The Vision for Hastings
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1202
Received: 08/07/2008
Generally we found the Core Strategy to be an unnecessarily lengthy document with a large number of policies, many overlapping & much repetition. In many cases the accompanying text contains more detail than is necessary or expands excessively on the preferred policy it supports. We recommend some trimming & consolidation of both the policies & accompanying text.
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1203
Received: 08/07/2008
We are in general support of the vision for Hastings. Paragrah 4.7 acknowledges importance of good sustainable & efficient design for new build & paragraph 4.13 discusses the importance of open space. However, links could be drawn between the provision & enhancement of green spaces & the positive effect that this would have on future ecological protection as well as being a feature of good design. Although vision is to 2026 may be useful to include climate change strategies. For example, increased energy & water efficientcy & the provision of green networks, all discussed within the document, can be considered as elements of climate change mitigation/adaptation strategies.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1216
Received: 09/07/2008
They do not include any equestrian activities - why?
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1222
Received: 08/07/2008
4.11 Ensure substantial & increasing year-on-year fuding for walking & cycling in order that we invest in safter, better cycle routes which will encourage people to use their cars less.
This will also support local health objectives.
4.14 Ensure that we create a high quality shared walking & cycling route from where NCR2 route currently ends at Robertson St through the Old Town & that's integrated with The Stade development.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1244
Received: 07/07/2008
Whilst the vision overall is largely acceptable it fails to take account at any level the needs of the riding community whose representative HARBA have been lobbying HBC for improved facilities for past 5 years.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1253
Received: 03/07/2008
The vision statement for Hastings itself could we feel be strengthened to reflect the Council's approach to provide new quality homes at a range of locations & sites within the Borough to align with the council's proposals in Option3.
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1265
Received: 08/07/2008
No Comment
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1285
Received: 08/07/2008
accompanying comments analysed separately
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1321
Received: 08/07/2008
Bourne Leisure supports the revised vision for Hastings at paragraph 4.3 of the consultation draft. However, it should fully reflect the importance of tourism to the borough by being amended to state that: 'By 2026 Hastings will be a safe & thriving place to live in and visit...'
Moreover, this amendment would reflect the subsequent statement at paragraph 4.6 & the draft South East RSS (Mar2006) which states at paragraph 2.1 'a comprehensive strategy should be developed based upon a holistic vision for the resort as an area to live, work and visit'
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1324
Received: 08/07/2008
Bourne Leisure strongly supports the statement at paragraph 4.6 that 'Its 2026, and Hastings is one of the most desirable places on the South Coast to visit, to stay, to work, to study and to live'
The company then supports the statement at paragraph 4.10 that in 2026: 'Tourism continues to be important to the local economy. The number of bedspaces has been increased, the tourist season extended and there is generally a higher quality tourist offer'
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1347
Received: 08/07/2008
We support the vision for Hastings until 2026 & feel that, if allocated as part of the Greenfield site at Breadsell Lane, our client's site (land at Breadsell Farm, submitted as part of HBC Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) would have a significant role to play in achieving this, through the provision of high quality housing in a high quality environment with the potential for strong community ties through provision of community uses & open space on site, as well as utilising existing facilities & services in the area. Provision of safe & attractive places to live will help encourage more professionals into the area & thus promote both the economic & physical regeneration of the town.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1369
Received: 08/07/2008
This document is supposed to shape Hastings to 2026. This is too bland & not aspirational enough to do that. It will only continue to allow poor construct to take place in an ad hoc way throughout Hastings & St Leonards. There is no vision of how we want out town to shine & is not inspired by the town & its heritage. The blandness of the document is open to abuse. 1.5 should be 'protect our green spaces & improve then & ensure the historic townscape is kept & enhanced.
Why are the Area Action Plans done after the overall Core Strategy 1.4? Surely, the local ations & needs will inform the overall Strategy & not the other way round?
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1370
Received: 08/07/2008
This is not a joined up document. There needs to be input from Health, Education, Millennium Communities, retail, etc with more engaging community consultation as to how the town should grow or not grow in each place. How will the council achieve any of this if other service providers are not signed up? Is this document adopted by each statutory body in Hastings & the South East that is charge with delivery in Hastings eg. Police ESCC Rother DC PCT Education housing corporation, else 'joined up planning is a meaningless statement'
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1371
Received: 08/07/2008
The preferred options are more likely to become out of sink with political & social policy. For example this was written with a schoools federation in mind & already that policy seems to be being overtaken with political policy for 2 school academies with new buildings. Therefore it seems dangerous to set in stone the town's future until 2026. There needs to be mechanisms in place so the vision, which is not so evident here, can change.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1375
Received: 08/07/2008
I know it is impossible to predict the future although we could shape the future of the town.
4.7 should be 'building and planning policies that insist on a sensible approach to using resources for building & living'
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1376
Received: 08/07/2008
4.10 'but' negates the first statement thus overriding the tourism statement. Replace 'but' with 'and' to imply both are important.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1398
Received: 08/07/2008
The green space within & surrounding Hastings should be promoted as assets to the Borough rather than as constraints to development.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1399
Received: 08/07/2008
We generally support the vision for Hastings but believe greater emphasis should be placed on the conservation & regeneration of the natural environment & the importance it plays in contributing to the quality of life of the Hastings community now & in the future.
PPS1 states 'the condition of our surroundings has a direct impact on the quality of life & the conservation of the natural & built environment brings social & economic benefits for local communities'
The vision should highlight the benefits & importance of green space, within & surrounding the Borough. Emphasis should be given to the conservation & enhancement of the natural environment so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1400
Received: 08/07/2008
We support the high importance placed on sustainable growth & accessibility & the use of sustainable construction methods & materials using local sources wherever possible. We encourage the use of sustainable drainage systems, for example, balancing ponds, reed beds, porous paving. We also support renewable energy where appropriate.
We support the importance placed on the provision of quality & accessible open spaces to promote the health & wellbeing of Hastings residents.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1401
Received: 08/07/2008
5.4 We will work with developers & partners to support planned employment & quality housing growth through the provision of infrastructure & services including education facilities, healthcare provision & transport.
Support
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1458
Received: 08/07/2008
no comment made
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1506
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 1.11-1.15
The Core Strategy needs to clarify that it aims to conform with SE Plan - not simply be informed by it - & explain that when finally approved the SE Plans's provisions may require the Core Strategy to be amended to maintain conformity. It would also be helpful for the Core Strategy to contain a brief explanation of the regional strategy's implications for Hastings.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1507
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 1.11-1.15
The Core Strategy also needs to mention other key policy documents & their relevance. In particular, Waste Local Plan, Saved Minerals Local Plan & the emerging Waste & Minerals Development Framework must be taken into account in developing the Core Strategy & other aspects of LDF, as well as RPG9 & its approved alterations as the statutory RSS. It is also important to establish that it is only the saved Structure Plan Policies that remain in force.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1508
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 2.1-2.22
The plan would be clearer if it re-evalutated the statistics it uses, adds regional & national comparators where relevant & draws out the implications for policy.
For example, paragraph 2.18 discusses housing delivery & acknowledges it has underperformed compared to Structure Plan requirements. However, it underestimates the scale of this shortfall & draws no conclusions from it. While it correctly indicates that about 3,700 dwellings have been built between 1991 & 2007, it compares this against a Structure Plan requirement of 4,800 giving a shortfall of 1,100 dwellings. In fact, the Structure Plan required 5,400 dwellings to be built in the 1991-2006 period rising to 6,000 by 2011. Thus by 2007 completions in Hastings were 1,700 below the Structure Plan figure for 2006.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1509
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 2.1-2.22
However, the document contains no analysis of why completions have fallen below requirements - eg. market conditions, lack of demand, infrastructure barriers or whether permissions were granted at lower densities than anticipated. Such analysis could usefully inform the core strategy & help ensure delivery in the future.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1510
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 3.1-3.12
The challenges broadly reflect the breadth of issues the Core Strategy needs to cover, but there are some improvements that could be made.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1511
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 3.1-3.12
First, the government now emphasises that LDFs should show how their strategy, policies & proposals can be delivered, especially housing. Yet, the housing section here does not mention the delivery issues acknowledged in earlier parts of the document It might be helpful to outline how this strategy would overcome the housing delivery issues of the past.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1512
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraphs 3.1-3.12
Second, the problems of low land values & the difficulty this poses for the viability of development & securing contributions towards infrastructure & affordable housing are used to highlight the need get the balance between devleopment & community benefits right. The COunty Council would be happy to engage in discussions & joint work to help find a way of achieving development & appropriate contribution towards infrastructure.
Comment
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1513
Received: 08/07/2008
Paragraph 6.15 refers to the use of transport modelling to determine the impact that employment allocations would have upon the strategic & local transport networks. This needs to be expanded upon to consider the assessment outputs in later revisions of the Core Strategy to take ito account the proposals presented within the document.
Object
Core Strategy Preferred Approaches
Representation ID: 1514
Received: 08/07/2008
GLIB WORDS to which most people would agree BUT this bureaucratic document is weak on substance & does not address the problems of Hastings.
4.7 Govt figure. 4200 homes will have been built in the town.
4.8 The towns population will reduce according to ESCC figures. What are the improved links to Ashford, London & Brighton?
4.13 Every home is in walking distance of quality open spaces. This will not be achieved in the deprived areas of East Hastings.