Core Strategy Issues & Options

Comment

Representation ID: 18988

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Natural England recommends that there is 1ha of accessible natural green space per 1000 existing people and this target has since been adopted by the Audit Commission as a Quality of Life indicator and the green space standards have also been included as a benchmark in Government guidance on open space strategies. For new developments there may be an additional requirement for greenspace to ensure designated site protection this assumes the existing greenspace standards already meet the Natural England standards.

Comment

Representation ID: 18989

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Support the inclusion of the High Weald AONB Management Plan and suggest that the Sussex Biodiversity Action Plan is also included as the Rother District has such an important range of habitats and species that need safeguarding.

Comment

Representation ID: 18990

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Climate change is an issue of great importance to Rother District as it is a coastal district and areas of floodplain. However adapting and mitigating against climate change brings some opportunities. In this district there is particular opportunity to mitigate the impacts using renewable energy (wood biomass, solar energy, small hydropower plants and wind). 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: 18991

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

To achieve a sustainable future for Rother District. We particularly support Aim 1 to ensure that the environment is conserved and enhanced.

Comment

Representation ID: 18992

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

The need to build in green infrastructure within housing (see comments previously) for the well being of both people and the environment. Housing designed needs to reduce impacts on the global as well as local environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 18993

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Farming can also provide food within the local area as well as contribute to the character and appearance of the countryside. The contribution of forestry to the countryside, as well as farming, should be noted, particularly in this highly wooded district. More woodland management could have benefits from providing energy resource, improving opportunities for wildlife and an enhanced landscape.

Comment

Representation ID: 18994

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

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 (paragraph 6.25). Within farming securing producers with local outlets reduces food miles and encourages viability of less productive land (ie flower rich meadows, small fields bounded by hedgerows).

Comment

Representation ID: 18995

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

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: 18996

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

Encouragement of schemes such as â€~Tourism without Traffic’ has already taken place in Sussex.

Comment

Representation ID: 18997

Received: 26/02/2007

Respondent: Natural England

We agree with much that is contained within section 8. The Coastline draws both residents and visitors alike. The inclusion of the Shoreline Management Plan is supported.