The Vision for Hastings

Comment

Representation ID: 1575

Received: 07/07/2008

We are pleased that the vision statement (4.3) has taken on board some of the comments raised during the issues & options consultation. However, this is not backed up by clear policies & objectives that will aid delivery of a distinctive future for Hastings based on the town's unique strengths & character (27-32). The objectives & critical success factors seem to parallel Seaspace's business plan too closely without paying enough heed to the special heritage, environmental, seaside & cultural character of Hastings or incorporating enough of the local community's vision for the town, contrary to the Council's own Statement of Community Involvement & PPS12 paras 4.20-4.21

Comment

Representation ID: 1576

Received: 07/07/2008

Many of the key Seaspace developments are already underway eg. Station Plaza & Priory Quarter & these will provide substantial new office & educational uses in Hastings. What is lacking is the additionality that will enable these new developments to thrive & give Hastings a USP built on the town's special strengths & characteristics

Comment

Representation ID: 1577

Received: 07/07/2008

We would like to see more objectives in support of developing health, leisure, seaside, heritage and cultural activity - throughout Hastings generally but particularly in the Central Area & on the Seafront. It is clear from the last 20 years of the Local Plan that seafront improvements & leisure/cultural developments have been sadly lacking - mainly in favour of retail, educational & office expansion. Now that these new uses are firmly established, the time has come to shift the focus - particularly if we are to engage the growing number of elderly & disaffected young people in healthy active lifestyles.

Comment

Representation ID: 1579

Received: 07/07/2008

'Towards a Masterplan for Hastings & Bexhill' is a visionary document produced by one of Europe's greatest masterplanners & provides just the sort of distinctive character from which Hastings could benefit. We are greatly disappointed that this document is not given more prominence in the core strategy & that key concepts, such as the Country Avenue & Sea Avenue, have been misinterpreted in support of a non-sustainable less visionary approach as set out in this core strategy consultation.

Comment

Representation ID: 1583

Received: 07/07/2008

Apart from existing planned office & educational uses there is a lack of policy objectives to effect an enhancement of the town's seaside character, culture & heritage. Little reference is made to the changing population & the likely health & leisure needs of growing numbers of both active elderly & disaffected young people.

Comment

Representation ID: 1587

Received: 07/07/2008

The Core Strategy Preferred Options Document has started to address some of the important spatial decisions for Hastings Borough & to identify how different parts ot the Borough might change over the next 20 years. The document addresses some of the big decisions such as the locations of major new development & is largely based on a good evidence base. There is also evidence of close joint working, particularly wiht Rother District Council. Detailed concerns & comments on the Preferred Options document are set out below.

Comment

Representation ID: 1588

Received: 07/07/2008

The approach towards place shaping in the document is to be commended. However, whilst Chapter 2 provides a good basis for setting out how places will change, some issues relating to 'how much development' & where will it take place' are set out elsewhere in the document. For clarity it is felt that some of these issues could be brought together to identify more clearly the overall spatial distribution of development. For example, better links between the information in the table in para 6.17 showing where new housing is going to go, & the areas of change in Chapter 2 which do not identify this change so clearly.

Comment

Representation ID: 1609

Received: 07/07/2008

references are made to '2026' & 'the next 20 years' in the Core Strategy text - as once the document is adopted the next 20 years will go beyond 2026 you might want to consider some rewording to provide consistency & clarity.

Object

Representation ID: 1610

Received: 07/07/2008

PPS12 makes it clear that the vision should set out how the area & the places within it should develop & this has been identified in the Vision Statement. The Vision in para 4.3 is more general & you might want to consider if this is sufficiently locally distinctive.

Comment

Representation ID: 1628

Received: 07/07/2008

It is not clear why some Critical Success Factors have been identified at the start of Chapter 4 & not others. If these are those key to delivery of the Strategy then this should be clarified. This chapter seems to focus more on monitoring which measure whether a policy/proposal is being delivered rather than the identification of delivery mechanisms themselves.

