Rother District Council Local Development Framework 2 Battle Town Study Main Report

CONTENTS

MAIN DOCUMENT

1. Introduction 5

o Context and Aim 5 o Methodology and Membership of the Working Group 5 o Geography of the Study 6 o Sources of Information 7 o Structure of Document 7

2. Town Profile 9

o Heritage and Pattern of Development 9 o Population Profile 9 o Profile of Local Facilities and Services 10 o Shops 10 o Schools 10 o Economic Profile 11 o Main Employment Areas 12 o Tourism Profile 13 o Housing Profile 15 o Profile of Accessibility 16 o Trains 16 o Buses 17 o Community Transport 17 o Roads 17 o Parking 17 o Cycling 17 o Environmental and Habitats Profile 18

3. Review of Relevant Policy, Strategies, Studies and other Published Material 19

o Local Plan 19 o Rother District Core Strategy 19 o Representations Received on the Core Strategy 20 o Rother District Core Strategy Urban Options Background Paper) 20 o LDF Evidence Papers 23 o Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) 23 o Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 23 o Affordable Housing Viability Assessment 23 o Retail Study 23 o Employment Strategy Review 24 o Leisure Facilities Strategy 24 o Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study 25 o Rother Play Strategy 25

o The East County Landscape Assessment 26 o Market Towns and Villages Landscape Assessment 26 o Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 27 o Local Transport Plan March 2006 28 o Battle Local Area Transport Strategy 28 o Battle Conservation Area Character Appraisal 29 o Battle Town Council Local Action Plan 29

4. Key Issues 30

o Key Issues from Urban Options Background Paper 30 o Emerging Key Issues for Submission Version of the Core Strategy 30 o SWOT Analysis 31 o Main Key Issue: Traffic Flows, Congestion and Cross-Town Traffic - 33 The Relationship to New and Existing Development o The Problem 33 o Evidence Relating to the Issue 33 . Evidence: Current Traffic Flows 34 . Evidence: Origin and Destination Surveys 35 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of School Trips 36 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of Journeys to Work 39 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of Employee and Business Trips 40 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of Retail Trips 42 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of Service Trips 43 . Evidence: Volume and Direction of Tourism Trips 44 o Potential Solutions to the Issue 47 (i) Link Road 47 (ii) HGV Restrictions 48 o Conclusions Regarding Patterns of Transport Movements and 49 Relationship to New Development o Other Key Issues 51 o Other Transport Issues 51 . Parking 51 . Cycling 53 . Public Transport 53 o Economy and Employment 54 . New Employment Need 54 . Broadband 55 . Location of New Employment 55 o Tourism 56 . Supply of Tourist Accommodation 56 . Trends and Prospects 58 . Future Policy Direction 61 o Housing 62 . Existing proposals 62 . Housing Figures 63 . Evidence of Housing Need 65

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 2 Battle Town Study Main Report

. Location of New Housing 67 . Housing Type and Tenure 71 o Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs 71 . Identified Needs 71 . Future Policy Direction 72 o Community and Service Needs 74 . Retail Needs 74 . School Numbers, Locations and Usage 75 . Early Years Facilities 77 . Medical Care 77 . Community Services Hub and Fire Station 77 o Public Utility Infrastructure 78 . Electricity 78 . Water 79

5. Conclusions and Implications for the Core Strategy for Battle 83

o Broad Conclusions of the Battle Town study 83 o Core Strategy Aim & Objectives 84

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 3 Battle Town Study Main Report

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 4 Battle Town Study Main Report

1. Introduction

Context and Aim require clarification at this point in time, although the Localism 1.1 This document is to be used as a Bill (published in November background paper and as part of 2010) will almost certainly give the evidence base to inform local councils more powers over Rother District Council’s Core housing and planning decisions. Strategy Development Plan Document. It follows on from 1.5 This study is undertaken in the the ‘Core Strategy Consultation above context. It will ensure the on Strategy Directions’ and the emerging Core Strategy for ‘Urban Options Background Battle takes on board local views Paper to the Core Strategy’ both including the representations published in November 2008. received and moves forward in a coherent and consistent manner. 1.2 As a result of public consultation, It will help inform the Core the Council received Strategy and defining and representations from interested shaping the service role, and parties on the Core Strategy and needs of the town. on the Battle chapter. These will be used to inform the Methodology and Membership of the forthcoming submission version Working Group of the Core Strategy. 1.6 A meeting was held between 1.3 In the intervening period the representatives of Battle Town Council has also published a Council and Rother District Strategic Housing Land Council on 28/07/10 to discuss Availability Assessment (SHLAA) the possibility of working jointly which identified specific sites in on a Battle Town study in order Battle with housing potential, as to ensure a full local involvement well as publishing other evidence in the future strategy for the work. town. The outcome of that meeting was the decision to 1.4 In 2010 there was a change in form a working group comprising national government and as a members of Battle Town Council consequence changes to the and an officer from Rother planning system are in progress, District Council. most notably the revocation of the regional strategies, including the South East Plan. Other changes to the planning system

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 5 Battle Town Study Main Report

Geography of the Study the LDF, the ‘Rural Settlements Study’. 1.7 Rother is a predominantly rural district. Bexhill is the only 1.11 However, whilst this study is settlement of significant size, concerned with just the whilst Battle, together with Rye, settlement of Battle town, much are best described as small of the statistical information market towns of historic utilised to inform the study is interest. only available on a wider parish or ward basis. Such statistics 1.8 It is important to make the may have been used as a proxy distinction at the outset indication as to the likely socio- between the ‘settlement’ of economic conditions within Battle, which is the focus of this Battle, but nonetheless have to study, and the larger be treated with care when being administrative boundaries of applied to just the town of Battle Town ward (which elects Battle. In most cases, statistics two District councillors) and relating to the Battle town ward Battle Town (which elects the have been used in preference to Town Council). Map A1 is helpful those relating to the much larger in this regard. Town Council boundary.

