Policy FA2: Strategic Policy for Central Area
Object
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 3952
Received: 17/08/2012
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
Quotas for Maze Hill and Central St Leonards assume major sites delivering high density housing, but in both cases this is inappropriate - Maze Hill because it will seriously damage the quality of the conservation area, and Central because it will expand the area of overcrowding, damaging the quality of life of existing residents, which is already in the bottom 2% nationally for living environment The areas' character and communities need room to breathe. Recognising that development will take place on these two sites, nevertheless it would be equitable to reduce the housing quota to that of Hastings Town Centre.
The quotas for Maze Hill and Central St Leonards assume major sites delivering high density housing, but in both cases high density is inappropriate - Maze Hill because it will seriously damage the quality of the conservation area, and Central because it will intensify and expand the overcrowding, and damage the quality of life of existing residents, which is already in the bottom 2% nationally for living environment.
In 2011 Mr Alan Pink wrote 'St Leonards comes over as Hastings' poor relation' to which you replied:
'St Leonards does contain some of the most deprived areas and worst housing conditions in the town and this needs to be faced up to - it is not a 'poor relation' of Hastings, but is a part of the Borough with huge potential and the plan seeks ways to emphasise and develop opportunities to make the most of the area's character and communities.
The areas' character and communities need room to breathe. Recognising that development will take place on these two sites, nevertheless it would be equitable to reduce the housing quota to that of Hastings Town Centre.
My objection in 2011 over high density in Focus Area 6 brought this reply:
'The higher density of units proposed for this area reflects the existence of sites where the economics of development mean that only higher density development is viable. Greater Hollington has more sites which do not require such high density development to be viable.'
As communities, are we to be held to ransom by developers who claim they cannot afford to build at the density of housing we would prefer? And perhaps, if it is easier and cheaper to build in Greater Hollington, the quota for that area could be increased?
Object
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 3953
Received: 17/08/2012
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
This is not justified in excluding Burtons' St Leonards, a high value heritage asset, from special mention; compare Hastings Old Town, FA5 [d].
Paragraphs 2.39 and 2.49 [Vision for Hastings], Strategic Objectives 3[e] and 7[b], paragraph 5.36 [Cultural opportunities in Central Area], paragraph 5.65 [Tourism and the Seafront], and Policies FA6 [Strategic policies for the Seafront] and E4 [Tourism and visitors] will be rendered less effective if it is not included in policy.
There has never been any consultation about the role of Burton's St Leonards in the town, nor any dedicated marketing strategy; what a waste of a resource.
This is not justified in excluding Burtons' St Leonards, a high value heritage asset, from special mention; compare Hastings Old Town, FA5 [d].
Paragraphs 2.39 and 2.49 [Vision for Hastings], Strategic Objectives 3[e] and 7[b], paragraph 5.36 [Cultural opportunities in Central Area], paragraph 5.65 [Tourism and the Seafront], and Policies FA6 [Strategic policies for the Seafront] and E4 [Tourism and visitors] will be rendered less effective if it is not included in policy.
There has never been any consultation about the role of Burton's St Leonards in the town, nor any dedicated marketing strategy; what a waste of a resource.
Object
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 3954
Received: 17/08/2012
Legally compliant? Yes
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
This is not justified in omitting White Rock Gardens from inclusion in the green spaces network that are to be maintained, protected and enhanced. The Oval in particular functions for Central St Leonards as the East and West Hills do for Hastings; that is, as an upland open area from which you may enjoy views and spaciousness. Given the high density of housing, and the similarly dense population, its role is vital. It is also a crucial link if the Greenway project is ever to be extended into central St Leonards.
This is not justified in omitting White Rock Gardens from inclusion in the green spaces network that are to be maintained, protected and enhanced. The Oval in particular functions for Central St Leonards as the East and West Hills do for Hastings; that is, as an upland open area from which you may enjoy views and spaciousness. Given the high density of housing, and the similarly dense population, its role is vital. It is also a crucial link if the Greenway project is ever to be extended into central St Leonards.
Support
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 4037
Received: 08/08/2012
Broadly support all elements of this policy.
See attached.
Object
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 4059
Received: 17/08/2012
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
The target range for housing of 240-300 is too high to the extent that it includes site allocations in sensitive conservation areas that would be highly detrimental to the historic enviornment and would therefore be contrary to strategic objectives.
see attached.
Object
Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version
Representation ID: 4060
Received: 17/08/2012
Legally compliant? Not specified
Sound? No
Duty to co-operate? Not specified
The whole of White Rock Gardens including the Oval and the north and south of the convent should be designated as open space. Central St Leonards has very high levels of population and deprivation. 80% of the HMOs are in the 4 wards in closest proximity to them (East Sussex in Figures, ESCC). Parts of this open space are beginning to look neglected eg. tennis courts (no lottery or sports grants applied for so far?).
see attached.