Row deepens over East of England regional strategy

The spatial plan for the East of England has been caught up in a row between ministers and the regional assembly over the scale and location of development and its infrastructure requirements.

The East of England Regional Assembly has told Whitehall that the government's proposed changes to the draft East of England Plan were "neither deliverable nor sustainable".

The regional body has re-stated its position suspending support for the plan because of concern over what it regards as unresolved issues over transportation infrastructure, water supply, waste water treatment capacity and health service provision.

Members of the Assembly have objected to the government's proposed increase in housing provision and its stance that regional and local housing targets should be treated as minimums to be exceeded.

They have also voiced concern at government proposals for additional and relocated housing growth.

Assembly chairman councillor Sue Sida-Lockett said: "The Assembly is united in rejecting the need for 30,000 more homes, a second runway at Stansted Airport and more jobs and houses without much needed funding to support infrastructure."

The public consultation period for the proposed changes ends on 9 March.

More information from the East of England Regional Assembly website

Roger Milne

9 February 2007