Object

Representation ID: 1650

Received: 23/07/2008

You are not perceiving the growing importance ( economically and socially) of creative industries in this town. Fine and applied artists are building a unique reputation for Hastings and St Leonards.No mention of the Jerwood Foundation.

Support

Representation ID: 1655

Received: 08/07/2008

But the reference to Hastings and Bexhill as a 'Primary urban Area' in para 5.3 must be questioned

Object

Representation ID: 1656

Received: 02/07/2008

4.7 and 4.8 - increasing the number of homes and ??? of the population seems unwise given that we have the lowest wages and highest unemployment in E. Sussex. We need to increase the number of jobs before we take in any more people.

Comment

Representation ID: 1658

Received: 02/07/2008

The objectives are admirable. There are so many variables which impact on these objectives but which are also outside the control of the Council.

Comment

Representation ID: 1665

Received: 08/07/2008

The vision is dependant on significant Government funding & this dependence may threaten the implementation of some key elements (paras 4.5 & 4.6)
The visiion is supported but it should go further, an annual increase in housing numbers of just over 200 dwellings a year (para 4.7) will not secure the necessary transformation of the town, the greater investment should be to encouraged.
Improved transport infrastructure is also key (para 4.11) but the Vision is optimistic in terms of timescale. It is unlikely that the Hastings-Bexhill link raod wil be built by 2011. However, it is important that housing & employment development is not restricted by any delay in the completion of the link road

Support

Representation ID: 1675

Received: 07/07/2008

We support the Vision for Hastings vision statement and are pleased to see a broader definition but feel this is not backed up by appropriate policies and objectives.

Object

Representation ID: 1676

Received: 07/07/2008

Priorities currently aren't right and we feel there is a need to ensure the following elements of the vision statement are incorporated into policy and backed up by clear objectives.

Safe and thriving place - mixed-use; high employment; distinctiveness/destination; community cohesion; youth facilities; civic pride; clean attractive streets/public realm; quality housing; improved steps and twittens; safe pedestrian routes; managing drinking culture - provide alternative leisure activity; making the town centre safe for pedestrians/cyclists.

High Quality of Life - place where people want to live; good facilities; cultural and leisure activity for all ages; accessibility and affordability; town centre toilets; integrating youth culture into town centre; fantastic beach and promenade; clean water;

Strong economy - more on tourism to attract high yield eco/environmental/cultural tourism; more events; sustainable/year round/working for locals; good transport links; language schools; too much emphasis on office economy; more home working so need good ICT links; developing small businesses esp creative micro-business; need to include vision of MBM live/work style communities; being different and distinctive; diversification important - currently too much focus on office jobs

Sustainable Future - improved rail links and all public transport within and external to the town; integrated mixed-use development; maximise brownfield development; avoid all green field development, in particular Breadsell Lane; harness wind/wave/tidal/solar power for local energy; all employers with more than 5 employees to adopt green travel plans; ensure developers pay for sustainable transport especially in Millennium Communities; discourage car usage and ensure sustainable alternatives.

Unique Heritage - protect and enhance the Castle, the Pier, Objective 13 need to remove the focus on economic regeneration and value cultural and social regeneration ; cultural events, music and arts as heritage need support in planning policy backed up by sufficient floorspace at least equivalent to retail; physical provision for cultural, artistic and community events; Hastings needs to focus on its uniqueness and diversity - not try to be like anywhere else - support local talent not just outside big names; need to protect and enhance existing heritage and conservation areas; focus on appealing to a niche market.

Seaside Location - need to be more visionary as Sea Avenue in MBM masterplan; seaside should drive the economic, housing, cultural and heritage policies; seafront physical activity to engage all ages and link Hastings, Old Town and St Leonards; refresh entire seafront and address issues of urban decay; more franchises along the length of the seafront; regenerate the pier and White Rock Gardens; develop the whole of central seafront as a revitalised area of the town.

