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

Published by webmaster for Royal Town Planning Institute in Communities

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