Cities report supports RTPI's vision for a national spatial plan

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) welcomes the recommendations of the ‘State of the English Cities’ report that Government should adopt a "national spatial strategy”. Launched today and described by the ODPM as a "landmark report” it identifies the need for clarity, certainty and a more strategic approach to future development, to help England’s cities join Europe’s top performers.

Robert Upton, Secretary General of the RTPI said: "We welcome the Report’s recognition that we cannot support our cities sufficiently without a national spatial strategy. This will enable us to develop complementary and supportive roles for cities based on the co-ordinated delivery of infrastructure.  This is long overdue.”

Clive Harridge, in his inaugural speech as President in January of this year said: "To deliver effective sustainable development it is clear the UK needs a national spatial strategy. How else can we effectively plan and deliver such complex and interconnected policies fundamental to climate change, environmental justice and sustainable communities? A national spatial strategy would join up regional and national strategies, and help provide the evidence upon which clear and informed decisions can be taken."

The RTPI formalised its call for a national infrastructure plan in November 2000 when it published the document, ‘Providing the links: The Case for a National Spatial Planning Framework’ and have continued to campaign on this issue. A further study has been commissioned from the University of Liverpool which is due to report within the next couple of months.

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Press release issued: March 7 2006