1.9 It is the ‘settlement’ of Battle 1.12 Some statistical information is which is the focus of this study. available at ‘super output area’1 The term ‘settlement’ in this level, allowing analysis of the context is defined as a characteristics of different parts contiguous or coherent area of of Battle. Three different super housing and services, not output areas cover Battle, fragmented by large expanses of namely intervening countryside. It comprises the town o 006a Battle (south-west) development boundary (as o 006b Battle (east) defined in the 2006 Local Plan) o 006c Battle (north-west) as well as adjacent urban fringe. o 006e Crowhurst (north)

1.10 Therefore smaller settlements,

such as Netherfield (although 1 within the Battle Town Council Super Output Areas (SOAs) are a set of geographies developed after the 2001 census. area) are not the domain of this The aim was to produce a set of areas of study. Netherfield, together with consistent size, whose boundaries would not other villages has been included change (unlike electoral wards). They are an within the scope of another aggregation of adjacent Output Areas with background evidence study to similar social characteristics. Lower Layer SOAs, such as 006a, 006b and 006c typically contain a population of around 1500.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 6 Battle Town Study Main Report

Together the first three super o Rother Core Strategy Urban Options Background Paper output areas listed above o Rother Culture and Leisure Strategy 2006 – comprise Battle Town Ward. A 2011 fourth super output area (006e) o Battle Conservation Area Appraisal 2005 o and Rother Employment Land has been included in some tables Strategy and Review 2008 of analysis as it covers most of o Rother Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Hastings Road even though it is 2008 o Rother Rural Settlements Strategy 2008 within Crowhurst ward. o Rother Shopping Assessment 2008 o PPG17 – Open Space, Sport and Recreation 1.13 The boundaries of parish, ward – Audit and Assessment – November 2007 o Core Strategy: Market Towns and Villages and super output area can also Landscape Assessment August 2009 be seen on Map A1. o The High AONB Management Plan o Primary Care Development Plan (Hastings & Rother) 1.14 It is also important to note that o Battle Partnership – Strategic Plan 2002 – information on businesses, 2012 facilities and services that are o Battle Local Action Plan – April 2007 (Battle Town Council) further afield from the town o Rother Strategic Housing land Availability development boundary may Assessment (SHLAA) 2010 often be referred to where they o Rother Housing Market Assessment 2005 o Rother Strategic Housing Market are used by town residents or Assessment 2010 have an impact on town life. o Battle Visitor Survey, by Tourism SE in December 2009 o 1066 Destination Management Strategy Sources of Information o ‘Hastings, Bexhill & 1066 Country Hotel & Guest Accommodation Futures’ Prepared 1.15 A selection of data studies has by Hotel Solutions on behalf of Seaspace April 2007. been utilised. This selection has o ‘Hastings, Bexhill & 1066 Country Visitor been used to devise a spatial Accommodation Futures’ Prepared by Hotel strategy to meet the needs of Solutions on behalf of Sea Space 2009. o Tourism South East’s ‘The Economic Impact the town, while supporting of Tourism Rother 2009’ quality of the living and working environment for its residents, workers and visitors. Structure of Document

1.16 In identifying and appraising 1.17 This main document starts with strategic options for a review of county and district development and change at wide strategies and Battle, the following documents consultations (section 2) have been reviewed: including the Local Plan, LDF as well as policies of the Town o Rother District Local Plan 2006 Council. o East Sussex Local Transport Plan March 2006 o Battle Local Area Transport Strategy, 2005 o Rother Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 7 Battle Town Study Main Report

1.18 There follows a review of 1.20 Section 5 is the Formulation of relevant Government Guidance, strategy options and national and regional planning conclusions. policy informing this strategy (section 3). 1.21 The document is supplemented by a set of ‘Appendices and 1.19 Section 4 looks afresh at the Maps’ contained in a separate strengths, weaknesses, document. These contain more opportunities and threats to detailed information that is Battle in light of the most up to cross-referred to throughout the date information. It examines in document. more detail some of the key issues facing the town.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 8 Battle Town Study Main Report

2. Town Profile

buildings in these four streets date from the eighteenth century or Heritage and Pattern of Development earlier.

2.1 Battle is the world renowned site of 2.4 The town core (as well as large the 1066 Battle of Hastings which expanses of countryside to the gave the town its name. Battle south) has been a designated Abbey was built by the Norman conservation area since 1970. There victors and is reputedly the place are many buildings listed for their where King Harold fell in Battle. architectural and historic Senlac Hill and the area south of the importance within the conservation town are protected by English area, and to a lesser extent outside Heritage as a historic battlefield and it within the wider town. designated an Archaeological Sensitive Area (ASA). 2.5 Map A16 shows the main areas of importance to the historic 2.2 Today, Battle is a small market town environment of Battle. of considerable character. Being situated astride one of the principal High Weald east-west ridges, the Population Profile town has grown up in a linear fashion. Development has 2.6 Battle is a relatively small town. The extended over time along this ridge population of the town ward area in and the pattern of development, 2010 was approximately 4,872. having the appearance of a dumbbell when viewed in plan, 2.7 In common with the rest of Rother means that movement around and District there are relatively low across the town is channelled numbers of young adults (15-44 age through the centre. groups), but much higher numbers of older age groups (45+). However, 2.3 The town centre forms the historic these imbalances of population are core, and consists of a long central not as marked in Battle as they are street, High Street, with the in the rest of Rother District. imposing Abbey Gate House and open space of Abbey Green at its 2.8 Interestingly, Battle has a relatively south-eastern end and the medieval high proportion of 0-14 year olds, precincts wall beyond. To the south not just in comparison to Rother of the Gatehouse lies the Battlefield district but also to the wider county, itself. The High Street is continued region and nation. to the south-east in Upper Lake and Lower Lake and to the north-west with Mount Street. Almost all the

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 9 Battle Town Study Main Report

