Planning policy

The future development of our region requires imaginative and large-scale planning.

We support development that provides the right kinds of jobs, homes, and transport links for our residents.

Our rich and diverse environment is integral to our region’s health and prosperity. Understanding and valuing the benefits our natural environment provides to people, place and nature, is crucial. Well-planned and managed green infrastructure – including rivers, ponds, parks, trees and allotments – help us maximise the benefits and value we derive from our natural assets, including clean air, plentiful water, health and climate.

The Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy (JGIS) has been produced and endorsed by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils. As part of the published JGIS, an Action Plan (2020-23) integrates wider activity to address green infrastructure related requirements of Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and Environment Bill (2019/21).

Planning policy

Placemaking Charter

The West of England Combined Authority and the region’s local authorities are committed to bringing forward clean, inclusive growth and creating healthy, happy places that contribute to addressing the climate and ecological emergencies.

The Placemaking Charter provides a framework for developers, communities and public sector partners to create better places that are: future-ready; connected; biodiverse; characterful; healthy and inclusive.

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Further information and links

Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy (JGIS)

Well planned and managed, functioning Green Infrastructure (GI) is crucial for people, places and nature and is a key component in addressing environmental impacts including climate change and biodiversity loss.

JGIS Action Plan

The JGIS Action Plan integrates wider activity to address green infrastructure related requirements of Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and Environment Bill (2019/21).

Spatial Development Strategy

Work on the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) has been halted and is not being progressed by the West of England Combined Authority. This information sets out the previously published work undertaken by the Combined Authority and its partners on the SDS process.