47. Memorandum from the North
East Assembly (GMB 46)
The North East Assembly (the Regional Planning
Body) is currently preparing the first Regional Spatial Strategy
(RSS) for the North East. Within the current version of the draft
RSS the focus for the majority of development is to take place
in the contiguous built up areas of the Tyne & Wear and Tees
Valley conurbations. With the understanding that the conurbations
are the key economic drivers of the North East, the RSS Strategy
seeks to strengthen the regional economy by continuing to encourage
the focus of economic activity within and around the conurbations
and main towns, with particular emphasis on city and town centres.
Taking this approach will help to achieve a North East renaissance.
The current draft RSS sets out a policy framework
for new development including retail, entertainment, leisure,
business and other high trip generating uses to be focussed in
centres within defined urban areas as these are sustainable, accessible
locations. Potential major casino developments in the North East
would fall under this category and be subject to the overall policy
approach and criteria.
One NorthEast (the Regional Development Agency)
have recently undertaken a market assessment study on the possible
implications of major casino development in the North East. The
North East Assembly is to continue discussions with One NorthEast
in relation to the conclusions and recommendations of this Study,
as it may help to identify more specific locations where major
casino developments should take place in order to satisfy wider
economic, social and environmental objectives. These discussions
will assist the refinement of the draft RSS over the summer prior
to a public consultation of the draft RSS commencing towards the
end of the year.
I trust these comments will be considered by
the Joint Committee on this important area of policy.
July 2004
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