Background Evidence Studies for Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions

Comment

Representation ID: 19581

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ticehurst Parish Council

Rural Settlements Study
Ticehurst Village Appraisal
We accept that we should carry our share of the housing proposed in the SEPLAN through the provision of 50 new dwellings between 2006 and 2026 in spite of the fact that we have taken well over our share for the last 20 years..
BUT we are determined that the type of dwelling to be provided shall be of a type that is in demand within the community
The HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY produced for the parish by Action in rural Sussex in 2007 demonstrates the need for 52 "AFFORDABLE homes". The provision of these homes is plainly a major concern for the Council.. IF HASTOE housing could provide say 15 dwellings on an EXCEPTION SITE and the redevelopment at Woodroffe Lodge provide a further 12 we would be a long way towards achieving our target.
National and local statistics show a constantly rising proportion of our population to be over retirement age. We believe that the greatest demand within the private sector is for relatively modest 1/2/3 bedroom dwellings frequently for retirement, for our ageing population when down sizing from a larger house. Experience has shown that many of the smaller and cheaper properties in the parish have been bought by first time buyers and subsequently application is made to expand and improve the property increasing its size and value, leaving an ever decreasing stock of smaller dwellings available foe people wanting to downsize. This problem would be solved to some extent by the availability of apartment dwellings which cannot be physically enlarged or substantially altered.
This demand could well be served by a 25 unit apartment block such as that proposed by Court Royal for the site at Warrens redundant bus station. This is probably the ONLy SITE within the village envelope within easy walking distance .of the village centre that could accommodate a viable size of residential apartment building.. If this development could be achieved in conjunction with an adjacent exception site to the rear ofHillbury Gardens we would more than fulfil the quota of 50 dwellings between now and 2026 since the development at Lower St Mary's should be included in this time frame.
We are concerned to ensure that the village would not be put under pressure to increase the allocation ofnew homes just because we had filled our quota early in the 20 year time frame. Any proposals for development of "Hanky Field" to the west of the school should be rejected as being excessive in proportion to our current community.

Comment

Representation ID: 19582

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ticehurst Parish Council

RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
FLIMWELL VILLAGE APPRAISAL
Flimwell already has26 new dwellings allocated under the unimplemented local plan, both at Comer Farm site and at Old Wardsdown. The Parish Council is of the opinion that there should be NO FURTHER ALLOCATIONS unless and until resolution is obtained regarding the route of A21 through the village and the potential construction of a Village Hall! Village centre is decided If and when these developments occur .there is potential for some affordable dwellings. But the siteing is dependant upon the above.

Comment

Representation ID: 19583

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ticehurst Parish Council

RURAL SETTLEMENTS STUDY
STONEGATE VILLAGE APPRAISAL
We agree with the conclusions of the Settlement study that Stonegate is NOT a particularly sustainable location for development. Whereas there may ibe an opportunity for Windfall sites to occur, any Affordable allocations in the village should be matched by an improvement in public transport. At present all households remain entirely dependant upon private car transport.