Social Regeneration - not enough focus in the objectives on social policies other than education and housing. Need stronger policies on public realm, public transport, health and leisure activity, strong sustainable communities and mixed-use neighbourhoods, creative and cultural activity.

Economic Regeneration - need to include policy support for local businesses and development of existing small business space eg: Britannia Enterprises to achieve its full potential. Need policies that recognise the ability of environmental regeneration to stimulate economic strength eg: clean attractive streetscape and frontages. Economic regeneration is not just about quantum of office and retail floor space. Lacking in policy support for sustainable visitor economy.

Cultural Regeneration - Hastings has the potential to build on its current creative and cultural activity to help stimulate both social and economic regeneration. There is a lack of strong policies in support of cultural activity and the success factors for Objective 10 are insufficient with no community, arts, cultural, or seafront success factors.

Environmental Regeneration - the seafront is the most important part of the town's public realm and it will require more than development of the White Rock Baths and the Pier to keep the whole length of the seafront as lively and active as some of the best south coast seaside towns.

Object

Representation ID: 1682

Received: 07/07/2008

Overall we feel that, although the vision statement is commendable, there is singular lack of inspiring policies to create the sort of town that Hastings could become by 2026. Paragraphs 4.6 to 4.13 could apply to anywhere and need to be made more specific to Hastings, building on and ehancing the special qualities of our unique town The priority is wrong too - surely paragraphs 4.14 and 4.15 should come first? Appendix 1 shows our suggestion for an alternative vision of the future

Comment

Representation ID: 1683

Received: 07/07/2008

Having examined best practice exemplars from other comparable seaside towns, we feel that our Core Strategy should aim to mirror the best of these rather than trying to make Hastings a second-rate retail and business destination more appropriate to a market or railway town with a 360 degree catchment. One good example is that of Scarborough.

Comment

Representation ID: 1684

Received: 07/07/2008

Scarborough's vision is based on 10 priority themes of culture, heritage, health, tourism, living, 365 day activity, investment, learning, festivals and conferences. Apart from the conference circuit, all of these themes apply equally to Hastings. Scarborough's innovative Town Team extends way beyond merely the LSP to ensure a much wider representation of local residents, communities, businesses, and other interest groups.

Comment

Representation ID: 1685

Received: 07/07/2008

We feel that the aim for Hastings should be to build on its strengths to become a more distinctive, memorable and attractive seaside town that celebrates heritage, culture, creativity, quality of life, health, countryside, coastline, good housing, diversity, learning and leisure - for everyone. Strong planning policies are needed to support this future.

Comment

Representation ID: 1689

Received: 07/07/2008

Alternative Vision Statement - Hastings 2026 As soon as you arrive at Hastings Station you feel a sense of civic pride and welcome unmatched elsewhere in the south-east. The streets and squares around you are safe, clean and attractive - filled with people, not cars. Even though the waiting buses and taxis are ready to drive you to your destination - you simply want to walk and experience the vitality and energy of this vibrant town on foot. (Objective 1 - Sustainable Transport)

Your first sight is thriving colleges and university centre buzzing with healthy bright students keen to learn and secure future work in the wide range of creative and cultural industries that have developed in the town over the past decade. What a change from 20 years ago when young people gathered in and around the town centre were seen as disaffected and intimidating. But look closer and you'll find there are students of all ages, not just the young. The new learning culture has been contagious and the take up by pensioners of part time courses and adult learning has never been greater. Our new library even won a top design award. (Objective 2 - Learning for Everyone)

Your next sight is the new town centre drop-in Health Clinic - once dominated by alcohol related injury treatment and now a thriving family health centre focussed on healthy living and well being. Town centre workers and visitors, as well as local residents can access treatment promptly and easily - and most arrive on foot or by bike! Two other new health centres in Ore and x have witnessed the same shift in nature of treatment - from reactive to proactive. With the vast improvements in leisure facilities, cycleways and quality of open space, the overall health of Hastings' citizens has improved and obesity in young people and teenage pregnancy are no longer of the same level of concern as 20 years ago. (Objective 3 - Healthy Living)

