Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18863

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

General comment: An interesting and challenging document with too much jargon, and more time should have been allowed for consultation.

The Key issues are too broad and comprehensive to be useful and need subdivision. Managing waste and water are equally aspects of Theme 4 and Theme 5.Profile of Section 3 and 4 does not put enough emphasis on the environment. Section on environment and transport in profile are weak. Drivers for change well identified, although more explaining required in relation to climate change.

Comment

Representation ID: 18864

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

We consider that a more conservative approach to growth with â€~’provision for a steadily increasing level as the economy and infrastructure improve’’ is best, though dynamic opportunities for regeneration which are environmentally friendly should be sought.

Comment

Representation ID: 18865

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

Aims in the Rother District Local Plan reasonable, simply stated and quite acceptable objectives. However any 'vision' for Rother should be bolder and more imaginative.

The 'refinements' in 4.13 are too waffly and vague and heavy with jargon.
There needs to be added a clear environmental aim and vision incorporating water, waste and energy. This is not done by 4.2. and Aim 1. How about a vision of putting Rother in the top ten areas in England (or SE England) or at least in the upper quartile -for best environment practice, renewable energy and recycling waste.

Comment

Representation ID: 18866

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

As in your 7.25, the Link Road will be of no use without a new link between Queensway and the A21. It would simply transfer congestion from one area to another.

The Link Road needs to be subject to a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

The Link Road should not be at the expense of better public transport but rather combined with public transport improvements, in particular the 'Metro Rail' Link with stations at Glyne Gap and Wilting.

Without better public transport the aims of the Link Road to reduce congestion would not be achieved.

Comment

Representation ID: 18867

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

In general we liked this section and its recognition of environmental targets in 8.12. However,
Waste Management and Waste Disposal should be tackled head-on here and not just in Section 9 i.e. in an environmental context. Why is Rother District Council introducing kerbside recycling and the diversion of waste from Landfill? Why do most people (and I believe members of RDC) oppose further landfill in Bexhill? Not as questions of infrastructure, but to reduce the effects of landfill on the Rother environment and to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

There should be also low-cost loans or grants for existing homeowners to install energy efficient equipment and planning restrictions on wind/solar panelling should be relaxed. New homes should be required to meet the highest standards of insulation and use green technology to produce most of their own heat and electricity .

Comment

Representation ID: 18868

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

Regarding 9.4 to 9.6., as stated, waste management (including disposal) is not simply a matter of infrastructure. These paragraphs are bald and refuse to recognise any serious issues raise by waste sites both currently and in the future at Pebsham and the massive landfill site proposed at Ashdown Brickworks. These are 'elephants in the room' and the failure of your core strategy is its complete avoidance of controversial issues such as these, whether or not they are in RDC's power to solve. The treatment of the subject of waste in the Core Strategy document is totally inadequate.

Comment

Representation ID: 18869

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: BALI

BALl would support eco-friendly developments in North Bexhill, recognising the need for more affordable housing and more jobs. This would be an opportunity to help create a new generation of - "green" housing with low -emission dwellings (Houses contribute nearly 30% of UK total carbon emissions).