Written question asked by Lord Cameron of Dillington (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 February 2008.

Transport: Somerset

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:In the light of proposals by the regional spatial strategy panel inspectors to build 63,000 new homes in Somerset by 2026, what plans they have to invest in the county's transport infrastructure between Taunton and Yeovil.

Answer: The Government are currently considering the independent panel’s report, along with all the representations previously submitted on the draft regional spatial strategy. At this stage no conclusions have been reached on any of the panel’s recommendations. We are aiming to publish the Government’s proposed changes to the draft regional spatial strategy in late spring. There will then be a 12-week period of public consultation on the proposed changes. Following consideration of comments and views arising from that consultation, we expect to publish the final regional spatial strategy by the end of 2008. The final regional spatial strategy will set out the regional priorities for transport investment needed to deliver growth and to meet wider objectives. We will take into account the final regional spatial strategy in determining the Government’s priorities for transport and other investment in infrastructure.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1777; 699 c54WA
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Construction Housing Infrastructure Transport Regional planning and development Somerset Taunton Yeovil
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk