Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18870

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Generally the themes seem to be comprehensive with the key issues well defined.

In the Profile 'Environment and Transport section' we suggest that you include the high proportion of woodland cover (as you note in 8.11 ), a large proportion of which is Ancient Woodland. The district has 7386.44ha of ancient woodland, which is the 5th highest amount of ancient woodland in any local authority in South East England. Ancient Woodlands, which are features of irreplaceable heritage and landscape value (the detail may be better placed in 8.11 ).

Comment

Representation ID: 18871

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Climate change is an issue of great importance to Rother District. However adapting and mitigating against climate change brings some opportunities. In this district there is particular opportunity to mitigate using renewable energy. The woodland cover in the district and rural nature means that is its particularly well situated to support development of woodfuel for local and district heating systems.

Comment

Representation ID: 18872

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

We are glad to note that you are keen to stimulate economic opportunities in the district, specifically taking into account the needs of land based industries that help conserve and enhance the countryside (para 6.25). Within forestry the stimulation of the market for woodfuel and firewood would help to secure jobs in the rural economy, and ensure sustainable woodland management with its benefits for landscape and biodiversity. The stimulation of the market for these products could be helped by setting a % requirement for renewable energy in new building and help to refurbish existing buildings, particularly with woodfuel boilers.

Comment

Representation ID: 18873

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Add to text to the map of ancient woodland, that a large proportion of the Districts woodland is ancient. Recognition required of the need to ensure connectivity between sites within the landscape to support biodiversity. Ensuring the protection of Ancient Woodland to the same standard as SSSIs would help this. Sustainable building is the key to reducing the carbon footprint, particularly use of renewable energy. Target should be set for new buildings to meet the â€~very good’ standard of ECO Homes/Bream. Woodfuel important in providing renewable energy. Setting of targets for Renewable energy is encouraged. Architectural heritage be conserved also in new building construction.

Comment

Representation ID: 18874

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

You note that a network of green spaces with linked leisure opportunities may be appropriate for towns in particular. We consider it also important to ensure that there is appropriate access to greenspace for those who live in rural areas, as much of the countryside is inaccessible. We suggest that you consider using the English Nature access to Natural Greenspace standard as part of the audit.

Comment

Representation ID: 18875

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Since the Local Plan was adopted PPS9 has strengthened its protection of ancient woodland. It states that "They should not grant planning permission for any development that would result in its loss or deterioration unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location outweigh the loss of woodland habitat" Policy NRM5 of the South East Plan currently reads "Protecting ancient woodland from damaging development and land uses" We suggest that the principle in this Local Development Framework is strengthened to 'ensuring no development in ancient woodlands'. Ensuring the protection of ancient woodland to the same standard as SSSls would help with this.

Comment

Representation ID: 18876

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

In recent years there has been development on woodland in the Hastings area. We do not wish to see this continue, especially not on ancient woodland (see references to Q9 above). A key issue is that Hastings Borough is confined and we would wish to ensure that any proposed house building can be achieved without loss of valuable and priority natural habitats.

Comment

Representation ID: 18877

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

We have no comment on which options is most appropriate, however there must be no damage to ancient woodland which ever option is taken.

Comment

Representation ID: 18878

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

The specific objectives noted in 16.23 are generally fine. We suggest however that woodland is added into (i). It is also important that land based activities are not only valued for their conservation activities but also for woodland giving economic viability and value to a resource.

Comment

Representation ID: 18879

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Forestry Commission

Yes it is appropriate to have a vision and objectives -yet it needs to look at more than just housing development. It should also consider access to jobs and services appropriate to the rural location.