2.9 The breakdown of households by sq.m of retail floorspace. type indicates a relatively high Budgens/Jempsons is the largest proportion of married couple convenience retailer in the town households compared to with a sales area of about 650 sq and Wales, combined with a m. The Co-op supermarket is 190 relatively low proportion of both sq m. cohabitating couple households and lone parent households. There 2.15 In the appendices, Table A7 gives a are high numbers of one parent more detailed breakdown of the households, probably reflecting town’s retail offer, whilst Map 3 the relatively elderly population. delineates the Battle Shopping To a large extent the patterns Area (as defined in the Rother exhibited in Battle reflect the District Local Plan adopted in patterns that are also apparent 2006). within the wider Rother District. 2.16 Reflective of the popular tourist 2.10 There are a very low proportion of nature of the town, there is a other multi-person households in particularly high proportion of Battle relative to all areas, perhaps service uses, including cafes, reflecting the low numbers of restaurants, hairdressers, banking young adults and the lack of any and other business facilities. student population. 2.17 More detail on retailing in Battle 2.11 Life expectancy is high in Battle can be found in the subsequent (74.9) and higher than wider section 3, with reference to the Rother, the south-east and Retail Study, on page 22. England and Wales. Discussion of the pattern of movement for retail trips is on Profile of Local Facilities and Services page 38 in discussion of the Main Key Issue. Also discussion of how 2.12 As would be expected of a market to address retail need is in section town, Battle enjoys a good range 4 (page 68). of services and facilities and acts as a service centre for a large rural Schools hinterland. 2.18 Battle has one locally authority 2.13 Map A2 illustrates the location of funded comprehensive school and some of the main services in the one local authority funded primary town. school.

Shops 2.19 Claverham Community College for pupils aged 11+ is located to the 2.14 Battle Town Centre has about 110 west of the town along North shop units comprising 11-12,000 Trade Road. Since September 2006

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 10 Battle Town Study Main Report

Claverham has officially had working in ‘manufacturing’ (see Specialist Sports College status. A Table A10). Specialist Sports College is a School which uses Physical 2.26 There are high numbers of Education and sport outside the ‘managers and senior officials’, but curriculum to improve the whole relatively few people employed in school. It achieves this by sharing ‘sales and customer service’ or expertise and resources with its ‘process, plant and machinery partner schools and the wider operatives’ (see tables A10 & A11). community. 2.27 In common with wider Rother and 2.20 Battle & Langton CE Primary East Sussex, a higher proportion of School is located relatively the work-force works part-time centrally on Market Road. rather than full-time when compared to national and regional 2.21 In addition there is one private figures. Conversely, a relatively secondary school – . high proportion work very long hours (49 hours+ per week). 2.22 Further information regarding forecast school numbers is 2.28 Battle has low unemployment, but contained in section 4 Key issues. also very few local vacancies (see Table A16). Economic Profile 2.29 Fewer households have an 2.23 Average income in Battle is high internet connection compared to compared to wider Rother and national and regional figures (see East Sussex but low compared to Table A18). the national average and lower still in comparison the wider south 2.30 Generally, there are low levels of east (see table A20). deprivation and Battle East ward is the least deprived ward in all 2.24 Battle has relatively low numbers Rother. However, it appears this of people who are economically hides high levels of inequality active (particularly in north-west since comparatively high numbers Battle), which is perhaps not of households are defined as being surprising given the demographic in poverty (28%), compared to profile (see Table A9). 26% in GB and just 21% in the south-east (see Table A21). 2.25 The workforce has comparatively Relatively few children are living in high numbers working in ‘public poverty however, with the administration, education and exception of Battle south-west health’ and ‘construction’ but where 26% are, which is well in comparatively low numbers excess of comparable national, regional and local figures.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 11 Battle Town Study Main Report

Main Employment Areas businesses. There are also a number of vacant premises. 2.31 With reference to Map 3, there are a number of centres of 2.37 Further employment land was employment dotted in and around allocated at Marley Lane in the Battle. 2006 Local Plan and the area is now in the process of expanding. Town Centre Beechdown Sawmills 2.32 The town centre itself is a large retail and service sector employer, 2.38 This small area is located on the with much revenue gleaned from A271 west of Battle flanked to the tourist visitor spend. north by ancient woodland in the form of Beechdown Wood. Station Approach 2.39 The sawmill has been located at 2.33 A number of B2 and B8 uses are Beechdown since the mid located on the north-east side of twentieth century, but in recent this area. Some of the larger times this rural based industry has occupiers include Howard Bothers, diversified and the construction of Senlac Storage, Battle Mower a research and development and Centre, Foster Motors. At the solar panel production facility is western end there are a cluster of currently in progress. This will office uses in two buildings, bring a high value / high skill based including the Sussex NHS employer to the local labour Partnership, and a solicitors and a market. Law firm in Beckett House. British Gypsum, Mountfield 2.34 In addition, the site contains Battle Health centre and large areas of 2.40 Gypsum and anhydrite are private parking (in addition to the minerals of national importance Train Station car park). used for plaster and plasterboard products; in cement production Marley Lane and in many other industrial processes. The resources in East 2.35 This business and industrial area Sussex form the largest deposit comprises a mix of A1, B1, B2, B8 within the and and D2 uses spread across two the only economic source of these sites east of Battle. industrial minerals in the South of England making them regionally 2.36 Occupiers include RHM Frozen and nationally important. Foods, Rutherfords Pools, Furness Controls Ltd, Dairy Crest Ltd and a number of other smaller

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 12 Battle Town Study Main Report

