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NECC objects to planning blueprint changes

A North East business organisation has outlined its objections to the Government’s amendments to the blueprint for future planning needs in the region. The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has been one of the most outspoken critics of changes made by the Secretary of State to the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which the Chamber feels dilute the ambition of the region. A formal submission by NECC highlight its concern that revisions to the RSS “appear likely to make it more difficult to achieve the positive growth scenario envisaged by the strategy”.

James Ramsbotham, NECC chief executive, said: “The RSS, in the wrong hands, has the potential to kill the ambition of the North East – a region which is outgrowing all others at present. This is completely unacceptable. The Government should leave the growth of the North East in the hands of the business community. All we ask for is the infrastructure to empower businesses to reach new heights.”

The RSS is intended to govern the future growth of the North East and predetermines where major economic development projects will be sited. An original version of the strategy was drawn up with input from various bodies in the region. This document was then checked and modified by Government representatives.

NECC have declared that one of the most ‘disappointing’ aspects of the revised draft was the Government’s decision to include the statement that the “low cost of labour” will be a significant factor in attracting investment to the North East. NECC’s response accuses the Government of being “short-termist”, saying: “It sends a signal that the region is not concerned about attracting or growing knowledge-intensive businesses which rely on high skills rather than low wages. In fact, the reverse is true. Relying on a low wage economy is both undesirable and ineffective.”

The revised RSS draft has been out to consultation for the past ten weeks with all responses being fed back to the Government for consideration.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .