RA2 (iii) makes adequate reference to tourism within the general strategy for the countryside.

RA2 (vii) should be deleted. The purpose of this policy sub-clause is ill-defined.

What could "respond to identified local needs" mean and lead to in the context of tourism? What does "scale and location in keeping with the rural character of the countryside" really mean and add?

This is an overarching strategy for the countryside but there is specific reference to "touring caravan and camp sites". Yet touring caravan sites are not referred to in Policy EC6, the Tourism Core Policy, save perhaps in the supporting text which promotes the replacement of "older caravan provision" with holiday lodges.

The policy is unclear, unsuitable for overarching countryside strategy, replicates content which should fall within a Core Policy only and promotes a different type of development to the Tourism Core Policy, as it is currently drafted.

Please read in conjunction with Objection to EC6 and tourism text.



RA2 (viii)

Delete "generally" and replace with "conserve and enhance natural beauty".

83% of the district is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there is nothing within this overarching strategy to recognise the designation exists and that it is important.

It is RDC's statutory duty to conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.