Comments on Background Evidence Studies (Please clarify which)
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19609
Received: 29/01/2009
Respondent: Bodiam Parish Council
Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study.
A couple of minor updates and amendments regarding Bodiam Parish Council's stated views and aspirations on open space and recreation facilities. Parish Council plans for village hall no longer being progressed. Recreation ground rather than play area underused due to flooding problem.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19683
Received: 27/01/2009
Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry
Number of people: 3
Rural Settlements Study
Winchelsea Village Appraisal
Winchelsea is listed as having a particular need for employment. The demography of Winchelsea (over 50% retired) suggests otherwise. However, there is probably a net demand for certain types of services, mainly, care and domestic services. The real problem is lack of affordable local housing for service-providers.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19737
Received: 27/01/2009
Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry
Number of people: 3
OPEN SPACES, SPORT & REC STUDY and
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STRATEGY - WINCHELSEA VILLAGE APPRAISAL
A number of concerns expressed about content and an alternative version of RSS enclosed. Some of Allegged inaccuracies in RSS stem directly from Open Space Study. Also concern expressed that links between RDC and parishes not working effectively.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19815
Received: 23/01/2009
Respondent: Burwash Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
Part 2 Village Appraisals - Burwash, Burwash Common, Burwash Weald.
Some minor amendments regarding detailed information.
Burwash Weald and Common have possibilities for small scale development.
Doubtful of the ESCC Education Auth stats regarding projecetd numbers of pupils at school.
Reference to Parish Action Plan (due to be published soon) that suggests a low housing need but consideration for starter homes/flats and housing for the elderly.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19865
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY
Beckley & Four Oaks Village Appraisals
Find it troubling that they are treated as two villages. A lot of evidence sumitted in support of them being a single settlement.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19866
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY
Beckley & Four Oaks Village Appraisals
Dispute figures regarding current level of socially rented properties in village.
Query figure on pg 52 stating that 8.6% of housing stock is social housing. Suggest that 43 out of 134 dwellings in Four Oaks are social rented which represents 32% of stock.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19867
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY
Beckley & Four Oaks Village Appraisals
Query population figures for both villages. 2001 Census population figure for Beckley Parish is 950.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19868
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY
Beckley Village Appraisal
Dispute assertion on pg 8 para 5 that "Beckley enjoys a resonable range of services". Villagers feel that the parish is now poorly provided.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19869
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENT STRATEGY
Beckley & Four Oaks Village Appraisals
Additional info about employment opportunities submitted - a frozen food processing factory (Orchidwood Mushrooms) and an armaments factory (Manroy Engineering).
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19870
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
OPEN SPACE, SPORT & RECREATION STUDY and
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY - Beckley Village Appraisal
The play area on the Recreation Ground was considerably extended and improved within the last seven years thanks to the Parish Council, we are confused by your statement that "a new play area should be a medium term (3 to 5 years) priority for Beckley"
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19871
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
Beckley Village Appraisal
Recent OFSTED reports on Beckley school have found that pupils leave the school below the national average in Maths, while they have entered the school at above average ability.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19872
Received: 20/01/2009
Respondent: Beckley Parish Council
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
Beckley Village Appraisal
Note small scale allocation of affordable housing of up to 10 dwellings. We would be interested to be informed where and when you see this site being made available and who has made the decision that "developer's contributions should be used to facilitate a replacement play area".
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19891
Received: 25/01/2009
Respondent: Brightling Parish Council
Draft Rural Settlements Study, Part 1 Main Report Table 3 and Part 2 Village Appraisals p15 Brightling.
The inclusion of an affordable housing scheme in this document was premature. The parish council agreed to undertake some investigation about the possibility of a scheme and requested AirS to carry out a survey. Having received the results of the survey and held a public information day it has become clear that there is at present insufficient support of the scheme among the parishioners and the scheme has been dropped by the Council. All reference to a possible scheme in Brightling should therefore be removed.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19894
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS
Hurst Green pp 56-58
Local facilities and services: It needs to be noted that Hurst Green has seen a significant decline in services and community groups over the last few years. The latest has been the closure of the newsagents and post office as the owner retired. It should be noted that the Parish Council are progressing the establishment of a community shop and post office based on their consultation with residents through their Local Action Plan. The redundant Catholic Church site has been identified and work is progressing in terms of agreement with the landowner. There appears to be strong local support for this project.
