The East Midlands
Nottinghamshire is part of the wider East Midlands Region together with the historic counties of Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. It is a large and diverse region, with a population of about 4.2 million.
The principal urban areas are the cities of Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Lincoln and the county town of Northampton.
Regional Strategy
The planning system in England and Wales follows a plan-led system. This involves preparing plans that set out what can be built and where.
At regional level there are – Regional Spatial Strategies - each Regional Planning Body, such as the East Midlands, is responsible for preparing a Regional Spatial Strategy. This sets out things such as how many homes are needed to meet the future needs of people in the region, or whether the region needs a new major shopping centre or an airport.
The East Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), also known as the East Midlands Regional Plan, was approved by Government in March 2009. The Strategy sets out policies for the sustainable development of the region’s economy, infrastructure, transport, housing and other land uses over the period to 2026.
The County Council was involved in the preparation of the draft document through the East Midlands Regional Assembly. The draft was then subject to a public examination process followed by amendments by Government. Read the approved Regional Spatial Strategy [PDF 3.5MB] 
RSS Review
The East Midlands Regional Assembly is now in the process of reviewing the Regional Plan. A Draft Plan will be agreed in March 2010 and a Consultation will follow. It will later be subject to an Examination-in-Public in front of an independent Panel. The latest position can be viewed on the EMRA website at www.emra.gov.uk
Review of Regional Planning
Regional Planning is due to change on 1 April 2010. More details on the Local Authorities Leaders Board on which the County Council will be represented can be found on the EMRA Leaders Board website at www.emra.gov.uk
Regional Transport
Regional transport issues can be viewed under a number of regional web sites:
East midlands Assembly Transport Task Group (via the meetings and forums heading) at www.emra.gov.uk
Contact for Regional Planning
Planning Policy
Policy Planning and Corporate Services
Nottinghamshire County Council
4th floor, County Hall
Loughborough Road
West Bridgford
NG2 7QP
E-mail: development.planning@nottscc.gov.uk
Tel: 0115 9774545
