The wording of Policy DEC3 should be made more positive in actively supporting and not just permitting comprehensive redevelopment of employment sites where this would facilitate access and environmental improvements and reduce development pressures on unsuitable locations. The wording of the Policy should also make it clear that where necessary and appropriate to facilitate these aims and to enhance investment potential neighbouring employment sites should be considered together for comprehensive redevelopment.

An example of where a more positive approach is needed is the Ravenside retail park and the neighbouring Brett Drive industrial estate. Both suffer from tired and in many cases sub-standard buildings, a very inefficient internal road layout, parking congestion on estate roads and backing up of traffic onto the main roads. There is also significant unused potential from the generally single storey retail development and the extensive "air-space" over the Ravenside car park. Since the opening of B&M and Marks and Spencer and the Link Road (and since the preparation of the Review of employment sites) there has been a very noticeable increase in footfall and traffic attracted to Ravenside. Recent inappropriate proposals for restaurants on the Glyne Gap field also indicate that there is unmet demand for increased investment in this area

There doesn't seem to be provision in the Bexhill Allocations Chapter for the proposal of new policies. It follows from the above however that there should be a further BEX policy encouraging the comprehensive joint redevelopment of the Ravenside retail park and Brett Drive industrial estate. The Policy should set out appropriate criteria for redevelopment to take place - which should include providing for suitable replacement premises for employers unable to afford upgraded premises.