2.41 Gypsum has been mined and because of a sharp decline in processed at Mountfield since demand, caused by the current 1876. In the 1960s, a second mine financial climate. was opened at with raw material transported to the plant Watch Oak Business Park at Mountfield (known as the Robertsbridge Works) by an aerial 2.44 Located to the north of Battle in ropeway which was replaced in Road, this business park 1989 by an overland conveyor. In comprises a number of smaller the 1960s and 1970s a new plaster units including Lifetime Financial mill and a plasterboard Services Ltd, Housing Law Services manufacturing plant were built and NFU Mutual Insurance. and subsequently extended. The Robertsbridge Works has direct Glengorse Estate road access to A2100, 1.5km south of its junction with the A21 trunk 2.45 This area to the south east of road, and is served by rail sidings Battle, whilst mostly being in from the Charing Cross - Hastings equestrian use, does also include line. In 1990, the Mountfield mine some office development (as a was abandoned, and all mining is result of two planning permissions now concentrated at Brightling. in the early 1990s. These permissions resulted in the 2.42 In 1994 planning permission was development of some 9 office granted for the import by rail of suites (use class B1a) totalling an desulphurgypsum for processing at estimated 1600 – 1700 sq.m. Robertsbridge to supplement local rock, and trains now operate from Beech Farm Estate Drax in South Yorkshire. 2.46 Located off Netherfield Road this 2.43 In recent years, British Gypsum small business area includes ‘Yurt has shown strong commitment to Shop Ltd’, Sox-U-Wear UK and their Mountfield/ Brightling Plumbwell Heating. It is located operation with major investment upon a groundwater source in the mine and in plant, including protection zone. the overland conveyor. The various mineral related operations Tourism Profile at Mountfield/Brightling constitute an important source of 2.47 Largely as a consequence of its employment in the Rother and history, tourism plays big part of Hastings area and they currently daily life in Battle. The town has employ about 200 people, many fine listed buildings, in including 119 at Mountfield. addition to the Abbey. The historic British Gypsum was forced to scale battlefield site, which extends to the back production earlier in the year south of the Abbey, is a protected

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 13 Battle Town Study Main Report

heritage site. The town is a pivotal part of the tourist destination ‘1066 2.50 There is now one four star hotel Country’. (Bannatyne's Hotel) in the Battle area. At the time of the 2007 2.48 Tourism is a valuable source of Study, there were no four or five both revenue and employment for star hotels in Battle (or indeed the area. Visitor business is buoyant, anywhere within the whole of but on the down side it also adds 1066 Country), but there were significantly to volumes of traffic four ‘three-star’ hotels in Battle and congestion. and the surrounding area Brickwall, Powdermills, The 2.48 The issue of tourism in Battle George, Leeford Place). Table A23 benefits from a number of in the Appendices provides more detailed evidence studies on the details. subject, namely: 2.51 According to the ‘1066 Destination o Battle Visitor Survey, prepared Management Strategy’2, Battle by Tourism SE in December and its surrounding area has 2009 almost 200 rooms in hotels and o 1066 Destination Management other serviced accommodation, Strategy representing 17% of the total for o ‘Hastings, Bexhill & 1066 1066 Country3. There are further Country Hotel & Guest 180 self-catering properties or Accommodation Futures’ static caravans or touring caravan Prepared by Hotel Solutions on sites in the Battle area. behalf of Seaspace April 2007. o ‘Hastings, Bexhill & 1066 2.52 A Battle Visitor Survey was Country Visitor prepared by Tourism South East in Accommodation Futures’ December 2009. Some key Prepared by Hotel Solutions on findings were as follows; behalf of Sea Space 2009.

o Tourism South East’s ‘The Day visitors accounted for 87% of all Economic Impact of Tourism visitors, comprising of day visitors from Rother 2009’ home (23%) and day visitors from holiday bases outside Battle (64%). The remaining 2.49 The focus of the more recent Sea 13% of visitors were staying overnight in Space Study in 2009 is self-catering accommodation, caravan and camping sites, holiday parks, youth 2 Locum consulting commissioned in March and group accommodation. The 2005 on behalf of the Hastings and Bexhill Area earlier 2007 study was concerned Investment Framework, Sea Space and the 1066 Country Marketing Partnership. with hotel and guest 3 accommodation as the title 1066 Country encompasses Rother District, Hastings Borough and parts of Kent and suggests. .

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 14 Battle Town Study Main Report

commercial or non-commercial that the business market is accommodation within Battle. relatively weak in these areas with Seventy-one percent of visitors fell into the very few major corporate users of ‘ABC1’ socio-economic group. hotel accommodation in Battle (or Eighty-nine percent of all visitors were Hastings). domestic visitors and 11% of visitors were from overseas countries. 2.56 Hastings companies primarily use The main areas of origin for overseas the Beauport Park and Powder visitors were USA, Germany and Australia and the Low Countries. Mills for visitors and senior Almost a quarter of day visitors on holiday managers, but use the Premier were staying nearby in . A Travel Inn and Travelodge for sales further 10% of visitors were staying teams. This lack of business Hastings and 8% in Rye. demand is the key factor behind A quarter of visitors staying in Battle were the relatively low 3 star staying overnight in touring caravans and occupancies in 1066 Country. 21% were staying in hotels. On average, day visitors were spending 2.57 Midweek breaks are the key around 2.64 hours in Battle. Fourteen weekday market during the percent of visitors had visited Battle TIC. summer months for most hotels Both the general atmosphere and feeling of and guesthouses in Hastings, welcome were highly rated aspects of Battle and Rye, and a small market Battle. for Bexhill hotels and guesthouses. This market is predominantly 2.53 Tourism South East’s ‘The retired couples coming from Economic Impact of Tourism London, the South East and the Rother 2009’ indicated that 13.1% Home Counties. of all employment in Rother District is tourism related. It is Weekend Markets likely that in Battle the proportion is even greater. 2.58 Weekend breaks are the main weekend market for most hotels Weekday Markets and guesthouses in Hastings and the Battle and Rye areas. 2.54 The evidence from Hotel Solutions Weddings are a significant (2007) indicates that weekday weekend market for country markets are similar for hotels and house hotels in the Battle Area. guesthouses across 1066 Country. 2.59 These tourism-related issues are 2.55 Business visitors are a key discussed further in section 4 on midweek market for 3 star hotels Key Issues. in the Battle area (as well as Hastings and Bexhill). However, a Housing Profile company survey supporting the 2007 Sea Space study suggested

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 15 Battle Town Study Main Report

