Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions

Comment

Representation ID: 19405

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

(RSS) The 2008 Housing Needs Survey probably understates the need for the elderly, because it does not include those with a Robertsbridge connection who wish to return to the village because of the range of services that the village provides. Robertsbridge has NO sheltered accommodation, the nearest being Hurst Green. REG support the conclusion in the report that a higher proportion of affordable housing should be used from the smaller sites allocation, but would urge that priority be given to solving the lack of sheltered housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 19406

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

(Rural Settlement Study)
Appendix 5 divides Robertsbridge into four areas, nowhere else specifically identified, but indicates no rationale for this. What is the rationale in a village context? If you analysed local employment you would find no direct correlation between where people live and where they work, even if both occur in the village. We do not believe it adds to the clarity of the analysis.

Comment

Representation ID: 19407

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

(RSS) 'Economic role/needs', para 3 states Robertsbridge has a very low economic base'. It would be helpful for a clearer explanation of the derivation of the statistics used in Appendix 5.
Economic activity must, encompass the generation of gainful employment and/or the release of spending power at both the individual and the collective level. Therefore what needs to be assessed in looking at Robertsbridge and elsewhere, is the total economic activity, compriseing the retail, manufacturing/commercial sectors, educational , social and voluntary enterprises, as well as the considerable number of home based businesses.

Comment

Representation ID: 19408

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

(RSS) Any policy proposals must have in mind the needs of all of these diverse aspects of the local economy. This means that an emphasis must be placed not only on facilitating home based businesses, with such matters as improvement of communications facilities including improvement in broadband speeds and capacity but also positive support from the Council in planning and advice to encourage the development of sustainable local businesses, whose total carbon footprint inevitably will be lower than others who have to deliver goods and services from miles and even continents away.

Comment

Representation ID: 19409

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Given the overall need for increased sustainability, we would agree with the statement that Robertsbridge needs more employment. It would in our view unsustainable for the balance to shift further in favour of commuting. We believe that RDC should promote for reasons of sustainability, further opportunities for employment within the village. We are not aware of any studies that have established the economic loss to a community when the out-commuting figures are high. However the Local Plan Framework, has to address this problem of leakage. (RSS)

Comment

Representation ID: 19410

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

(RSS) We have identified the need for further employment allocations in the village as a result of the submissions made to assist RDC's successful opposition to the Mill Site. Farm conversion units can provide employment accommodation, and these should be supported wherever possible. Has survey included home based workers?
Support the continued advocacy for the Mill Site. It could be a flagship site where the most energy efficient techniques could be employed to minimise the carbon impact of the development as a whole. The old mill itself could be a source of energy to the site

Comment

Representation ID: 19411

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Robertsbridge has the capacity, given its excellent transport links, for improvement of the tourism and leisure infrastructure it has. The formation of the rail link between Robertsbridge and Bodiam is a clear example , as is an improvement in the footpath, cycleway and bridle path network, and is a clear example of a green tourist aspiration. The good infrastructure the village has with food facilities, pubs, and restaurants is clearly a positive attribute. All of this will require further investment. (RSS)

Comment

Representation ID: 19412

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Robertsbridge houses several aspects of equiculture. This is a good example of an enterprise which because of its diverse locations and aspects, from the obvious stabling and exercise of horses to vets to the manufacture of horse boxes and stables, does not attract separate attention but contributes substantially to the local rural economy. It should be supported and encouraged by RDC particularly in the AONB, as it provides not only employment and a positive contribution to the economy, but also creates increased sport, recreation and tourism opportunities within the rural economy in a sustainable fashion (RSS)

Comment

Representation ID: 19413

Received: 17/02/2009

Respondent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Agent: Robertsbridge Enterprise Group

Robertsbridge has suffered as a commercial centre following a recent planning appeal decision which allowed conversion of a long standing retail establishment into wholly residential. The number of retail premises in the High Street and Station Road is now likely to fall below the critical mass necessary to maintain its attractiveness and the inevitable domino effect will occur unless RDC strengthens the planning principles which were supported in the recent appeal decision. This is absolutely critical for the future of Robertsbridge as a service centre, which appears to be RDC's aim too. (RSS)