RDS Spatial Development Strategy and Regional Framework

The RDS aims to create conditions conducive to achieving further sustainable economic growth, and includes a Spatial Development Strategy that provides the framework for identifying "a range of development opportunities for job creation across the Region, capable of accommodating emerging and new growth sectors of the economy and suitable for a variety of business sizes; opportunities which are attractive to inward investment, and to the creation and expansion of indigenous businesses and community enterprises". It identifies a strategic network of hubs, corridors and gateways as the focus for economic activity and development opportunities, and places an emphasis on reducing the need for travel by making use of good connections to Key Transport Corridors within the Regional Strategic Transport Network. Overall, the RDS aims to provide a framework for sustainable regional growth by promoting town centres as major locations for economic growth, by focusing on the re-use of previously developed land, and by supporting the principle of mixed use development.