2.60 With reference to the appendices region, although not as high as (Tables A24 to A41), the following Rother District as a whole. conclusions may be drawn o Relatively low numbers of regarding households in Battle; children living in poverty compared to nation and o Relatively few lower value region, although Battle south properties (council tax band A west is the exception to this and B), but relatively high with a higher proportion of proportions of intermediate children living in poverty than and higher value properties the national average. (council tax bands C-G) o High levels of need for housing o High proportion of one person with 120 Battle households on households, particularly in the housing register seeking south-west Battle. accommodation. o Average proportion of married o There is an even greater couple households, but uneven demand for accommodation in spread in town with very few Battle from residents currently in south-west, but relatively resident elsewhere in the high numbers everywhere else District, with 560 households in Battle. falling into this category. o Low proportions of ‘cohabitating households’ and Profile of Accessibility ‘other multi-person households’ 2.61 Battle is about 4 miles from o Average dwelling size is quite Hastings along the A2100 and large, although smaller about 5 miles from Bexhill. dwellings are concentrated in south-west Battle. High 2.62 Nearby villages include proportion of detached (two and a half miles away to the properties in all areas except SW), Crowhurst (two and a half Battle south-west (where flats miles away to the South), and terraces are the dominant Netherfield to the north-west and accommodation type). to the east. o High levels of owner occupancy and high proportion 2.63 Table 42 has summary information owning outright. Low level of regarding Battle’s accessibility. rentals and of social housing. Map A6 illustrates the main roads, o High numbers of both vacant whilst Map A5 illustrates the main and second homes. public transport options. o Very low level of overcrowding. Trains o Relatively high numbers of households in poverty 2.64 Battle Railway station is located to compared to nation and the south of the town and

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 16 Battle Town Study Main Report

provides a direct service to London B2096 serves Heathfield via Charing Cross and to Hastings, Netherfield. Trains to London take about one and a half hours. 2.69 The Battlefield, the Abbey and the historic town centre fuels a strong Buses tourist industry, with both economic benefits and consequent 2.65 With reference to Map A5, it can pressures on car parking and rising be seen that Battle benefits from cross-town congestion issues bus services to all major centres of population in the area (Hastings, 2.70 As well as local and visitor traffic, Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, there is also through traffic on the Heathfield, Bexhill, ) as cross-country A271 and the north- well as surrounding villages. south A2100.

2.66 However, there is no service that Parking operates 7 days a week and only two services (304, 305 2.71 Battle has four centrally located countryliner between Hastings and off-street car parks. In 2005 the Robertsbridge) that are timed to Battle Local Area Transport allow for convenient commuting. Strategy reported that there were 355 District Council controlled and Community Transport 496 private controlled off street car parking spaces. There is 2.67 The Battle Area Community pressure at peak times. There is a Transport operates a service in the limited amount of on-street car area, including scheduled services, parking in the High Street. and a driver service for medical appointments. 2.72 There are 11 designated coach parking spaces at Market Road car Roads park.

2.68 With reference to Map A6, it can 2.73 With reference to Table A44 it can be seen that the main roads be seen that Car ownership at serving Battle are the A21 Battle is high. This adds to the (London-Hastings Primary Route) pressures for car parking and which is in turn served by the reducing congestion. A2100 Inter-Urban route which passes along Battle High Street. 2.74 A map of off-street car parks can The A271 Inter-Urban route flows be seen at Map A7 in the into the west of the town from Appendix. . The B2095 goes to Ninfield and Catsfield, while the Cycling

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 17 Battle Town Study Main Report

2.75 Pedestrian links through and around the town are relatively 2.79 A large groundwater source good. Cyclists are less well protection zone lies north west of catered for. The National Cycle the town development boundary. Network does not run through the Battle area. There is also a lack of 2.80 There are a number of protected secure cycle parking at schools and species recorded both within the community facilities throughout town and just outside its the strategy area. boundary, including Pipistrellus pipistrellus bat, Daubenton's Bat, 2.76 The issue is discussed in more Natterer's Bat, Brown Long-eared detail in the key issues at section Bat, Great Crested Newt, Hazel 4. dormouse, grass-snake and water vole. Environmental and Habitats Profile 2.81 There are two notable Biodiversity 2.77 The whole town is within the High opportunity areas of relevance. Weald AONB. ‘Rother, Brede and Tillingham Woods’ covers a huge area beyond 2.78 Large expanses of Ancient & Semi- the town development boundary Natural Woodland are located to the north-west, whilst ‘Great beyond the town development Wood area’ covers the eastern boundary, most notably ‘Great side of town. Wood’ to the east which is more precisely defined as ‘ancient re- 2.82 Map A15 shows environmental planted woodland’ and habitat designations.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 18 Battle Town Study Main Report

3. Review of Relevant Policy, Strategies, Studies and other Published Material

Rother District Local Plan Changes in Circumstances since Plan Adoption 3.1 The Local Plan was adopted in 2006. The broad planning 3.4 There is now delegated approval strategy for Battle, contained in for 245 dwellings on the Policy BT1, proposed to maintain Blackfriars site. the historic small town character, to maintain a 3.5 At North Trade Road, planning substantial open countryside permission has been granted for strategic gap to Hastings, to 24 dwellings (now under enhance the commercial and construction) on the greater part tourism attractiveness of the of the allocation. It is estimated town centre and to minimize the that a further 12 dwellings could demand for cross-town vehicular be accommodated on the residue traffic. of the site.

