Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) – Process Update.

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly published a Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy in November 2018, following significant engagement and consultations over the previous 12 months. This included the formal Pre-Draft RSES consultation that took place between November 2017 and February 2018.

The Draft RSES was the subject of public consultation during the period 19th November 2018 to 8th February 2019, together with associated Natura Impact Report and an Environmental Report, accompanied by a Regional Flood Risk Appraisal Report.

The NWRA examined the submissions received on its Draft RSES and prepared a Director’s Report to Members of the Regional Assembly in April 2019 outlining the issues raised and recommendations in respect of the content of the RSES. This report can be viewed on the link below together with copies of the submissions. Those submissions that related solely to RPO 115(a) and (b) – of which there were almost 800 have not been uploaded to the website as it would take considerable resources to enable them to be collectively in compliance with Data Protection requirements (GDPR). They can be made available upon request.

The Director’s Report, an Addendum to the Director’s Report and the Environmental Assessments were considered by the Assembly at its meeting on 26/4/19. The assembly adopted the reports referred to above and proposed material amendments to the Draft RSES.

It was also determined that the proposed material amendments required an SEA and AA to be carried out.

The Statutory Consultation Process in relation to the proposed Material Amendments is likely to commence next month and further updates will be provided when the exact date Is known.