Question 5 re. the most effective and appropriate means of increasing the income available to local people

Comment

Representation ID: 18537

Received: 07/12/2006

Respondent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

Agent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

Opportunities must be taken to make Rother a more attractive place for business investors. These should include facilitating regeneration, improving the district's image, taking advantage of the coastline and other water environments, and reducing out-migration of workers.

Comment

Representation ID: 18559

Received: 07/12/2006

Respondent: Tourism South East

We are disappointed that tourism/visitor economy opportunities do not have greater prominence. There are references to tourism but these tend to be fragmented. Given the importance of this sector to the economy and social well-being of Rother, we would expect it to have its own section. Guidance on tourism policies are contained in the South East Plan and the recently updated RPG9. Both give due regard to the benefits associated with policies which encourage the wise growth and management of tourism. TSE has produced its own guidance for local authorities preparing LDFs (enclosed with letter).

Comment

Representation ID: 18560

Received: 07/12/2006

Respondent: Tourism South East

Tourism SE have undertaken work with local authorities across the SE to better understand supply and demand issues for hotel accommodation. Their purpose has been to ensure LDF policies which take account of specific local circumstances and market demand. We have produced planning guidance on the issue of accommodation retention in response to increasing pressures for hotels to convert to residential (enclosed with letter). This could be an issue for Rother and, if so, should be addressed in the issues document.

Comment

Representation ID: 18563

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

The new college at Hastings will be a general further education college, not a sixth form college as stated in the Issues and Options document.

Comment

Representation ID: 18564

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

Depending on the future volume and nature of business, there should be sufficient stock of suitable, adaptable and modern premises. Even knowledge based industries require this, so if the District can to help grow and attract such businesses, then the availability of premises is crucial.

Comment

Representation ID: 18565

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

Although it is not in the gift of the Council to determine the nature of business arbitrarily, it can support the creation of a balanced environment in which businesses can operate. In the section on Housing it seems as though a younger population is envisaged. The link between this and the number of Rother and Hastings residents attending University College Hastings will make an economic difference if the right businesses are in the District or can be started.

Comment

Representation ID: 18566

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

An increase in part time employment is implied. An assumption from this would be that without active policies for full time employment in new and existing businesses, the average income would fall and so this should be an issue for debate in any assessment of tourism trends. The prospect for employment in the childcare industry would also require exploration.

Comment

Representation ID: 18567

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

An important consideration is the proportion of businesses trading outside the District. One way to achieve longer-term economic prosperity is to have businesses residing in the District which earn profits from elsewhere. This is essential for maintaining a regeneration impetus through improved business performance.

Comment

Representation ID: 18568

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

The Issues and Options document needs to confirm a positive relationship between the Council’s policies and business support services principally delivered through 1066 Enterprise. There is a link between business support and workforce skills, hence Train to Gain.

Comment

Representation ID: 18571

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Learning and Skills Council Sussex

LSC is working directly and through partnerships to improve vocational education services in the District. Expected improvements in the numbers of residents progressing from further education will help bring about a form of education led regeneration sought in the recently published Regional economic Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 18576

Received: 29/01/2007

Respondent: Crowhurst Parish Council

All the matters outlined here can be addressed and moved forward if the area's isolation through poor main roads and inadequate rail services from London are addressed. We have to recognise that we can only do so much in isolation. The example of Brighton's development shows that fast road and rail links to London are essential. Major employers will not come to locate here otherwise.

Comment

Representation ID: 18599

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

Barriers to prosperity include;
¨ Council tax for those on fixed incomes
¨ Business rates retained by central government
¨ Burdensome workplace legislation
¨ Planning restraining premises conversion for small, rural businesses
Out-commuting brings in money to be spent locally but there is a strong need for improved public transport links.
Sustainable tourism â€" improved public transport to tourist hubs and better links to cycling/walking networks.
Land based industries encouraged to provide locally produced food etc to counter the availability of supermarket goods.
Local education provision is essential for sustainable and supportive community networks.

Comment

Representation ID: 18612

Received: 31/01/2007

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Improving transport infrastructure will facilitate business growth and thereby enhance individual prosperity/living standards. There is plenty of commercial/industrial capacity at Rye Harbour.

Comment

Representation ID: 18636

Received: 31/01/2007

Respondent: Rye Conservation Society

Sustainable progress requires guiding principles for future development which should be integral to planning, management and promotion.

Tourism should reflect the character of the place it is sited however no element of the environment should automatically be seen as static. Just as tourism should adapt to the environment in certain areas, so elsewhere it may be appropriate to adapt the environment to accommodate tourism.

The response to out-commuting should be dictated by sustainability. Improvements to public transport would permit increased out-commuting to Hastings from Bexhill for example though not many residents would regard such travel to work as out-commuting.

Comment

Representation ID: 18654

Received: 01/02/2007

Respondent: Croudace Strategic Ltd

Agent: Charles Planning Associates Limited

Croudace considers that the Core Strategy should include a policy which states that wherever possible existing employment sites should be retained as employment sites unless exceptional circumstances can be justified to support alternative uses. Such a policy is especially required given the increased land values of sites within existing urban locations for residential use and to ensure that existing settlements retain employment sites to promote their long term sustainability .

Comment

Representation ID: 18679

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Rastrum Ltd.

Agent: DMH Stallard

Rastrum is eager to expand its operation. The company cannot meet the significant and increasing demand for its services. The use of small/medium sized ports is recognised as a means by which reliance on road transport can be reduced. It is crucial that Rother encourages a wide range of employment opportunities so those who do not want to work in the service, tourism or agriculture sectors can stay in the area and contribute to growth. The LDF should support the harbour as a focus for regional growth and employment in accordance with Rye’s historic status as a successful port.

