Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

In line with the vision of the LDF, village developments should be organic and this should mean small developments to meet housing needs.Village boundaries should be vigorously protected apart from exception sites.

To add an ambition to provide buildings and design to reduce the energy use of buildings and to prevent exacerbation of fluvial and surface water flooding.

Any delay on the construction of the link road releasing housing land, should not impact on the rural areas which have in the last 10 years had greater development than Bexhill. As the Plan has to be annually reviewed, all windfall developments should be counted in to housing targets.

Under the criteria, impact is listed. Impact should be defined and the definition include the necessity of small developments in villages. Robertsbridge over the last 10 years has increased by 200 homes. An increase can be absorbed if small developments are integrated, ie large estates are out of character and have a higher impact.

Bexhill is a unique town as it has not been cloned into a town centre where you could be anywhere in the country. This character should be retained and improved. Its small shops are its character. The shopping area could be reduced. I am not convinced that Bexhill needs a high quality hotel, but one that will attract families. Bexhill is attractive for young families, who want a safe quality environment. I agree with the upgrading and care of the public realm.

The LDF cannot emphasise too much the quality of our villages. I support particularly the aim of improving access for residents and visitors. There should be a greater emphasis on the upgrading and introduction of footpath and cycle/bridleway networks. The villages support a high number of people who work from home. The LDF can plan for technological support for such workers. I support conversion of buildings in the countryside to provide employment, if they don't exacerbate road use issues. Can the LDF provide support for the retention of shops and post offices as well as local food producers?

Any village identified as a service centre should have priority in preserving its services, particularly post offices, retail space and in creating jobs.
Bodiam Parish Council have identified the need for a village hall in their LAP.
Can the council review its policies on road signs along and off the A21 to allow businesses to advertise their presence?
As the LDF is to reviewed annually, housing figures should include and developments from windfall sites.
Salehurst and Robertsbridge Parish Council have identified Northbridge Street and Salehurst hamlet as potential conservation areas.

The plan for a rail link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam should be included. Work has already started on extending the line from Bodiam. It is perfectly feasible to extend the Robertsbridge end to Northbridge Street. benefitting Bodiam by taking cars off the road, and giving Robertsbridge a 'unique selling point' to attract visitors and local spend.
(Hasting BC have a biodiversity officer. How will RDC support ecological habitats?)
RDC has one of the largest areas of unmanaged woodland. This would provide work and income for alternative fuel. Can this be incorporated?
Can a greater importance be given to local food producers?

The LDF cannot emphasise too much the quality of our villages. I support particularly the aim of improving access for residents and visitors. There should be a greater emphasis on the upgrading and introduction of footpath and cycle/bridleway networks. The villages support a high number of people who work from home. The LDF can plan for technological support for such workers. I support conversion of buildings in the countryside to provide employment, if they don't exacerbate road use issues. Can the LDF provide support for the retention of shops and post offices as well as local food producers?

The LDF cannot emphasise too much the quality of our villages. I support particularly the aim of improving access for residents and visitors. There should be a greater emphasis on the upgrading and introduction of footpath and cycle/bridleway networks. The villages support a high number of people who work from home. The LDF can plan for technological support for such workers. I support conversion of buildings in the countryside to provide employment, if they don't exacerbate road use issues. Can the LDF provide support for the retention of shops and post offices as well as local food producers?