North East Bexhill Masterplan

Comment

Representation ID: 19050

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

The Masterplan is a policy document setting out development principles that form the basis for subsequent 'Masterplan' produced by plot developers. The term 'Masterplan' as applied is therefore misleading and would more appropriately entitled 'SPD for NE Bexhill'.

The SPD should take opportunity to market the site to the development world as a new benchmark for all future developments in Bexhill that provides premier business facilities and residences which employ the latest technologies in energy efficient design and renewable energy use - all with minimal impact on the local strategic road network. Plans, graphics and presentation should be 'worked up'.

Comment

Representation ID: 19051

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

According to PPS12 a defensible SPD needs to illustrate a strong evidence base including an iterative sustainability appraisal process (SA) and due consultation process. The document should make specific reference to the topic-based studies that underpin the development, in particular set out processes that have been undertaken to reach these conclusions. The SA identifies potential conflicts between objectives, and assesses the relative merits of a self-contained new community verses a new community that forms an extension of the urban (most sustainable option). Much more could be made of the options testing process in the SPD.

Comment

Representation ID: 19052

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

The vision and objectives should convey the character of the place. The document conveys the important message about the need to consider the site comprehensively, but feels that the content could go much further in providing detail concerning the form and type of development and its design as well as the nature of the public realm and landscape structure. The SPD needs to prevent a 'lowest common denominator' interpretation from future developers. Explicit targets and standards should be established.

Comment

Representation ID: 19053

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

An implementation strategy is particularly critical given relationship to Link Road, need for land equalisation strategy and other infrastructure considerations. It should also ensure the qualitative objectives of the development are met. Although this section would be developed following the completion of the viability study, ATLAS suggest that it should set out a clear strategy to move the site forward. It should include
* How and when critical infrastructure will come forward
* Phasing of business land in relation to residential
* The planning process that this site will go through

Comment

Representation ID: 19054

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

Paragraph 5.9
* Should principles for land use include flexibility, creating a balanced community and creating an active and vibrant heart?
* 3rd bullet should note trip minimising generation and encouraging sustainable movement patterns. Commercial viability is a separate point
* There should be a reference to community facilities

Comment

Representation ID: 19055

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

'Sustainable energy principles' would be better termed 'sustainable resource principles'. Should be a reference to sustainable construction and materials.

Paragraph 5.22 Environmental sustainability might be more accurate than energy conservation.

Comment

Representation ID: 19056

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

Paragraph 5.34

Expand first bullet regarding 'business land should be developed as early as possible'.- might be helpful to say in relation to what and how this will happen. Need to also emphasise that employment development should be in a co-ordinated and comprehensive way.

2nd last bullet could be reworded to suggest that this development must create an attractive gateway to the town through excellence in design.

Comment

Representation ID: 19057

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

Access

Rename to Access and Movement. Approach to parking should be noted somewhere in the document.

Comment

Representation ID: 19058

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

Paragraph 5.86 - There should be some messages here about the character of the movement network. The strategy reads at the moment as a series of junctions and roads rather than establishing the character of the place through road design, street hierarchy and the fact that the movement routes and spaces should be designed in an integrated way with the proposal as a whole. The high street in particular should be mentioned.

Comment

Representation ID: 19059

Received: 26/07/2007

Respondent: ATLAS

Paragraph 5.35

Should set a maximum density to avoid over-development particularly on edges.