environmental assets; sub regional objectives include:
-
Continuing to exploit the economic growth potential of the area;
- Spread the benefits of economic growth to the more disadvantaged parts of the sub region, in particular to Weymouth and Portland, by co-ordinating economic promotion, environmental improvements and transport and other infrastructure improvements to encourage regeneration;
- Encourage appropriate housing, employment, retail and social facilities in sustainable locations to reduce social exclusion and rural need;
In the Central sub-region policies should reflect its pivotal role in the South West of helping spread economic prosperity westwards throughout the region; sub regional objectives include:
-
Raising economic performance;
-
Encouraging sustainable growth at Exeter and Taunton and economic diversification at Torbay;
-
Improve transport and economic links within and through the sub region and with neighbouring areas;
In the Western sub-region there is a need for a strong action to tackle long term and deep seated economic and social problems, which are particularly accentuated by its peripherality in relation to the region and the rest of the Country; sub-regional objectives include:
-
Create conditions for growth, regeneration and diversification;
-
Encourage appropriate investment in Tourism;
-
Conserve and enhance the coastline, landscape, historic and industrial heritage
Thematic priorities:
Urban renaissance
Regenerating urban areas remains a significant priority in the South West region. Mechanisms to allow for the poorer areas in cities and large towns to benefit from the prosperity of neighbouring wards need to be investigated. Recognition of the importance of the economy of small towns on the health and vitality of the economy is also paramount. INTERREG III-B offers the opportunity to tackle issues in collaboration with other areas and bring different methods and strategies to address problems.
Rural Diversification
The South West is the most rural of all England’s regions with over half the population living outside the main urban areas. The nature of rural areas varies across the region and all face a variety of challenges including: dependency on declining industries, remoteness, poor transport links, diminishing local services and difficulties in accessing employment opportunities. Improving transport links, links to urban areas, networks and revitalising the economies of market towns might all assist in tackling existing difficulties.
The Natural Environment
There is a direct relationship between the region’s environment and its economic health: the environment has been identified as a key driver of the region’s economy by the South West Regional Development Agency. Coastal Zone management and flood management are both important issues.
Transport Linkages and access
Transport linkages in and between the far South West and the rest of the region have already been identified as a significant issue of concern. Traffic congestion is an ongoing problem in and between the larger urban areas. New methods of communication such as the Internet will have a significant impact on the future development of regions and it is important that all sections of society have access to these new opportunities.
Regional Competitiveness
The need to build on strengths and tackle weaknesses is of crucial importance to the economy of the region. Key economic drivers include clusters, knowledge based industries, ICT, media, tourism and leisure and heritage, financial and business services, food and drinks etc. More information is available in the RDA’s Regional Strategy. Structural weaknesses in the economy are more severe in some areas of the region than in others and have been outlined in the various paragraphs above.
