Hastings Planning Strategy Proposed Submission Version

Policy SC7: Flood Risk

We support the inclusion and approach of this policy to address flood risk issues in Hastings. The policy will help ensure that development decisions are in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It will also help to reduce the potential effects of climate change on existing and future communities.

The strategy for the Western Area (page 41) states that key seafront development sites will be identified at West Marina and Bulverhythe. Whilst no specific sites have been identified in this Strategy, these locations are at varying levels of flood risk as you have acknowledged in paragraph 5.23. This means that Policy SC7, which seeks to ensure a sequential approach to site selection, and criteria K of the Western Area Policy (which also directs development to areas at lowest risk of flooding), are therefore necessary to bring this Strategy in line with the NPPF. Our position is the same for both Central and Eastern Areas.

You have set out in Policy DS1 (New Housing Development), that sites will be allocated in the Development Management Plan, to deliver 3400 new homes during the plan period (2011- 2028). Combined with other policies in this Strategy, such as flood risk requirements set out in Policy SC1 (Overall Strategy for Managing Change in a Sustainable Way), we believe that this approach is sound from a flood risk perspective.

We would be happy to work with you on the sequential test of your Development Management Plan (which we note is also out for consultation), and will be in contact to arrange a meeting.