Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18790

Received: 12/02/2007

Respondent: Government Office for the South East

General comment: we would remind you that the Issues & Options stage is an interactive process. In particular we will look for evidence at the Preferred Options stage that you have bottomed out key issues with the Highways Agency, the Environment Agency and Natural England through the Issues & Options process to minimise the risk of objections from these bodies to your proposals.

Comment

Representation ID: 18791

Received: 12/02/2007

Respondent: Government Office for the South East

We want evidence that you are working towards making the key strategic decisions needed by the Preferred Options, to address housing/other strategic redevelopment requirements to identify broad locations in accordance with PPS12, paragraph 2.10. We want clearer objectives about what the core strategy is meant to do. Aims 1 - 5 appear weak in providing the strategic objectives required by PPS12, paragraph 2. What is the plan to deliver? Surely that forms the key objectives? Distinguish between plan and sustainability objectives and make Sustainability Appraisal objectives meaningful. Look at Hastings’ Core Strategy objectives and how your objectives might complement these.

Comment

Representation ID: 18792

Received: 12/02/2007

Respondent: Government Office for the South East

We note the reference to the ongoing assessment into the unmet accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers in paragraph 5.12. It would be helpful to have some indication of when the assessment is likely to be completed and the report published. Do you expect this to be in advance of the Regulation 26 Preferred Options stage of consultation?

Comment

Representation ID: 18793

Received: 12/02/2007

Respondent: Government Office for the South East

Has any thought been given to including a specific policy on renewable energy to take advantage of potential opportunities for using/managing the extensive area of woodland in the District to provide a source of/supply chain for wood fuel (and other wood products) for generating renewable energy locally? There could be associated potential benefits of more rural employment and improved woodland biodiversity and recreation access.

Comment

Representation ID: 18794

Received: 12/02/2007

Respondent: Government Office for the South East

Given the rural nature of the District, we are pleased to see thought has been given to producing a new, specific strategy for the rural areas of Rother. Of the four possible options/scenarios there appears to be substantial overlap between options 1 and 3, and similarly"- between 2 and 4, in relation to the guidance given in PPS7 for (a) focussing development in, or near, existing local rural service centres, together with (b) some provision for limited development in other rural settlements as well, respectively. How does your approach build on the provisions of the current local plan policy in relation to housing and other development?