3.2 The Plan allocated ‘Land at Rother District Core Strategy Blackfriars’ for development including housing (220 dwellings 3.6 The emerging Core Strategy has on two areas totalling 7.3ha). now gone through two stages, Other land between the two the ‘Issues and Options’ in 2006 areas for residential and the more recent development was allocated for a Consultation on Strategy single form entry primary school Directions in 2008/09. and for open space. A subsequent planning permission 3.7 The latter document noted that differed slightly from the ‘A key element of the strategy wording of the Local Plan for Battle is the balance between allocation, by permitting 246 supporting the quite buoyant dwellings and an early learning market town role and respecting centre rather then a primary its environmental constraints.’ school. Because of the level of environmental, accessibility and 3.3 A smaller area of 30 dwellings conservation limitations, it was was also allocated at land north considered that a high level of of North Trade Road. future growth for Battle is inappropriate.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 19 Battle Town Study Main Report

3.8 The document outlined how the o Problem of cross-town traffic strategy will be achieved by a and congestion. range of measures, including : o A single suggestion that Battle should seek to achieve ‘World o 450-500 net additional dwellings Heritage’ status. o 10,000 additional sq.m of employment floorspace Rother District Core Strategy Urban o 1,000 additional sq.m of retail Options Background Paper floorspace o Providing land for an Early Years 3.11 The Urban Options Background facility Paper assessed two ‘Strategy o A replacement Martins Oak Options’. The preferred option surgery was careful implementation of o Implementing the Option 1 ‘Continued development recommendations of the Open to support the market town role of Space, Sport and Recreation Battle. This would mean a Study. continuation of the adopted Local Plan’s strategy. It was felt that this 3.9 Peripheral expansion is to be option would most benefit Battle based on an area of search to the in terms of recognising the town’s East and South-East of the town, role providing for local economic, as elaborated upon in the housing and community needs. It supporting ‘Urban Options was considered that this level of Background Paper’, which is growth would be achievable over discussed below. the Plan period largely through outstanding commitments as well Representations Received on the as unimplemented allocations Consultation on Strategy Directions mainly at Blackfriars that can be carried forward. 3.10 Some 45 persons/organisations made comments on the Battle 3.12 It was noted that this in effect section. There were a wide range allocates between 22 and 25 of comments received, notably: dwellings per annum to Battle. It was felt that this constitutes a o Strategic Gap – relatively modest level of growth, representations both for and which with the right cross-cutting against. policies in place should meet the o The need to preserve historic needs of Battle residents without character and landscape compromising the landscape setting setting within the AONB. o Retail – a range of comments on need, type and location – 3.13 In terms of location for new both in support and against development, areas of search new floorspace were identified with a view to

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 20 Battle Town Study Main Report

determining which offers the best primary school, sectors 4 and 5 prospects for development that would better address the key meet the objectives – particularly issues as they would: in terms of reducing congestion and general locational criteria. To Have better access to this end Battle lends itself to being employment at Hastings/ St sub-divided into 5 strategy option Leonards, Marley Lane and areas, these areas are shown on Station Approach, giving rise to Map 1. Each was considered. less cross town movements at Battle 1. Land south of North Trade Have better access to the main Road, west of High Street and line railway station, with more north of the historic rail users being within easy battlefield. walking distance from their 2. Land north of North Trade homes Road, west of London Road Be generally less exposed (A2100) and south of within the landscape of the Netherfield Road. High Weald AONB 3. Land east of London Road (A2100), north of High Street 3.16 In addition, Early Years facilities and west of the open land could be located on the former around Little Park Farm. Local Plan primary school 4. Land north of Hastings Road allocation, within sector 4. (A2100) and east of the open land around Little Park Farm. 3.17 Development would rely on This area includes the improving bus services between Blackfriars development. Battle and Hastings and improved 5. Land south of Hastings Road parking on the eastern side of the (A2100) and east of the town centre. historic battlefield. This area includes a part of the Strategic 3.18 The Urban Options background Gap between Battle and St. paper concluded that more Leonards. detailed work is needed in order to determine any new land 3.14 It was considered that on balance allocations, especially in relation sectors 4 and 5 offer most to landscape and traffic impacts. potential for sensitive and It is therefore not appropriate at sustainable development in the this stage to put forward a longer term. preferred location. It is also worth bearing in mind that only a modest 3.15 Whilst sectors 1,2 and 3 have amount of additional land will be some distinct advantages, in that required over and above that they are closer to the secondary which has already been allocated. school and to a lesser extent the

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 21 Battle Town Study Main Report

Map 1 Battle Area of Search – from Core Strategy Urban Options Background Paper

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 22 Battle Town Study Main Report

LDF Evidence Studies District Council. It suggests that a threshold of 40% affordable on Strategic Housing Land Availability new housing developments would Assessment (SHLAA) be appropriate in Battle.

3.19 Published in March 2010, this Retail Study study identified sites with potential for some 6,800 houses 3.24 The 2007 GL Hearn Study across the District by 2026. commented that ‘qualitatively, Battle town centre has a distinct 3.20 In Battle, potential for up to niche retailer and tourist related approx 600 dwellings was shopping offer, characterised by identified over the Plan period local independent retailers.’ 2006-2026. This comprised some 260 dwellings already ‘in the 3.25 The study showed that Battle is pipeline’ as a result of early little used for main food shopping, completions, permissions or with residents choosing to travel outstanding allocations (including to the large food stores in St Blackfriars). Leonards/Hastings. It concluded that Battle could improve the 3.21 Further land with potential was amount of trade retained in the identified to the south east of the town, from 17% to 60%, the town, south of the Hastings Road. potential uplift recognising Battle’s These areas coincided with the proximity to the large foodstores preferred directions for growth at St. Leonards. To achieve this, highlighted in the emerging Core 1,350 sq m (1,000 sq m sales area) Strategy. gross additional floorspace would be required. The Study Strategic Housing Market Assessment recommended that the Council (SHMA) should assess opportunity sites which would allow Battle to 3.22 This document was produced by recapture convenience goods consultants on behalf of Rother trade. The level of floorspace District Council. It provided much identified (around 1,000 sq m sales useful evidence regarding housing area) could be achieved by way of need, appropriate mix and tenure. a new foodstore or an extension Such issues are drawn on further to one of the existing smaller in the housing section of the Key supermarkets within the town Issues. centre. GL Hearn suggested that further consideration should be Affordable Housing Viability Assessment given to assess the potential to accommodate this within the 3.23 This document was produced by clearly important historic consultants on behalf of Rother environment of Battle town

