Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18851

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

The five key themes identified in the document represent the main issues for the District over the next 20 years. We believe more emphasis should be given to the protection and enhancement of the unique character and identity of the district, in particular its countryside, historic towns and coast. These are what makes Rother a special place. Protection of these assets is paramount in contributing to the overall quality of life for residents and in assisting economic regeneration.

Comment

Representation ID: 18852

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

We support the aims of the existing Rother District Plan which remain appropriate for inclusion in the new Core Strategy. However aim no 1 could be strengthened by reference to the conservation and enhancement of the environment in urban and rural areas and in particular the landscape, biodiversity and heritage of the District. The National Trust supports the regeneration of urban areas, a focus on urban development and a priority for brownfield development to accommodate future needs.

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: 18854

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust considers that improved connections with region and London, relief of localised congestion and a reduction in car use can be achieved through improvements to public transport and in particular, improvements to both the rail network and rail services. We fully support traffic management measures and improvements to facilitate increased walking and cycling within urban areas as a means of reducing localised congestion and assisting in regeneration.

Comment

Representation ID: 18855

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

We support development at higher densities as a means of meeting future demands for development whilst protecting the natural environment and minimising the need for green field development. The plan needs to ensure high quality design in new development which reflects the architectural heritage of the District.

Further emphasis could be given to the protection and enhancement of the heritage of the district and its settings.

Renewable energy is supported in principle although we do not support on-shore or off- shore wind energy proposals that would cause significant damage to protected areas (particularly wild and unspoilt landscapes), to undeveloped coast, to marine wildlife and archaeology or would adversely affect natural coastal processes.

Comment

Representation ID: 18856

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

The South East Plan will ultimately set the targets for future development in the District over the plan period. We have consistently argued that to achieve sustainable development a 'capacity approach' is required which takes into account local needs and the potential of the region to accommodate growth. In Rother we would oppose higher levels of growth than those currently proposed in the South East Plan due primarily to the potentially unacceptable impact on open countryside and the High Weald AONB.

Comment

Representation ID: 18857

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

We find it difficult to comment on the three options put forward in this section in the absence of a plan identifying the land a little more clearly and a fuller assessment of the implications of each option. However, in principle the National Trust would support a strategy that focuses development in Bexhill (and Hastings) with restricted development in the other towns and rural areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 18858

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust supports the current objectives for Battle as set out in the Local Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 18859

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust supports the current objectives for Battle as set out in the Local Plan. We believe new development should be confined to infilling and redevelopment within the confines of the existing development boundary and therefore favour Option 2 for Limited Growth. Higher levels of growth and development outside the current boundaries would be likely to threaten the AONB and the historic setting of the town without delivering any real benefits and could aggravate rather than alleviate congestion.

Comment

Representation ID: 18860

Received: 14/02/2007

Respondent: The National Trust

We support the objectives for Rye set out in the existing Local Plan. We support a lower growth option limiting development to infilling and redevelopment within the confines of the town and would be likely to oppose proposals for development on the periphery which could adversely affect the very sensitive setting of this historic town.