Comment

Representation ID: 18680

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Rastrum Ltd.

Agent: DMH Stallard

Rastrum is eager to expand its operation. The company cannot meet the significant and increasing demand for its services. The use of small/medium sized ports is recognised as a means by which reliance on road transport can be reduced. It is crucial that Rother encourages a wide range of employment opportunities so those who do not want to work in the service, tourism or agriculture sectors can stay in the area and contribute to growth. The LDF should support the harbour as a focus for regional growth and employment in accordance with Rye’s historic status as a successful port.

Comment

Representation ID: 18687

Received: 02/02/2007

Respondent: Mr. A. Miskin

Agent: DMH Stallard

Commuter links with Hastings should continue to be supported. Hastings provides employment for local people, avoiding extended out commuting to areas such as London, which in turn has negative impacts for the environment and the local economy.

Further, the local commuting pattern should be supported by locating homes in places which allow people to travel to these local jobs. Therefore, in answer to question 5 we do not think that the local authority should seek to reduce out-commuting.

Comment

Representation ID: 18730

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Mr Basil Streat

If the town is said to be too full of retired people can we not prevent the building of yet more tower blocks and retirement homes?

Comment

Representation ID: 18745

Received: 09/02/2007

Respondent: Bexhill and District Gardens & Allotments Society

The Council should expand on the success of the Local Farmers’ markets which reflects the demands for locally produced and locally available produce and which meets sustainable provision of goods through cutting down on transporting goods over unnecessary distances.

Comment

Representation ID: 18754

Received: 09/02/2007

Respondent: PREM (Rooster) Limited

Agent: Montagu Evans

Support continued focus of economic regeneration and employment on the Sussex Coast area.

Existing policies safeguard employment sites and suggest that the lack of new accommodation coming forward may require this position to be maintained. Each case should be judged on its own merits and following a period of marketing to explore market demand for the site, it should be recognised that an alternative use or mixed development scheme should be progressed.

Support mixed-use schemes, which can help to achieve viable commercial developments.

Should encourage small business units and â€~live-work’ units.

Comment

Representation ID: 18764

Received: 09/02/2007

Respondent: East Sussex County Council

With reference to question 5 The District Council can support the "educational sector" in two key ways. Firstly as planning authority in respect of supporting the necessary infrastructure at existing and new education sites. This is particularly significant as funding is promised by Government to refurbish or replace schools over the next 10- 15 years. Secondly as a partner in terms of linkages with local communities and local businesses.

Comment

Representation ID: 18810

Received: 13/02/2007

Respondent: AmicusHorizon Ltd (Rother Homes)

We encourage home working by providing home working spaces in many new dwellings. This also has the advantage of reducing car usage.

Comment

Representation ID: 18840

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Environmental Group

Theme 2: a much stronger emphasis should be put on encouraging mixed use, in existing and proposed developments. Only by combining living, working, shopping, leisure and other day-to-day activities within walking distance of one another, can the reliance on the motorcar be obviated.

Comment

Representation ID: 18853

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

We consider the plan should include positive policies to support sustainable tourism development and in particular the improvement and upgrading of tourism attractions and visitor facilities where appropriate. This would be in accordance with policies in the draft South East Plan. Positive encouragement should also be given to rural diversification projects as a means of supporting the rural economy.

Comment

Representation ID: 18872

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

We are glad to note that you are keen to stimulate economic opportunities in the district, specifically taking into account the needs of land based industries that help conserve and enhance the countryside (para 6.25). Within forestry the stimulation of the market for woodfuel and firewood would help to secure jobs in the rural economy, and ensure sustainable woodland management with its benefits for landscape and biodiversity. The stimulation of the market for these products could be helped by setting a % requirement for renewable energy in new building and help to refurbish existing buildings, particularly with woodfuel boilers.

Comment

Representation ID: 18882

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

Commercial firms operating from more remote premises have led to a reduction in occupancy rates of commercial estates in Market Towns and villages. Much of the commercial floorspace in such locations is outmoded, however we consider that they have value. The suggestion that further encouragement may be given to rural enterprises which can have a positive role in contributing to a working countryside is welcomed. The countryside will in the future be characterised by rural enterprise, including tourism, recycling and biomass energy generation, and other activities that rely on a close relationship with the land.

Comment

Representation ID: 18930

Received: 19/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Voluntary Action

Skills land and premises and a modern communications infrastructure are the key. Public sector can assist prosperity by creating an enabling environment to allow public sector to develop faster. Barriers to business growth are skills, land and communications. Any unmet needs for business land and premises would be clearer in situations of high growth rates. Out commuting brings net wealth inflow to the District. Better work opportunities may lessen tendancy. Commuters also provide economic base for train companies, without which other travel times may not be sustainable. Second homes/investment may have greater negative impact.

Comment

Representation ID: 18931

Received: 19/02/2007

Respondent: Rother Voluntary Action

Enabling end encouraging the private sector to flourish can promote sustainable tourism, land based industries and others with links to local distinctiveness will be encouraged by ensuring there is a market for their goods and services. Affordable and accessible public transport could support part time working. Needs of individuals in helping to continue to improve education and skill levels identified in connection with economic development/regeneration initiatives.

Comment

Representation ID: 18994

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

We are glad to note that you are keen to stimulate economic opportunities in the district, specifically taking into account the needs of land based industries that help conserve and enhance the countryside (paragraph 6.25). Within farming securing producers with local outlets reduces food miles and encourages viability of less productive land (ie flower rich meadows, small fields bounded by hedgerows).