Question 4 re. planning for the diverse needs of all sections of local communities

Comment

Representation ID: 18926

Received: 19/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Voluntary Action

Acknowledgement required that top-down planning only is dead and that diverse communities need to be empowered and enabled to articulate their needs. Again the emphasis of this theme in the draft is on affordable housing. The Core Strategy should focus on building a community infrastructure that will continue to provide answers to this question. Housing is only one issue of many. Without job no house is affordable and without skills no job is attainable without suitable community infrastructure e.g., childcare, job choice is restricted.

Comment

Representation ID: 18929

Received: 19/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Voluntary Action

If redefined this theme could include physical infrastructure to support community development. Without places to go, and things to do, opportunities for individuals to come and meet each other are reduced lessening the chance of cohesive, engaged and active communities developing. There is a strong need to provide modern up-to-date community facilities

Comment

Representation ID: 18960

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: McCarthy and Stone UK Ltd.

Agent: The Planning Bureau Limited

Should concentrate on supplying private sheltered housing. High proportion of retired and nearly retired people. Elderly stay in their home a long time, resulting in under-occupation.

There is a shortage of private sheltered housing and stay put and adapt is not the best solution for many older people.

Private sheltered housing:-

. Increases availability of family type housing stock
. Helps people engage with the community
. Promotes independent living
. Is a home for life
. Benefits local economy significantly
. Alleviates pressure on the NHS
. Offers sufficient space and high standard specification for older people
. Transforms the quality of life of its residents.

Comment

Representation ID: 18962

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: Sussex Police

Government places great emphasis on the importance of crime prevention in both PPS1 and 'Safer Places’.

S17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 imposes an obligation on local authorities to “exercise their various functions with due regard to the likely effect on the prevention of crime and disorder”.

Rother has an excellent record of liaising with the Police. The document would be improved by stating “The authority supports the policy scheme ‾Secured by Design’. Planning applications will be expected to demonstrate how crime prevention has been considered and how the principles detailed in Safer Places have been adhered to”.

Comment

Representation ID: 18992

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

The need to build in green infrastructure within housing (see comments previously) for the well being of both people and the environment. Housing designed needs to reduce impacts on the global as well as local environment.