Definitions for "Regional Spatial Strategy"
Regional Spatial Strategy, often abbreviated to RSS, is a statement of Government planning policy for a particular region. RSS were introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and are intended to replace Regional Planning Guidance. Transitional provisions in the Act allow RPG to be used as RSS until a revised document has been prepared. In the East of England region, the relevant draft RSS is the emerging draft East of England Plan. RSS are intended to provide the framework for the preparation of development plans. They will set out the broad location and scale of new employment and housing development for up to 20 years ahead together with a range of strategic policies dealing with matters such as transportation, environmental resources, services and waste disposal, energy, tourism and recreation.
Regional Spatial Strategy documents set the framework for local transport plans, biodiversity plans and other strategies within different regions. These have replaced Regional Planning Guides and have strengthened the role and importance of regional planning.
The new type of policy guidance and advice issued for each region in England by the Secretary of State. These documents also replace the Structure Plans formerly produced by the County Councils. They indicate how a region should look in 15 to 20 years time. It identifies the scale and distribution of items such as housing, areas for regeneration, environment, transport and economic development.
Keywords:  west, assembly, south, policies, sos
Produced by the South West Regional Assembly. Sets out the SoS policies within the region.