We are writing to inform your readers that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will now not be issuing the final version of the South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) at the end of June, as previously announced.

Following a High Court judgement that the plan in the East of England region did not meet certain requirements, the government have delayed publication of the South West plan, (Daily Echo, June 24) which will guide development in the region up to 2026, until the implications of this ruling are known.

This is disappointing as it means further uncertainty for authorities and other partners.

However, it does give government further opportunity to reflect on the significance of the scale of growth and change proposed. Given the recent slowdown of the economy and development, we suggest that the level of development proposed in the draft RSS is a more realistic approach, and also has the benefit of being broadly supported by local authorities and partners in the region.

We are urging the government to take this opportunity to consider carefully the implications for the South West, but to minimise further delays. Cllr Angus Campbell, chairman, Strategic Leaders’ Board & Mike Bawden, chair of the Regional Planning Group