Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Comment

Representation ID: 19332

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

Vision for the future (Box 1, pp12).

It is my view that the vision for Rother - in respect of its economic development aspirations - could be more distinctive, and possibly allude to the 'step-change' in economic growth outlined in paragraph 5.14. I would like a general statement of strategic intent - i.e. that Rother DC will (in 2026) be recognised for having taken its business infrastructure 'up the value chain' by bringing jobs/workforce that it current exports back to the District by providing high-quality and sustainable jobs.

Comment

Representation ID: 19333

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

Overall Spatial Development Strategy
Employment (pp 23)

There is little reference to SEEDA's Regional Economic Strategy.
Locate East Sussex supports the target for a total additional supply of some 100,000 sq.m. of employment space to improve sustainable economic growth. It is appropriate that a substantial part of this additional supply be implemented through the development of proposed sites in North East Bexhill - an allocation which LES strongly supports.

Reference could be made to the continuing importance to communities of diversified farms / rural business centres.

Para 5.17 alludes to the importance of retaining employment sites and in passing to deliverability issues. A holistic strategy response is also supported.

Support

Representation ID: 19334

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

Infrastructure availability (pp 24)

I strongly support the transport related infrastructure priorities outlined in paras 5.23 and 5.24. Improved transport will enhance the attractiveness of Rother District as a business location.

Comment

Representation ID: 19335

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

Section 11 Economy (pp104/5/6)

It might perhaps be noted that the influence of the Hastings labour market area (11.5) is weaker in the north of the District (along the A21 Corridor).

The aims, objectives (Box 25) and the strategy for sustainable economic development in this section and the section on employment land and premises (pp104) are well thought through and sensible. The strategy for sustainable economic development could include a paragraph on transport infrastructure improvements to be made in the District which are necessary for economic growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 19336

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

I would applaud and strongly support all of the measures outlined in Box 26. Section (iv) suggests marketing activity to stimulate the demand-side of business investment which is a measure that this organisation has advocated for some years. This needs to be of an appropriate scale. This measure sits alongside important supply-side measures to enhance deliverability - such as enabling development to cross-subsidise the development of business space. Care needs to be taken to ensure that viable employment sites are not lost by injudicious application of this policy.

Support

Representation ID: 19337

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Locate East Sussex

Infrastructure/implementation (pp107)

LES supports the priorities identified in these paragraphs and acknowledges the part it has to play in delivering the strategy (land and premises pp108).