Once into the town centre you are surprised by the intensity and diversity of quality housing, shops, cafes and restaurants in a range of distinct commercial quarters each with their own special character. What a choice! Left takes you into refurbished Priory Meadow with improved links into surrounding streets and neighbourhoods such as South Terrace, Upper Queens Road and St Andrews Square - newly alive with specialist shops and services. Right takes you into vibrant Priory Quarter and Trinity Triangle buzzing with cafes, restaurants and the lively new leisure facilities. And straight ahead takes you to one of the best seafronts in Britain -the Sea Avenue - leading you on to vibrant mixed commercial centres in the Old Town and Central St Leonards. By mixing different commercial uses and increasing the quantum of small housing sites and over the shop residential, each of these commercial quarters has experienced greater footfall and improved crime figures. (Objective 4 - Town Centre Diversity, Vitality & Safety)

The revitalised seafront feels more like Brighton or Nice than Hastings. There are fun cultural, health and leisure activities for all ages: toddlers paddling pools, adventure playgrounds, running tracks, sea water bathing pools, beach volleyball, ice skating, go-karting, skateboard performance areas, new beach huts, art and maritime museums, a wide variety of beachfront stalls, bars and cafes - and all set in a well lit beautiful lush landscape filled with stunning public art and art activities. The pier apron is now fully restored and funding for the remaining improvements are secured. The derelict White Rock Baths have become a renowned music and video recording studio - not only helping to bolster Hastings' new image as a Creative Industries Centre but providing opportunities for local people to develop their musical and film making talents. (Objective 5 - Lively Attractive Seafront)

But which way to walk along the Sea Avenue - east to take in the jewel of Hastings maritime heritage in Hastings Old Town and indulge in world class gallery visits and delicious fish or west to the classic architecture of Burton St Leonards and the wild beauty of Bulverhythe and West St Leonards beyond? Either way its a pleasure. The road has been downgraded with pedestrian priority throughout and traffic moving a steady 20 mph. Part of the road has been given over to cycles because of the massive take up of walking and cycling. The road is attractively lit and beautifully landscaped too. And seafront car parks have been removed in favour of kerbside chevron parking as in Eastbourne. Since the construction of the link road the A259 between Hastings and Bexhill has become safe and pleasurable to cycle or drive. There is even easy access to the Castle now that The Hundred Steps and twittens everywhere are restored. All the derelict frontages of 20 years ago have vanished and seafront properties are now well maintained by owners who are keen to contribute to the overall quality of the town's built environment. (Objective 6 - Protect and Enhance Architectural and Maritime Heritage)

Along the 4km route from the Old Town to Bulverhythe are many opportunities to pause, participate or simply enjoy the sight of active people of all ages engaging in sports, arts or cultural activities. The calendar year is packed with so many interesting cultural events that there can be as many visitors during a winter weekend as in the summer. Hastings has become a truly 365 day a year town, renowned for top-class culture, leisure, arts and water sports. (Objective 7 - Year-round Cultural Activity and Events)

At each end of the Sea Avenue the stunning Country Parks are even more attractive to visitors and residents than ever before. Our policies for protection and enhancement of the countryside and greenspace generally have ensured that Hastings has avoided any sense of urban sprawl and, despite growth, still remains a compact sustainable community that has impacted lightly on its surroundings. New development has been restricted mainly to brownfield and urban infill sites and all new schemes generate 50% of their energy from renewable sources. The Country Avenue with its compact mixed business and residential communities linked to existing infrastructure has avoided the mistakes of GLC expansion in 1970s with creation of the vast isolated communities at the fringes of the town. (Objective 8 - Protect Countryside and Greenfield sites)