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 23 Battle Town Study Main Report

centre, which is a conservation area. 3.29 The Core Strategy commented that this is an appropriate target 3.26 GL Hearn do not consider there is both to secure further any strong justification for seeking land/premises for employment to make planning policy provision use at Station Approach and, to increase the comparison goods potentially as part of new mixed- market share of Battle town use developments. centre, although they do anticipate that planning Leisure Facilities Strategy permission may be sought for smaller infill and store extension 3.30 This study was produced in 2009 proposals within the Town, and by Capita Symonds on behalf of suggest that these should be RDC. favourably considered in local retail policy terms. 3.31 Identified Needs for Battle are as follows: 3.27 An interesting survey within the study asked shoppers what o Swimming Pools – The Study improvements would make them identified a need for 3-4 lanes across visit Battle Town centre more Battle and West Rother, with Battle frequently. ‘Improved parking’ being the obvious location. However (39%) and ‘Better Traffic it important to note that the same management’ were the most study identified the shortfall specific frequently cited potential to just Battle amounts to just 1 lane. improvements The study concluded ‘While supply and demand modelling across the Employment Strategy and Land Review Rother may support the need for 3-4 lanes in Battle this would need to be 3.28 The Employment Strategy and tested further through a detailed Land Review indicates that when feasibility study. Given that Battle the total employment requirement has a population of approximately is disaggregated, of the order of 6,000 and is within a 20 minute 10,000sqm of land for drive catchment of Hastings and employment is appropriate for Bexhill pools, the sustainability of Battle to 2026. Some 7,000 sq m is such a facility may be questionable’. currently available (at the o Sports Hall – Similarly the study Blackman, Pavie and Ladden site, identified that 4 badminton courts Marley Lane – 2,400 sq m; land are required across West Rother, west of DB Earthmoving site, although Battle itself actually has a 2 Marley Lane – 1,900 sq m, and court over-supply. The Study land at Rutherfords, Marley Lane – recommended that ‘This could be 2,700 sq m), leaving a requirement linked to Robertsbridge Community for a further 3,000 sq.m.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 24 Battle Town Study Main Report

College, which has been identified as Council. It highlights and having a long standing need.’ prioritises shortfalls in both o Health and Fitness stations – The quantity and quality. The main study showed Battle having a very findings in respect of Battle are:- tiny shortfall of 1-3 stations, relatively insignificant compared to o Consideration to be given, in the shortfall of up to 101 stations the longer term, to a new across Rother. swimming facility. o Multi-Use Games Areas – The study o Consideration to be given to commented that there were no new provision for children and MUGAs in Battle and concluded young people as part of the ‘Further MUGAs to be provided in housing development at the future. The quantity and location Blackfriars, at Glengorse of these will be subject to further playing field, Great Wood and investigation by the Council, around the Old Mill in north depending on their priorities for Battle. targeting provision.’ o To concentrate on qualitative o Synthetic Turf Pitch (STP) – Training improvements to existing facility in Battle. Claverham natural and semi natural open Community College has secured space sites, and to amenity significant funding from the green spaces. Department for Children Schools o To provide, subject to demand, and Families (DCSF) for a new STP a new allotment site in south surface to serve curricular needs. Battle, through new provision Such a facility if floodlit and made or the reallocation of existing available to community users could provision meet demand in West Rother. This would need to be subject to a 3.33 These needs are further assessed detailed feasibility study to identify including possible measures to clear demand and to ensure that it address them in the key issues complements the existing provision. section on page 65. o Skate Parks – Further skate parks to be provided. The quantity and Rother Play Strategy location of these will be subject to further investigation by the Council, 3.34 The Children and Young People's depending on their priorities for Play Policy and Strategy for targeting provision. Rother expired in August 2010. A revised strategy for 2011+ has Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study not yet been produced, but the policy remains central to the 3.32 In June 2007 a PPG17 – Open work of RDC Amenities. Space, Sport and Recreation – Audit and Assessment was 3.35 The Policy and Strategy for produced by Consultants for the Rother aims to provide children

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 25 Battle Town Study Main Report

and young people with a range The East Sussex County Landscape of play opportunities within a Assessment (2004) practical journey of their homes. The document was developed by 3.38 This assessment was developed Rother District Council in in 2004 and sub-divided the conjunction with the Rother Play District into a number of Partnership. Landscape Character Areas, including ‘Battle’ – for which it 3.36 Regarding Battle, the study identified: stated ‘The Battle area contains characteristics, two play areas that cover the special features, central areas well but leave the problems, pressures and southern, northern and western detracting features (including areas without access within the traffic, ribbon development, and accessibility standard set. New parking encroaching onto the play areas should, in the first AONB) instance, be prioritised in the landscape action priorities south and north due to the (including traffic management, a greater number of residents ‘Tree Conservation Plan’, need living in these areas’. The for a new bold entrance feature concluding recommendation was at roundabout, landscape ‘Consider new provision as part improvements to central car of the housing development in park, particularly tree planting, Blackfriars Battle, Glengorse to reduce its impact, improved playing field, Great Wood and pedestrian links between town around the Old Mill in North centre, viewpoints and Battle’. countryside)

3.37 Regarding teenage facilities, the Core Strategy: Market Towns and study recommended ‘There are Villages Landscape Assessment (August currently three teenager 2009) facilities in Battle. The new housing allocations in the south 3.39 This LDF Background evidence of the town provide an study was produced by the opportunity to provide a new Environmental Advice Team of facility. Ideally a new facility East Sussex County Council in should also be considered to the August 2009. west of Battle, but there is less opportunity there.’ The 3.40 Broad-brush Landscape concluding recommendation was Character Areas were previously ‘Prioritise a new teen facility as established in the East Sussex part of the housing/open space County Landscape Assessment developments in south Battle.’ 2004. Battle is bounded to the west, north and east by the

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 26 Battle Town Study Main Report

