The Government has announced a consultation, regarding how the sub-national review will be moved forward. It seeks views on how Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) should be held to account once they assume the planning powers currently held by regional assemblies.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) believes it is vital that communities can influence the outcome of major planning decisions if RDAs are to be successful in overseeing spatial planning strategy.

Rynd Smith, RTPI policy director, said: “The sub-national review is a massive overhaul of the regional planning system and it is vital that whatever structure is introduced gives the public both a direct say in planning decisions through appropriate community engagement and an indirect one through the oversight of plans by elected representatives.

“The Government must make sure the economic, social and environmental effects of development are all properly considered in the policy-making process for new Single Regional Strategies. This will require a significant change in the culture and skills of the RDAs, which will need to broaden their existing economic remit. Regional planners will also need to adapt to these changes.”