Regional Plans "could have done more," says Beith

1.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Berwick's Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith has described the final version of the North East of England's Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) as a missed opportunity for our area.

On housing allocation figures given in the report, Sir Alan Beith said:

"It is very disappointing that the final figures for housing allocations have not increased since the draft RSS was issued in the spring, given the desperate needs for more affordable housing in both Berwick Borough and Alnwick District."

Despite representations, there have been no changes to the figures given in the draft RSS in the spring. The net dwelling provision for Berwick Borough is 85 homes per year between 2004-2011, a further 85 between 2011-2016 and 75 between 2016-2021. In Alnwick District, the net dwelling provision per annum is 105 homes between 2004-2011 dropping to 95 between 2011-2016 and dropping again to 85 between 2016-2021.

The RSS also looks at transport links and infrastructure throughout the North East, but stops short of demanding full dualling for the A1 between Morpeth and Felton, and north of Alnwick to the Scottish border.

Sir Alan Beith commented:

"I am glad the Regional Spatial Strategy recognises the importance of transport links to Scotland in terms of our economy, but it does not go far enough - the A1 north of Seaton Burn needs to be reclassified as a Route of Strategic National Importance and dualled along its full length, and I am continuing to campaign for this.

"The Regional Spatial Strategy could have gone further and done more to develop our economy and region."

A full version of the Regional Spatial Strategy can be found online at http://www.gos.gov.uk/gone/ourregion/regional_strategies/framework_4_future/?a=42496