Support for this should be evident in the LDF.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19895
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS
Accessibility: The A21 cutting through the village continues to be a major concern for residents and the Parish Council. The main concern is safety and the vigorous attempts to work with the Highways Agency have not resulted in the implementation of the several proposals from the Parish Council: an extension of the speed limit up to Ashdene Garage, a roundabout at Coopers Corner, bollards to prevent parking on the pavement in the centre of Hurst Green, a pedestrian crossing which does not just work when there is no traffic, improvements to allow traffic to exit more easily from Station Road. The Highways Agency's overriding concern is to keep traffic moving.
The by-pass is not scheduled to be considered until after 2016. The problems of the existing A21 through Hurst Green must be addressed. Residents should not be expected to suffer for at least another seven years.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19896
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS
Economic role and needs: The existence of the preferred route has allowed some local business and residents to clam blight. However, other businesses, which cannot claim blight remain blighted because of the uncertainty of the future over the by pass. There is some support for the preferred route to be removed allowing businesses along the A21 to plan for the future.
Housing needs: The Parish Council feel very strongly that there should be no additional housing in Hurst Green until the present issues of the A21 are resolved.
Community need: The preferred route of the by pass goes through the football field. Alternative land should be identified.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19897
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS The Parish Council have negotiated with a landowner and the provision of allotments is almost finalised.
The Parish Council would also wish to extend the play facilities to include equipment for older children. Young people in Hurst Green have stated they wish to have a place to meet and have youth activities. The Catholic Church may present an opportunity for this.
The Parish Council claim that stage field should be in their hands as it was part of Battle RDC, but as Hurst Green wasn't parished at the time it passed to RDC. The Parish would still wish to have this land devolved to them.
There has been concern over a number of years that the northern section of Hurst Green is not on mains drainage. There is evidence of sewage contamination.The water authorities should be pressed to introduce mains drainage.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19898
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS
Robertsbridge pp 83-85
The LDF should be robust in maintaining and supporting services in Robertsbridge; especially the retention of retail space and policies should reflect this.
As a service centre, the Parish Council and the community should be involved in negotiating and benefiting from 106 agreements.
Accessibility: Robertsbridge Station should be upgraded to present an attractive welcome to visitors and residents. Cycle racks should be provided.
The preferred route of the A21 north of Robertsbridge was met with strong local objections: the listed building Bantony has been left empty and is deteriorating at a rapid rate. The opening up of the north of Northbridge Street would be detrimental for Northbridge Street residents and encourage through traffic through the village. Pedestrians walking from the east of the village would have to negotiate a dual and a single carriageway. The development of a new road would exacerbate flooding. (In 2000, properties in Northbridge Street flooded from surface water, not fluvial flooding.)
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19899
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS:Housing Need: All surveys demonstrate the preference for affordable housing association housing rather than private, especially large houses. The Parish Council are against extensions making smaller affordable dwellings larger.
Robertsbridge is the only large village without its own dedicated accommodation for elderly residents. This has been a concern for some years and RDC have an opportunity to remedy this. An assisted housing scheme should be planned for Robertsbridge.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19900
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS Economic role and needs: Every survey from the Local Action Plan to the use of the Mill Site has demonstrated residents' wishes to see more employment opportunities in Robertsbridge. RDC's approach to the Mill Site as being substantially for employment use is strongly supported. RDC have an opportunity to ensure the site becomes a flagship for green businesses.The LDF provides an opportunity to enhance the local economy by supporting local producers and farm shops. This could be done by including a policy of allowing signage for these particular enterprises.
(I do not understand the division of Robertsbridge into geographic areas in terms of economic base.)
The rail link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam would attract visitors to Robertsbridge and support the local economy.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19901
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS Community need: Support should be given to the development of new cycle track/bridleways and footpaths as well as a higher maintenance standard and signage for existing paths.
A community sports hall based at Robertsbridge Community College is an identified need in Capita Symonds Leisure Facilities Strategy.
It should be noted that uniquely Robertsbridge has a dedicated building for childcare for children 0 to 11 years old open 48 weeks of the year
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19902
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS Environmental and landscape factors: Any new development in Robertsbridge will exacerbate the risk of surface water flooding. There must be strong policies required developers to address this issue. The Environment Agency will look towards the Local Authority in the first instance to control surface water run off via the planning process. It is recommended that a specific policy should address this for Robertsbridge.
