Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18880

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

The provision of appropriate infrastructure is a key factor in providing for growth and change in an acceptable manner, but is a process characterized by inherent delay and cost increases. Therefore decisions should not be delayed to accommodate new growth, as this may have social and economic implications. Similarly, it is unrealistic in our view to expect major infrastructure to be provided in the Development Framework. The LDF process is as yet uncertain and untested as far as the property markets are concerned, and this does not sit comfortably with the levels of confidence required for private sector investment in infrastructure -the only realistic way in which infrastructure-Ied development is likely to emerge.

Comment

Representation ID: 18881

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

The problem of affordability in the rural sector should be a key focus of the core strategy. It is our experience that affordable housing delivery in rural areas is best achieved through the allocation of sites for general housing development, underpinned by clear policies identifying the amount and type of affordable housing sought. Rural Exceptions Policies can also help deliver affordable only schemes, and helps to ensure the broadest possible supply of potential sites. A Rural Exception Policy also mitigates against land being developed for more valuable land use proposals.

Comment

Representation ID: 18882

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

Commercial firms operating from more remote premises have led to a reduction in occupancy rates of commercial estates in Market Towns and villages. Much of the commercial floorspace in such locations is outmoded, however we consider that they have value. The suggestion that further encouragement may be given to rural enterprises which can have a positive role in contributing to a working countryside is welcomed. The countryside will in the future be characterised by rural enterprise, including tourism, recycling and biomass energy generation, and other activities that rely on a close relationship with the land.

Comment

Representation ID: 18883

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

In Districts like Rother, there should be acknowledgement that there is little practical alternative to the private car for most people living in the rural area, and that the best way to ensure that local trips are kept to a minimum is to support local services in service centres, to allow multi-purpose journeys to be made.

We are pleased to see recognition at 7.34 that the spread of home working and the growth in rural enterprise in comparatively remote locations is likely to lead to an in demand for small high specification business units, rather that the reverse.

Comment

Representation ID: 18884

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

We have reviewed the 14 criteria derived from the current Local Plan as broad principles guiding the location of new development.

We consider that an additional principle should be added, in recognition of the importance of the rural sector in Rother, committing the Council to support the proposals to achieve a healthy, diverse and prosperous rural economy whilst protecting the best and the unique features which characterise the rural environment in Rother.

Comment

Representation ID: 18885

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

It is important that the Core Strategy reflects the anticipated level of growth in the emerging South East Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 18886

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

The continuation of recent intensification trends are considered to be the more likely scenario.

Comment

Representation ID: 18887

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

Yes the split between the coastal belt and the rest of the District illustrated in the table at Paragraph 12.15 is appropriate.

Comment

Representation ID: 18888

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

It is appropriate to have specific objectives for the rural area. The suggestions at 16.23 ((a) -(o)) are laudable but not mutually compatible. Of the listed objectives, the following are not considered to be worthy of emphasis:

(a), (b), (o)

Revising this list accordingly would provide a better and more achievable balance of objectives.

Comment

Representation ID: 18889

Received: 15/02/2007

Respondent: Strutt & Parker

It is difficult to see much distinction between Options 1 and 3 as this approach tends towards a polarization of facilities in a narrow range of settlements. If such an approach is taken then regard needs to be taken to their distribution, to ensure that their pattern is not such that pockets of isolation remain.

An even distribution of development is rarely practical or achievable, and focusing development opportunities solely on the basis of delivery of community facilities can discriminate against communities where there is no local political consensus. On balance, it is considered that continued support for principal service centres is an appropriate strategy, but making allowances for development elsewhere where this is demonstrably in support of community needs and facilities.