Focused Amendments to the Proposed Submission Core Strategy

(OSS1 & BX3)

The main changes to the Sustainability Appraisal have been considered. The SA's changes related to the Appropriate Assessment (Section 3.13) and clarifications of the other key supporting evidence underpinning the Core Strategy and Sustainability Appraisal (Section 3.15) are noted.
The SA's other main changes related to the Plan Options (Section 5) have been carefully considered. Trinity College consider that it is appropriate for the SA to clearly document the Council's process of option identification, consideration and testing. Trinity College also consider it important for the SA to clearly set out the process for identifying the chosen option, after an assessment of other reasonable options in a transparent way.
Trinity College supports the SA's process of options identification and appraisal. It is considered to represent a robust and comprehensive approach and justifies the Core Strategy's (Submission Version) Spatial Strategy. The changes to Section 5 clearly document the process that the Council has employed to undertake the options appraisal.
The changes to Section 5 clearly document the Council's SA conclusions. Trinity College's comments are: that the SA conclusion that 'ring fencing' development in Bexhill (Option A2) is the most sustainable option is supported; the SA conclusion to take forward a lower rate of development in the District than directed in the South East Plan (B2) is noted. The SA conclusion that focussing large scale development at North East Bexhill (Option C1) represents the most sustainable option is supported. The SA conclusion that the Bexhill Scale of Growth is reduced to take account of delays in the delivery of the Link Road (D1) is noted.
Overall, Trinity College supports the SA's conclusion that the Core Strategy's Spatial Strategy of taking forward the current Local Plan strategy of allocating 1,300 homes and 50,000 sqm of business floorspace at North East Bexhill represents the most sustainable development option when compared against the reasonable alternatives (Section 5.4.2y).
Trinity College can confirm that it is committed to working with the Council and its partners to ensure the timely delivery of development on land in its control at North East Bexhill. Since confirmation of the Link Road's funding in March 2012 (subject to potential legal challenge), progress is being made to identify a developer/promoter partner to bring forward development proposals for the land, in line with the Adopted Local Plan and emerging Core Strategy.