Question 2 re. managing future uncertainties

Comment

Representation ID: 18506

Received: 30/11/2006

Respondent: HOWARD HUTTON & ASSOCIATES

Agent: HOWARD HUTTON & ASSOCIATES

Many local authorities, after years trying to keep development out of their areas, now recognise the stagnation such a protectionist approach produces and are embracing a growth strategy which can bring with it urban renewal as well as increasing employment, housing and general prosperity.

Uncertainty can be addressed through the plan monitor and manage approach providing the Council identifies sufficient land for development in the first place and then phases its release in a timely fashion based on the results of accurate annual monitoring

Comment

Representation ID: 18518

Received: 06/12/2006

Respondent: Aroncorp Ltd

Agent: Broadlands

The high level of need for affordable housing dictates a bold approach to the rate of growth in Rother. Neither of the approaches set out at paragraphs 3.21 or 3.22 will provide a satisfactory foundation on which to secure the necessary step change in the provision of affordable housing. A bold approach to housing with the allocation of large strategic sites, including Greenfield is required where development of a meaningful quantity of affordable housing can be assured.

Comment

Representation ID: 18534

Received: 07/12/2006

Respondent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

Agent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

In this context it is vitally important that the Core Strategy adopts a strategy that stimulates growth and provides the opportunities for investment. A conservative approach to growth will not achieve this. It will simply perpetuate the weak economy and levels of social deprivation that currently exist. The Council must take a more proactive approach and create the opportunities for economic growth that are currently missing.

Comment

Representation ID: 18573

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Crowhurst Parish Council

The new concept of village action planning should assist to reduce uncertainties. A steady growth, etc., should be aimed for rather than "an early growth impetus" as outlined at 3.24 to avoid dangers of a "stop/go" scenario. To reply upon the link road providing the answer to growth problems may be misplaced - paragraph 3.22, which could lead to a setback if hopes are not realised.

Comment

Representation ID: 18609

Received: 31/01/2007

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Rother's 'rate of growth' should be guided by employment growth (in turn linked with improved transport infrastructure). Inward migrating 'retirees' should not be encouraged.

Comment

Representation ID: 18651

Received: 01/02/2007

Respondent: Croudace Strategic Ltd

Agent: Charles Planning Associates Limited

Croudace supports the proposed Core Strategy timeframe to 2026. It is necessary for the Core Strategy to sufficiently flexible to respond to change. It is essential that the Core Strategy, and all other emerging LDF documents, include sufficiently flexible policies to respond to delays in the delivery of housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 18676

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Rastrum Ltd.

Agent: DMH Stallard

A conservative approach to growth is likely to produce half-hearted and self-defeating policies. But this does not mean that the LDF should set unattainable and unsuitable aims for growth and economic regeneration. The LDF must set bold but achievable goals that will have a tangible effect on economic regeneration.

By alleviating the infrastructure problems associated with the area Rother will automatically appear more attractive to outside investors. Recently, some businesses have relocated to the Harbour Road employment area from Hastings, this trend should be encouraged by adopting a positive policy approach to appropriate development along Harbour Road.

Comment

Representation ID: 18718

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: English Village Projects

Agent: Evison & Company

Essential that proper account is taken of which areas remain a precious oasis of tranquillity. Their loss would be tragic and irreversible. Counties closer to London should sound a warning that the relentless pressure for change, if mismanaged, can erode, initially imperceptibly, the essential qualities of such areas, until they are lost forever.

The absolute rate of growth and its management should be approached correctly. That may involve a more sophisticated approach to the balance of development than is found in the present area strategies.

Comment

Representation ID: 18864

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

We consider that a more conservative approach to growth with â€~’provision for a steadily increasing level as the economy and infrastructure improve’’ is best, though dynamic opportunities for regeneration which are environmentally friendly should be sought.

Comment

Representation ID: 18871

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Climate change is an issue of great importance to Rother District. However adapting and mitigating against climate change brings some opportunities. In this district there is particular opportunity to mitigate using renewable energy. The woodland cover in the district and rural nature means that is its particularly well situated to support development of woodfuel for local and district heating systems.

Comment

Representation ID: 18880

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

The provision of appropriate infrastructure is a key factor in providing for growth and change in an acceptable manner, but is a process characterized by inherent delay and cost increases. Therefore decisions should not be delayed to accommodate new growth, as this may have social and economic implications. Similarly, it is unrealistic in our view to expect major infrastructure to be provided in the Development Framework. The LDF process is as yet uncertain and untested as far as the property markets are concerned, and this does not sit comfortably with the levels of confidence required for private sector investment in infrastructure -the only realistic way in which infrastructure-Ied development is likely to emerge.

Comment

Representation ID: 18891

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Persimmon Homes South East

Agent: Bell Cornwell

In terms of housing, the most appropriate rate of growth for Rother is that which is consistent with The South East Plan when it is finally approved.

In wider terms, the Core Strategy has to be robust enough to accommodate a range of options. Realistic spatial options should be properly considered and assessed through the SA/SEA process and set out clearly when the Preferred Options are published.

Comment

Representation ID: 18904

Received: 16/02/2007

Respondent: Councillor David Vereker

Our regeneration has been slow. Paragraph 3.23 is the answer, ie a more conservative approach to growth, with a provision for a steadily increasing level as the economy and infrastructure provision improves.

Comment

Representation ID: 18924

Received: 19/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Voluntary Action

Splitting the area in to " coastal urban"; It is agreed that there are widely different constraints and opportunities between the two. However the centralisation of services means that the importance of Bexhill and Hastings as primary service centres for the rural hinterland should not be ignored. This means that transport systems in the area are of paramount importance.

Comment

Representation ID: 18961

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: The Planning Bureau Limited

The second point raised in the Core Strategy "Question 2" relates to meeting the needs of both younger and older generations. Personally I do not see this as a big problem as most Districts/Cities/Boroughs have succeeded with this. The balance should be made with supplying the area with services that are vital for the needs of elderly people, but also those for young people. This can be done with music shops, pubs, clubs, clothes shops, but also balanced with charity shops and other services used regularly by elderly people.

Comment

Representation ID: 18990

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Climate change is an issue of great importance to Rother District as it is a coastal district and areas of floodplain. However adapting and mitigating against climate change brings some opportunities. In this district there is particular opportunity to mitigate the impacts using renewable energy (wood biomass, solar energy, small hydropower plants and wind). The woodland cover in the district and rural nature means that is its particularly well situated to support development of woodfuel for local and district heating systems.