Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18733

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

It is likely that an Evaluation of the Transport Impact (ETI) of the LDF proposals as a whole will be required. This is best addressed at the Core Strategy stage. An ETI helps devise measures to maximise modal shift and minimise car-based traffic. A simple assignment model could initially be used to identify the transport mitigation issues resulting from development proposals.

The HA currently has no major improvements within its Targeted Programme of Improvements (TPI) in Rother District, though there are schemes within Kent. The Baldslow junction scheme is likely to enter the TPI in 2007 and be constructed by 2011.

Comment

Representation ID: 18734

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

Against large developments occurring in Bexhill area in advance of completion of the Link Road.

There is tension between the need to provide sufficient parking to limit 'overspill' effects on the local network, but at the same time the oversupply of parking is likely to limit the effectiveness of demand management measures that are important in encouraging a reduction in travel and the use of sustainable modes. Demand associated with specific developments should be carefully managed. Take every opportunity to encourage the provision and use of sustainable transport modes.

Comment

Representation ID: 18735

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

Concerning air quality, the HA will need to consider whether development within the Local Development Framework (LDF) will cause a compliance problem from 2010, or make an existing forecast compliance problem worse. The HA may need to consider making representations in respect of the legality of the proposals and the soundness of the LDF.

Where the LDF relies on measures on the strategic road network, the HA may not be able to deliver these if the measures/development which they were intended to enable, would cause a compliance problem, whether or not the problem is in the vicinity of the trunk road.

Comment

Representation ID: 18736

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

Development of carefully sited community facilities supported, as may have potential to reduce the need to travel to larger urban areas and therefore meets objective to reduce the need to travel.

Comment

Representation ID: 18737

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

The HA is in favour of achieving accessibility through a greater choice of safe and convenient transport methods rather than private car based travel alone. The HA is therefore suggesting that, in order to fully comply with PPS12 Test of Soundness 4 and 7, local level land-use development strategies take the opportunity to reduce the need to travel and reliance on the private car, and encourage travel by sustainable modes.

Comment

Representation ID: 18738

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

The HA would expect that local planning authorities will assess the impact on the trunk road network of rural growth options. We would, therefore, like to see emerging policies that would minimise demand at source and require the mitigation of trunk road impacts throughout all stages of development planning, implementation and operation. This is particularly relevant to rural areas, as alternative transport choices tend to be limited, meaning that levels of reliance on the private car can be much higher than in urban centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 18739

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

The HA would expect that local planning authorities will assess the impact on the trunk road network of rural growth options. We would, therefore, like to see emerging policies that would minimise demand at source and require the mitigation of trunk road impacts throughout all stages of development planning, implementation and operation. This is particularly relevant to rural areas, as alternative transport choices tend to be limited, meaning that levels of reliance on the private car can be much higher than in urban centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 18740

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

Potential traffic and transport implications of all proposed development locations should be considered as a proactive input to the sustainable planning process. Where individual developments are likely to have significant implications, Transport Assessments needed, including Travel Plans. Travel Plans required for all types of development, including residential sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 18741

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

It is noted that there are traffic congestion issues in Battle. It is suggested that the Bexhill Hastings Link Road and an improved connection between Queensway and the A21 at Baldslow will remove traffic from Battle. We would be interested to discuss this further with you.

Comment

Representation ID: 18742

Received: 08/02/2007

Respondent: Highways Agency

It is noted that Rye Harbour is developed as an industrial area. This location is approximately 2.5kms away from the A259. As outlined above, the HA requests that a Transport Assessment is carried out for any large-scale developments. Any large-scale developments which would be accessed off Rye Harbour Road might require significant improvement to the junction with the A259, including a possible new bridge over the River Brede.