Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 26511

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC agrees with the thrust of RDC’s
Vision in striving to achieve sustainable
development, net carbon reduction and
enhancing the quality of life of local
residents in how they live, work and
travel.

Comment

Representation ID: 26512

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC considers that both of these
priorities will help to positively achieve
the Vision above.

Comment

Representation ID: 26513

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC generally agrees with the key
planning issues identified but notes there
is no mention of flood risk or the historic
environment/heritage assets, although it
is recognised that the latter is reflected in
Objective 3. There should be a greater
emphasis on the importance of providing appropriate levels of infrastructure to meet the housing need

Comment

Representation ID: 26514

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC strongly agrees with the
Objectives for the Local Plan which all
include the underlying thread of
sustainability in line with the
requirements of the NPPF.

Comment

Representation ID: 26515

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC supports the policy approach to
Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Comment

Representation ID: 26516

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC support the approach taken by
RDC towards mandatory Biodiversity Net
Gain and qualifying applications but
would encourage RDC to seek gains for
biodiversity from all appropriate
development through schemes of
mitigation and enhancement
proportionate to the development

Comment

Representation ID: 26518

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC applaud the ambitious target of
20%, being above the statutory
requirement for BNG. However, it is
noted that the evidence base to justify
going above the 10% mandatory
requirement is being collated by the
district, in collaboration with the Sussex
Nature Partnership and neighbouring
local planning authorities and therefore
could be subject to change in the next
iteration of the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 26519

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC supports the general policy
approach that RDC have proposed in
relation to the High Weald National
Landscape, recognising that it should be
conserved and enhanced.
TWBC notes RDC’s approach that small
scale development may be appropriate
within the High Weald National
Landscape and that major development
should only take place in exceptional
circumstances in line with national policy.
It would be helpful if RDC would set out
its approach to determining what it
considered to be major development.

Comment

Representation ID: 26520

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

TWBC agrees with the identification of
options focussing on brownfield
intensification and redevelopment and
those settlements where services and
facilities can be accessed by sustainable
transport options.
However, TWBC strongly encourages
RDC to seek to meet the identified
development needs in full. RDC should
investigate all potential opportunities to
increase housing provision within its plan
area. RDC should ensure no stone is left
unturned in maximising the potential of
the existing urban areas to regenerate
and be intensified, where appropriate to do so. RDC should investigate how
smaller settlements might accommodate
new developments to meet local housing
needs, with the aim of meeting the
District’s Housing need in full. Any
shortfall/unmet need should be robustly
justified and backed up by appropriate
evidence. TWBC would like to know
whether RDC has considered a growth
strategy that includes a new
settlement/other significant urban
extension as a way of seeking to meet its
need in full and where it/they might be
located.

Comment

Representation ID: 26521

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

See response to Q51. TWBC notes the
proposed minimum targets but that these
are subject to change as a result of
additional sites coming forward through
the rolling Call for Sites and as further
site assessment work is undertaken.
TWBC considers that the final targets
and identification of specific site
allocations should be supported by
appropriate technical evidence and
appropriate supporting infrastructure.
Importantly, in the case of TWBC, cross
boundary impacts should be considered
and appropriately mitigated, with relevant
cross-boundary engagement with infrastructure providers, Kent County
Council, National Highways etc.