Regional Planning Guidance and Statements (RPG/RSS) - England

The objective of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. The RSS, incorporating a Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), provides a broad development strategy for the region for a fifteen to twenty year period. The RSS also informs the preparation of Local Development Documents (LDDs), Local Transport Plans (LTPs) and regional and sub-regional strategies and programmes that have a bearing on land use activities.

Following the enactment of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) became part of the statutory development plan and has been renamed as Regional Spatial Strategy.

In each region, Regional Planning Bodies (RPBs), in consultation with the Government Offices (GOs) and other regional stakeholders, are responsible for preparing drafts of these documents.

The draft is then subject to public examination before being issued in final form, following public consultation, by the Secretary of State. Once approved by the Secretary of State, the document provides the strategic framework within which each region's development plans and local transport plans are prepared.

North West

As a result of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, the existing Regional Planning Guidance for the North West (RPG13) became the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West (external link). It includes the Regional Transport Strategy.

The document was published in March 2003.