Comment

Development and Site Allocations (DaSA) Local Plan - Options and Preferred Options

Representation ID: 22583

Received: 19/02/2017

Respondent: Russel Cole

Representation Summary:

Whilst we understand the necessity for building more houses we are very concerned about the proposed increased in dwellings in Catsfield. I believe this is the highest percentage increase of any village in Rother.

Catsfield is a small village and such an increase will dramatically alter it's character and community spirit.

The infrastructure of the village isn't designed to cope with a large increase in residents.

We have serious concerns about safety on The Green which is a very busy road, both adding junction where there are already frequent accidents and regarding the pedestrian crossing regularly used by school children

Full text:

1) With a conservative estimate of average of 3 people per dwelling this would still be an approximate 30% increase to the size of the village. We are concerned that the village infrastructure will not be able to cope with this. The school is already over-subscribed, the village shop is small, there is no G.P. surgery etc.

2) 35 houses behind the pub is too concentrated in one location. Would it not be better to have something like 20 houses behind the pub and 15 on one or more of the other designated sites around the village?

3) The site behind the pub has a high level of ground water and frequently floods. Images available here: https://goo.gl/photos/Vj7ws4rfsdhvmD74A

4) We are very concerned that the road is already very busy and dangerous. There are regular accidents at the junction of the Church Road and The Green. Adding another junction at the point will add to this danger.

5) You propose to move the pedestrian crossing north. Where exactly, as there are driveways on either side all the way up The Green to Church Lane? If the pedestrian crossing is moved north it is very likely that school children getting off the bus, and going to the shop, won't use it and will cross the main road at the bus stop, increasing the risk of accidents on a very busy road.

6) I am concerned that as a public consultation, insufficient effort has been made to inform the residents. I have just knocked on most doors on The Green to remind people of the deadline and only c20% were aware that the consultation was happening. Considering this is a change that will affect the lives of everyone in the village, there have been no obvious signs, no letters, no public meeting etc.