'New Planning Role Presents a Challenge for Regional Democracy’ says RDA Board Member

The decision by Gordon Brown's government to give the planning powers of the English regional assemblies to Regional Development Agencies will present a challenge for regional democracy, says leading South West Development Agency member Duncan Hames.  

Speaking to Meeting Place Communications, Hames agreed that the decision to move stewardship of the regional spatial strategy from regional assemblies to regional development agencies has "left many questions unanswered as to how the model will work."

"The consultation on implementing these changes is a real opportunity to address the need for democratic accountability for regional spatial planning decisions."

"If the government does not do so, then there will be understandable concern that decision-making could become unconnected to the communities affected".

Last year Gordon Brown set the ball rolling for the disbanding of England's eight regional assemblies. By 2010 the transfer many of their powers, including those relating to planning go to regional development agencies (RDAs).  

When plans were announced in July 2007 Local Government Minister John Healey told MPs the aim was to "give local authorities and communities greater responsibility and opportunity to boost economic growth in their area."

He went on to say that proposed changes would "bring consultation and planning for jobs, homes, investment and the environment closer together ".

Interestingly the Minister claimed that that the changes would bring greater democracy to the regional planning process.   He claimed that the new arrangements would bring about a "Vision of a modern democracy in which power is exercised at the lowest level and those with power are held more clearly to account", comments met with derision in the House of Commons.

The debate about the changes has produced mixed views.

Paul de Zylva, Head of Friends of the Earth England, has said "The regional development agencies have a poor track record in doing the best for sustainable development and the environment. They need to go beyond simply talking green, put people and the environment first and stop pushing damaging developments for short term economic gain. We will watch to make sure they do."

Pat Steward, South West RDA Head of Planning and Transport, said: "This is a major step forward in delivering a fast, efficient, balanced planning process that recognises the role of business in achieving a successful low carbon economy. We also welcome its support for major infrastructure projects as well as continued urban renaissance and regeneration."

Meanwhile Conservative Party spokesperson for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, said in response to the Minister's statement that the Conservatives would not mourn the passing of the "unelected, unaccountable and unwanted" regional assemblies, although he added that making the RDAs the regional planning bodies in their place meant that this was "just a game of musical chairs, passing their functions from one distant regional quango to another."

Duncan Hames concluded by saying: "There has clearly been concern that these changes could leave decision making far removed from communities.  I think they provide the opportunity, if implemented well, to make the regional spatial planning more accountable and democratic."

Anna Sabine
Meeting Place Communications
March 2008