Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18595

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

This document together with the Profile fairly accurately reflects the characteristics of the district and its population's aspirations. The problem arises in assessing needs and drivers for change in any priority and due to the complexity of and interchange of factors.

Improvements and actions should now be led by firstly taking regard to the threat of climate change and the use of the limited resources available in this district. Greater emphasis must be placed on sustainability to secure the future of coming generations.

A balance must be achieved between securing the well being of those living here whilst ensuring the improvements to bring this about do not lead to further demands being made on improved infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 18596

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

The aim should therefore be to maximise outcome from existing resources by greater efficiency in their use. Infrastructure is not sufficient for the current demands on it.
A prime example is that of road building -a road is built to relieve a problem but in a short time it invites further use of the road and thus promotes a greater number of cars.

Comment

Representation ID: 18597

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

Housing provision too is a prime example. It is established that Rother will not be able to satisfy the number of demand-led new builds, central government target figures or even internal demand for affordable homes for local workers in the current market climate.
A lead must therefore be made at District level in setting out clearly the constraints to the lack of space for new building dictated by the large area of outstanding natural beauty.

Comment

Representation ID: 18598

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

Housing is of great concern, particularly to those without their own home and/or in inappropriate accommodation. The fact that even if all the proposed new housing were affordable, it would not be sufficient should concentrate the mind of those influencing decisions.
The greatest demand is for smaller units for young/single people and the elderly. There are plenty of elderly people in inappropriate, large, unsustainable houses. Encouragement is needed for them to move to smaller units to free up large houses for families. A mix of housing supports good community support networks.

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: 18600

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

¨ Rother has good rail connections but weak road links. Poor interconnection between rail services and other public transport.
¨ Bus services to do not cater for return travel to larger centres from villages for work and evening travel for young people.
¨ Local services are closing. Elderly residents are unwilling/unable to travel to larger centres for shops and services. Local services can limit daily car travel.

Comment

Representation ID: 18601

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

¨ Lorries blight small villages and contribute to bottlenecks.
¨ Villages suffer speeding traffic and perceived accident danger. Highways do not always support parish-funded traffic calming schemes

Comment

Representation ID: 18602

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

¨ Car ownership will rise as long as it is relatively cheap compared to inflexible and expensive public transport. Minimum car parking provision will have to be made with new housing.
¨ A clear policy for how parking revenue is used is needed. Over-pricing encourages on-street parking. Restrictions in residential areas could prevent all day parking by commuters.

Comment

Representation ID: 18603

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

¨ IT will encourage more home working and less travel but not necessarily less business unit demand.

Comment

Representation ID: 18604

Received: 30/01/2007

Respondent: Etchingham Parish Council

Good air quality and overall environmental quality results in a better quality of life (mental and physical) with reduces demand for health services.
Sustainable buildings are essential. Renewable energy (wind, solar) should be encouraged to reduce overall energy demand.

Architectural heritage is greatly valued throughout the district and its preservation is important to preserve the district’s character. Careful design can develop variation with the aim of achieving sustainable buildings. Some Scandinavian design buildings have received consent on sustainability grounds but these need careful placing in the landscape.