Decision details

The Cabinet set out its key priorities for the West of England Combined Authority draft Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).

Under the legislation establishing WECA, the Metro Mayor is required to publish a Spatial Development Strategy and keep it under review. As the strategic plan for the West of England Combined Authority Region, the Strategy sets out the direction of travel for the sub-region’s housing, employment, infrastructure and other growth over the next 20 years. Part 4 of the West of England Combined Authority Order 2017 provides WECA with the power to exercise functions relating to the Spatial Development Strategy.

Authorities involved in plan-making are required to cooperate with each other and other bodies when preparing plans which address strategic, cross–boundary matters. This includes strategic policies in spatial development strategies and local plans. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that these authorities should produce, maintain, and update one or more Statements of Common Ground (SoCG) throughout the plan-making process. A number of SoCG have therefore prepared for the SDS, including with adjoining authorities and other bodies.

At the time of the Cabinet meeting, the West of England Combined Authority had not yet published a Spatial Development Strategy.

Preparation of the SDS is a statutory obligation on WECA.  In formulating the SDS, WECA will have needed to assess the reasonable policy options via a sustainability appraisal, which will also explain the justification for the selection of the preferred policy framework.