Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Need to set out a strict Viability critera against the loss of empolyment land. Many London Boroughs have strict Policics protcting the loss of employment sites and restricts the Change of Use to Housing.

The Aim should also refer to promotion and support of rural settlements meeting their housing needs.

An new objective should be stated that reconises the sustainable hierarchy of the Rural Settlements and the role these have in meeting future housing and employment needs.

para b) does not accord with PPS3 in that it is not appropriate to allow any private housing to " incentive" affordable housing Exception sites. By definition the sites are released to meet local need!

Housing Mix
(a)The housing mix should relate to the housing market assessment. No reference is made to the Council's assessment of market need in this policy.This is contray to Para (b) were the housing mix is determined by the HMA and the LHN Survey

(viii) the loss of suitable employment sites like the Mill site at Robertsbridge should be strongly resisted. A strict critera on "viability" should be set out ie on marketing, alternative local employment opportunities, Council support,demand and supply etc. Like most land uses once the change of use is restricted the owner will often provide the viability themselves.