New MP Harriett Baldwin today announced that the end of the Regional Spatial Strategy is just one step away. The West Worcestershire MP confirmed that she has received written confirmation that the new coalition Government will abolish the RSS. This means that the top-down imposition of 25,500 homes across South Worcestershire will be halted and local authorities will get the chance to re-think housing development planning. She commented: “I have fought for the last two years to bring an end to this senseless strategy which has brought nothing but worry for people threatened by massive housing development. “As soon as I was elected, I wrote to the Government to seek assurances that the RSS abolition would remain as part of our plans in this new coalition government. “Today, Oliver Letwin MP, who negotiated the coalition agreement, wrote to me to confirm this has been agreed. Eric Pickles, MP, who is the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, will be responsible for implementing the pledge. “I will be communicating this fact to Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council and I am meeting with Worcestershire County Councillors on Friday when I know this issue will be discussed.” Harriett has championed this issue for two years and has invited Eric Pickles, Grant Shapps MP – Minister for Housing - and Sir George Young MP – leader of the House of Commons – to West Worcestershire to back her efforts. Harriett added: “I am pleased that we are a step closer to ending the threat of housing imposed under the RSS. Now we need sensible thinking to address our housing requirements in consultation with local people and their elected representatives.”