Comment

Representation ID: 3324

Received: 25/04/2012

Defining the green infrastructure network

Bourne Leisure supports in principle the Council's aim to identify green infrastructure and open space on a Proposals Map and endorses the following statements (paragraph 5.32 of the consultation document):

"Access to green infrastructure and open space has tremendous value in terms of people's quality of life, providing access to the natural environment and recreational uses. There are also indirect benefits in economic terms of having a good quality natural environment; opportunities are created for leisure and recreation, making the area more attractive to businesses and people alike. "

With reference to the draft Proposals Map at Appendix 6, Bourne Leisure notes that the Combe Valley Countryside Park (formerly the Pebsham Countryside Park), which immediately adjoins the northern edge of Combe Haven Holiday Park, is identified as an open space/ green space. Within this designation, the Company would stress that appropriate tourism, leisure and recreation provision should not be precluded. It should be recognised that such development can be provided within or adjacent to such an identified area, provided that commensurate mitigation measures (such as the inclusion of a buffer zone and appropriate landscaping) are implemented, in order to mitigate both direct and indirect impacts.

In developing policies for the protection and enhancement of green infrastructure, Bourne Leisure considers that the Council should recognise the need to balance environmental considerations, such as the establishment/ protection of green spaces and nature conservation areas, with the economic and social benefits of individual development proposals. This balancing exercise would be entirely consistent with the approach to achieving sustainable development set out in the NPPF, and the Framework's 'presumption in favour of sustainable development', and it should include consideration of the benefits potentially arising from the enhancement (and where appropriate, the extension) of existing tourism facilities and accommodation, and the development of new tourism and leisure uses. All of these factors will be key to ensuring that Hastings remains an important tourism destination on the South Coast.