Plan to increase Climate Change in South West

I have spent hours over the last weeks going over the monster-size 2 volume South West Regional Assembly's 'Draft Regional Spatial Strategy' (RSS) report. This sets out development for the region over the next 20 years. I've been helping with the Green party's submission to the RSS consultation process but also writing a report for Stroud District Council to help with their submission.

This RSS is probably the most important and influential planning document in the South West as it sets out development in the region until 2026 - yet despite some excellent bits, what we have, is a plan to increase climate changing CO2 emissions, when what we need is to cut emissions significantly. This is irresponsibility in the extreme.

The report's own Strategic Sustainability Assessment (SSA) states the RSS will lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Our Government must share the blame for a complete failure to lead on this issue: the plan to expand Bristol airport is a perfect example of the absurdity of their approach. The airport expansion alone will wipe out all other gains in CO2 emissions and force our local businesses to unfairly reduce their emissions further purely to compensate for increases in aviation.

Flawed economic forecasts

This Draft RSS is also based upon a prediction of economic growth which has disregarded many key factors like the expected large rises in fuel prices over coming years. At the very least the RSS must develop alternative plans that take account of different economic forecasts.

There is much more in the report - you can read our Green party submission under Reports on the Glos Green party site - It is a real pity the report doesn't adopt more of their SSA report - that even argues for an economic approach for our region that is less dependent upon our national and international links.

Stroud District Council applauded

The consultation closes today at 5.00pm and if all goes well Stroud District Council, as part of our Council's submission, is also going to question the lack of action on climate change and the economics. This is a hugely positive move and great that the current administration has given space for all parties to raise their concerns in committee meetings.

I hope there will be much protest at this unelected Regional Assembly's disregard for our future - have been talking to journalists this morning. What we need is a major rewrite of this Draft RSS so that it tackles climate change rather than adding to it.