The South East plan: regional spatial strategy for the South East of England

This document sets out the long term spatial planning framework for the region for the period 2006-2026. The Plan is a key tool to help achieve more sustainable development, protect the environment and combat climate change. The Plan includes spatial policies for: the scale and distribution of new housing; priorities for new infrastructure and economic development; the strategy for protecting the countryside, biodiveristy and the built and historic environment; tackling climate change and safeguarding natural resources such as water and minerals. It also incorporates the regional transport strategy. The Plan replaces: Regional planning guidance for the South East (RPG9, 2001, ISBN 9780117535626); RPG9a Thames Gateway planning framework (1995, ISBN 9780117531093) and RPG9b Strategic planning guidance for the River Thames (1997, ISBN 9780117533561) where they apply to the south east; the partial reviews of RPG9 - Regional transport strategy (2004, ISBN 9780117539204); Ashford growth area (2004, ISBN 9780117539211); Energy efficiency and renewable energy and tourism (2004, ISBN 9780117539341); Milton Keynes and south midlands sub-regional strategy (2005, ISBN 9780117539426); Waste and minerals (2006, ISBN 9780117539679). The part A statement of the Milton Keynes sub-regional strategy continues to apply, but otherwise all these documents are replaced in relation to the south east.

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South East of England (known as the South East Plan) sets out the long term spatial planning framework for the region over the years 2006-2026. The Plan is a key tool to help achieve more sustainable development, protect the environment and combat climate change. It provides a spatial context within which Local Development Frameworks and Local Transport Plans need to be prepared, as well as other regional and sub-regional strategies and programmes that have a bearing on land use activities. The Plan includes spatial policies for: the scale and distribution of new housing; priorities for new infrastructure and economic development; the strategy for protecting the countryside, biodiversity and the built and historic environment; and, tackling climate change and safeguarding natural resources. The Plan also incorporates the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) and will be supported by an implementation plan. Sub-regions identified in this Plan will be the focus for growth and regeneration. The sub-regions are defined as: South Hampshire, Sussex Coast, East Kent and Ashford, Kent Thames Gateway, London Fringe, Western Corridor and Blackwater Valley, Central Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury Vale and Gatwick. This plan replaces the existing Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9, March 2001), ISBN 9780117535626. This plan also incorporates policy stemming from partial reviews to RPG9 carried out since 2001. The South East Plan is accompanied by a CD-ROM. The South East Plan is divided into four key sections: Section A - Introduction and overview; Section B - Core Regional Policies - Sustainable economic development, Housing, Transport, Natural Resource Management, Waste and Minerals, Countryside and Landscape Management, Management of the Built Environment, Town Centres, Tourism and Related Sports and Recreation, and Social and Community Infrastructure; Section C - Sub-Regional Policies; and, Section D - Implementation, Monitoring and Review; Appendix 1 - Saved Policies; and, Glossary.