Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 27465

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

56. This policy requires new development to deliver Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and prepare a statement on how and when infrastructure will be provided. The Council are no doubt aware that Part R of the Building Regulations: Physical Infrastructure and network connections to new dwellings (2022 edition) require all new build dwellings to be installed with the gigabit-ready physical infrastructure connections subject to a cost cap of £2,000 per dwelling. These requirements mean that it is unnecessary for the Council to include policies in the local plan relating to new broadband or telecommunications infrastructure. As for the provision of FTTP to the development itself this is for the infrastructure providers to deliver and for the council to facilitate through the local plan as it is beyond the developers control to deliver these improvements.

Comment

Representation ID: 27466

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

57. The Council are proposing that at least 30% of market housing comes forward as one and two bedroomed unts, but with an emphasis on two bedroomed homes. In addition, the majority of First Homes and homes for social or affordable rent are also one and two bedroomed homes with intermediate affordable dwellings being two of three bedroomed homes.

58. Whilst it is understandable that the Council is seeking to place an emphasis on smaller units given the evidence in the HEDNA, HBF are concerned that the policy then seeks to apply this to all sites rather than see this as a broad assessment for what is needed across the district. Some areas and sites will be more suited to delivering smaller homes at higher densities where as others will be more suited to the delivery of family homes. As such the 30% requirement with regard to one and two bedroomed homes should be seen as the starting point with regard ot the mix to be delivered with the Council also taking into account other evidence on local needs, the nature of the market and the nature of the supply that has been delivered and is expected to come forward in future. This will ensure that a wider range of evidence is taken into account when arriving at the most appropriate mix for a site rather than solely on a ‘point in time’ assessment such as the HEDNA. Therefore, HBF would suggest that the Council set an overall target for housing mix across the Borough that development should take into account alongside other relevant evidence on demand, needs, past delivery and viability.