Since the flood defences have been in place, two flash floods have inundated properties at some distance from the flood plain. Both schools have been flooded. Water cannot soak into tarmac or concrete and water runs off hard surfaces two to six times faster than off grassland. It is recommended that planning policies and decisions should recognise that the consideration of flood risk and its management needs to be applied on a whole-catchment basis and not restricted to flood plains.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19903
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
rss Environmental and landscape factors: Any new development in Robertsbridge will exacerbate the risk of surface water flooding. There must be strong policies required developers to address this issue. It is recommended that a specific policy should address this for Robertsbridge.
Since the flood defences have been in place, two flash floods have inundated properties at some distance from the flood plain. Both schools have been flooded. Water cannot soak into tarmac or concrete and water runs off hard surfaces two to six times faster than off grassland. It is recommended that planning policies and decisions should recognise that the consideration of flood risk and its management needs to be applied on a whole-catchment basis and not restricted to flood plains.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 19904
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Cllr Susan Prochak
RSS Developmental Potential: Recognising that Robertsbridge can be classed as a service centre should not entail a green light for large developments.
The majority of residents do not wish to see a green field site used for development unless it is an exception site. It should not be considered as given that Grove Farm should be developed just because it is in the Local Plan. The LDF is a different plan with a different process allowing residents to shape the document.
The preference for Robertsbridge would be to achieve the housing target by infilling, use of the Mill Site and the rear of Culverwells. Should the Link Road be delayed further than anticipated, the villages should not then bear the burden of increased development. Solutions to development in Bexhill should be found, ideally now as a back up position. The rural areas have already taken more development than Bexhill, which after all is the predominant service centre.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20029
Received: 29/01/2009
Respondent: Mr. Grey Metcalf
Rural Settlement Study.
The comments about the Memorial Hall need updating. Since failing to win funds from the Big Lottery Fund for a new hall it nwo seems more realistic to refurbish and extend the exisitng hall.
The comments about Development Potential need clarification.
Comment
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20038
Received: 23/01/2009
Respondent: R & BG Properties LLP
Agent: WS Planning
RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
My clients are concerned that this paper has discounted development, including infill in some rural settlements. This is considered to be very inflexible and not within the "spirit" of the soundness tests to be applied by the inspector at the future Core Strategy EIP.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20169
Received: 28/01/2009
Respondent: Persimmon Homes South East
Agent: Bell Cornwell
Rural Settlement Strategy.
Whilst not a matter as such for the Core Strategy, we also note (subject to clarification from the officers) with respect to Northiam, the statement in the penultimate paragraph on page 75 of the Draft Rural Settlements Study that "slightly larger extensions to the development boundary in order to accommodate new dwellings may be feasible to the east of the village off the Main Street (sic)."
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20170
Received: 29/01/2009
Respondent: Mrs Jennifer Als
Rural Settlement Study
The comments on the Memorial Hall need updating.
The District Council should take into account the cnsiderable problems this village has with drainage.
Strongly opposed to the stated strategy of widening the village to the north or south of Main Street.
We do not favour extension of the village envelope to the western end of the village.
If land for development cannot be found elsewhere in the village and if landowners were agreeable, the land close to Jempsons Superstore would be the most suitable.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20218
Received: 03/02/2009
Respondent: Jempson's Superstore
Retail study: In addition the GL Hearn Retail Study Report of 2008 severely underestimates the turnover values of the existing and proposed extension to this supermarket in Rye. It must be considered that the figure of 1650 sq.m. resulted from this study and if the turnover data is wrong in the first instance it follows that the perceived extra retail need is subsequently flawed.
Object
Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions
Representation ID: 20219
Received: 03/02/2009
Respondent: Jempson's Superstore
Retail study cont: Furthermore consideration must be made to evaluate the extra requirement for bulky goods within the Rye catchment area. Our surveys show that 80% of customers drive to the urban centres of Hastings and Ashford for bulky goods with the resultant environmental impact this has on the area and in addition, the leakage of other trade types (convenience and everyday goods) that occurs on combined shopping trips. Therefore we would like to propose a need for this category to be included in the LDF document.