Meeting documents

1 THE ISSUE

1.1 The South West Regional Assembly is about to publish the second draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) setting out a detailed spatial strategy for the West of England area and a range of detailed policies. The report sets out key issues and concerns on the emerging RSS.

2 RECOMMENDATION

2.1 Ratify the spatial strategy for Bath & North East Somerset as set out in paras 4.6-4.10 of Appendix 1 as a basis for submission to the West of England Partnership and Regional Assembly for inclusion in the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West.

2.2 Ratify the comments on the First Draft Regional Spatial Strategy as set out in Annex 2 of Appendix 1 which have previously been forwarded to the Regional Assembly.

3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1 No immediate budgetary implication but long term implication for investment in social, economic, environmental and transport infrastructure in the District.

3.2 The current system of capital and revenue funding of Council's is not particularly sympathetic to growth areas. Data lags in the revenue funding formula mean that the demands of an increasing population are not funded until some time after the event and infrastructure needs are not recognised or recognised late.

3.3 The current system is under review for 2006-07 onwards and under a more fundamental longer term review by Sir Michael Lyons. It remains to be seen if this results in a system more sensitive to the accelerated growth proposed in the Sub Regional Strategy.

3.4 If the funding mechanisms are not made more sensitive to growth the Council may find its revenue and capital budgets under more pressure, resulting from increased demand for services and infrastructure needs.

4 THE REPORT

4.1 Following submission to the Regional Assembly in September 2005 of First Detailed Proposals for a Sub-Regional Spatial Strategy by Bath & North East Somerset and the other three Unitary Authorities forming the West of England sub-region, the Regional Assembly published the First Draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) in October 2005. Further amendments to this Draft are now being made and will be incorporated into a Second Draft RSS. It sets out a detailed spatial strategy for the West of England and a range of other policies. This report sets out the key issues and concerns on the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy and progress on outstanding issues on the Sub-Regional Spatial Strategy for the West of England.

5 RISK MANAGEMENT

5.1 A risk assessment related to the issue and recommendations has been undertaken, in compliance with the Council's decision making risk management guidance.

6 RATIONALE

6.1 This report updates progress on preparation of the Regional Spatial Strategy by the Regional Assembly. Recommendations reflect concerns about the content of the RSS.

7 OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED

7.1 The alternative spatial strategy for Bath & North East Somerset as proposed by the Regional Assembly in the emerging Second Draft RSS has been considered and is not acceptable for the reasons set out in the report.

8 CONSULTATION

8.1 Executive councillor, Other B&NES Services, Section 151 Finance Officer, Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer

8.2 Discussions with Council Leaders, the Executive Members for Sustainability and the Environment and Transport and Highways, Chief Executive, and officers from other services and other Councils.