By avoiding vast housing estates and creating compact mixed-use communities we have managed to ensure that all new neighbourhoods have a sense of place and identity so that they have become functional happy places where people want to live. Whether in the Country Avenue or Sea Avenue, everyone has easy access to quality open space, public transport links, good local facilities and nearby employment. (Objective 9 - Sense of Identity and Place for all new housing)

Our excellent transport improvements have meant that wherever people live they have been given easy access to a wide range of employment opportunities - from large scale employers on new sites and business parks in Queensway to micro-businesses in supported town and neighbourhood business communities throughout Hastings. Business diversity is paramount so as well as large scale offices we have ensured an increase in small scale incubation space and revitalisation of run down industrial estates. Our insistence on green travel plans for all businesses has meant that peak hour traffic congestion is minimal and town centre employers don't occupy vital visitor parking space. (Objective 10 - Active Growing Business Community)

Object

Representation ID: 1701

Received: 07/07/2008

We have a number of general concerns eg: absence of maps, absence of diagrams, lack of accessibility and transparency. Entire process is difficult to engage with and it discourages comments knowing they will not be submitted for public examination. This is menat to be a visionary spatial planning document aimed at shaping a distinctive future for the town and all its citizens - in this respect the objectives and policies fail to deliver .

Comment

Representation ID: 1702

Received: 08/07/2008

Many members of Castle Ward Forum are aware of many other people who have not been engaged through this consultation & even when people are aware of he main points at stake, they have not felt empowered to articulate a response. While considerable effort has been made to promote the consultation (on what must be acknowledged as a complex subject), there has been little work done to facilitate responses to it. This seems to us a contradiction of the aspirations in the Statement of Community Involvement, which itemises the engagement tools which ought to have been used.

Comment

Representation ID: 1703

Received: 08/07/2008

An unwanted result of this is that the overriding reaction to the core strategy is that it is uninspiring & fails to incorporate the distinctive qualities of Hastings. More precisely the vision seems too influenced by outside dections: taregts dictate house building & significant retail expansion.

Object

Representation ID: 1704

Received: 08/07/2008

There are no holistic balanced approaches to health, leisure & environmental elements of the headline vision. More concerning to CWF is the lack of deep engagement with how the built environment has & may contribute to concentrated deprivation. The aspects of the Core Strategy which relate to this are fragile & always secondary to the more robust housing targets.

Comment

Representation ID: 1705

Received: 08/07/2008

The concern of CWF is twofold. Firstly, such a core strategy risks strengthening the forces which are resistant to change. Secondly, it is unprepared for the unexpected, whether that is the fulfilment of the objective outstripping another (eg.housing before health facilities) or opportunities for additionality (eg.facilities for young people).

Comment

Representation ID: 1706

Received: 08/07/2008

It is impossible in this response to do justice to alternative approaches which have been discussed within & across community groups. What this indicates to us is a need for workshops eliciting more opinion on specific topics eg. contribution to healthier life styles beyond just building health centres; inclusivity of leisure faciliites; the seafront asset; inclusive participation in combating environmental damage; development of new tourist markets. The outcome of this would be to layout a more confident promotion of sustainable communities that fits with the larger development goals.

Comment

Representation ID: 1707

Received: 08/07/2008

This is clearly in line with the governments intention that this process increases constructive community input. Several LDFs from other authorities have been rejected precisely because they have failed to incorporate this element, which is the key to unlocking a developed Hastings that is distinct from other towns. PPS12 (eg.paras 4.20-21) was written to provide guidance to this effect. It is equally in line with HBCs own commitment to Area Management (PA37), which should already have been used at this staghe to demostrate how other strategy priorities will influence development.

Comment

Representation ID: 1708

Received: 08/07/2008

To the average person the core strategy document seems steeped in 'yes minister' rhetoric that allows in effect open-ended flexibility in delivery. If the LDF is an attempt to ensure consideration of all planning concerns, in other words to be a tool to local authorities in realising the vision, then it fails to build in sufficient safeguards equally.