Preamble

* The Bexhill Hastings Link Road underpins the Rother LDF. Whether or when it proceeds could be the difference between success and failure in delivering the councils vision in the core strategy.

* The council has decided to publish the proposed submission stage core strategy before a decision is made on funding the Link Road. A funding decision is expected in late 2011.

* The Plan as drafted contains in effect two strategies, one that is based upon the Link Road and one with it being further significantly delayed or cancelled. The latter is heavily reliant upon further work.

* Two days before the original 30 September 2011 deadline for the receipt of representations the consultation was extended to 11 November 2011. It is possible a decision could be made by that date on the link road.

* At the time of responding to the councils consultation we do not know what the outcome of the funding decision will be. The representations that follow have had to have been made in that context. They have been so worded so that as appropriate -

a. If a decision is made to proceed with the road with implementation circa 2014, my client finds the plan unsound in a number of key respects, or
b. If the road is significantly delayed or cancelled my client argues that the contingency plan is insufficiently developed as it would fail to meet the needs of the district.

* When later it is known hopefully what the funding decision is, given the significance of the Link Road, I would urge the council to consider re consulting on an amended plan that removes some of the uncertainty and presents a more coherent strategy.

Detail re Vision and Objectives

* The Council's vision and objectives should refer to the Link Road. The Plan is reliant upon this infrastructure for the development opportunities that it would provide. It is insufficiently clear that the Plan will meet needs District wide if the Link Road is delayed or cancelled.