Brede Valley landscape character works, north of North Trade area and to the south by the Road) although still of high Coombe Haven Valley area. quality, were considered by the study to have some capacity to 3.41 The 2009 assessment evaluated accept change for residential twelve landscape character development. More broadly the areas around Battle in terms of findings can be summed up as their quality, value, visual saying that areas to the south sensitivity, character sensitivity east and east of Battle were to change and capacity to accept rated as having moderate change (for both housing and capacity for change as well as business uses). the area north of North Trade Road. 3.42 Most of the 12 areas on Battle’s urban fringe were good or high Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) quality. Areas bounding Battle’s development boundary ranged 3.45 This document was produced by from no capacity to accept consultants on behalf of Rother change through to moderate District Council in June 2008. capacity. The results are visible on the colour coding of Map A17 3.46 Not surprisingly, given its inland in the appendices or in more location and distance from major detail within the Assessment rivers, Battle does not have itself. significant areas at risk from coastal or fluvial flooding. 3.43 A number of areas (namely the However as Table A52 in the battlefield, The Old Mill/Caldbec appendices indicates, Marley Hill, Almonry Farm/ Coombe lane is subject to fluvial flooding Haven valley, Saxon Hill after heavy rain. Farm/Claverham, Lake Meadow/ Little Park Farm) were viewed as 3.47 Furthermore, as Map A14 shows high quality and high value there are several areas scattered AONB with very little or no around the town of reported capacity to accept change. sewerage flooding and highways Broadly speaking, central and flooding, with the following south-western areas were locations being particular categorised as having no problem areas. capacity to accept change, while the northern boundaries had low o Powder Mill Lane Battle 300 capacity. meters from the junction with the A2100 3.44 Other areas, (such as Glengorse/ o Powder Mill Lane Battle at the Telham, Starrs Green, Blackfriars bottom of Richards Hill Oast, Marley Lane Sewerage

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 27 Battle Town Study Main Report

o North Trade Road Battle near o identifying a local lorry Fredrick Thatcher place network for the Battle area o Netherfield Road, Battle 200 yards o improving public transport down from the A2100 waiting facilities

3.48 This issue is discussed further in o developing school travel plans the ‘Key issues’ section on Public and 'Safer Routes to School' Utilities infrastructure. o junction improvements, including the Powdermill East Sussex Local Transport Plan (LTP) Lane/A2100 junction and the Station Approach /A2100 3.49 Draft LTP3, the Draft Community junctions Transport Strategy and the Draft o improved parking Freight Strategy was published management. for consultation by ESCC in late 3.52 These proposals may be made in 2010. LTP3 sets out the County the short, medium or long term Council’s transport agenda from and are subject to funding. The 2011 to 2026. Generally the Battle LATS was developed in more detailed and relevant partnership between ESCC, information for Battle is Battle Town Council, Rother contained within the Battle Local District Council, Battle Steering Area Transport Strategy (LATS), Group and Transport Forum. published in 2005. These groups will also play a key part in the development of the Battle Local Area Transport Strategy transport improvements. Appendix A50 updates progress 3.50 The Battle Local Area Transport regarding the measures Strategy (LATS) published in identified in the BLATS. December 2005 was produced by ESCC, in partnership with 3.53 With regard future updates of Rother District Council and the BLATs, as of February 2011, Battle Town Council. ESCC state that there are no plans to review the LATS for 3.51 It sets out the framework for Battle. They are moving to a transport investment in the new process for identifying and town from 2005–2015. A set of prioritising local transport key objectives has been schemes to reflect the priorities identified, from which the set out in their draft Third Local following transport proposals Transport Plan. have been developed:

o pedestrian improvements in Battle High Street

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 28 Battle Town Study Main Report

Battle Conservation Area Character 3.58 The Local Action Plan Appraisal (CACA) summarises the actions proposed to achieve the 3.54 Battle Conservation Area was aspirations of the town's designated in June 1971 and residents, including the follow- reviewed in 2005. up action to be taken by the Town Council itself. 3.55 Published in 2006, the Battle CACA is an assessment of the 3.59 These highlight a number of special interest, character and commitments with particular appearance of the conservation relevance to land use planning, area (the extent of which is namely; visible on Map A16). As such it serves as a basis for both the o Promote provision of public formulation of policy and of toilet facilities in the Abbey development management Green area decisions. o To be more pro-active in Battle Local Action Plan protecting and improving the Town’s street scene. 3.56 In April 2007 Battle Town Council published its Local o Promote, in the medium term, Action Plan, and a copy was the need for a replacement sent to every household. It is a Town Centre Community Hall living document which will be (together with an indoor reviewed regularly by the swimming pool) Steering Group. o Provide car parking for North 3.57 It was initially informed by a Trade Road Recreation Ground questionnaire which was sent to every electoral register address in Battle in 2006.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 29 Battle Town Study Main Report

4. Key Issues

Key Issues from Urban Options Emerging Key Issues for Submission Background Paper Version of the Core Strategy

4.1 The following key issues were 4.3 Lists of the town’s strengths and identified within the Urban weaknesses were included within Options Background Paper. the Urban Options Background Paper. o Need to relieve traffic congestion in Battle Town 4.4 This has been elaborated into a full Centre (High Street) as well as SWOT analysis in Figure 1. Further improve accessibility by strengths and weaknesses have alternatives to the car emerged, with opportunities and o Improve car parking situation by threats identified, as a result of increasing the number of spaces the recent partnership working on available this Battle Town Study. The recent o Need to support the ‘market work has also resulted in town’ and tourist centre role, additional research on the key consistent with its important issues. All of the key issues historic and environmental previously identified within the character and setting Urban Options Background Paper o Need to increase opportunities are still key issues and are for residents to work locally discussed further in this ‘Key o Ability to accommodate Issues’ section. Additional issues development without detracting have also emerged, as well as from the character more detail on those key issues already recognized by the Core 4.2 The above formed the basis for Strategy so far. They have further discussion of key issues for emerged both from an updated version of the Core representations on the Core Strategy. strategy and from further discussion on the Battle Town Study working group.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 30 Battle Town Study Main Report

Figure 1: SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses o High quality historic environment and o Traffic congestion - significant numbers important archaeology of visitors for major events and at peak o High quality landscape setting periods. o Good pedestrian access o Location of schools exacerbating traffic o Good range of community facilities congestion. o Railway station o Pattern of development exacerbating and o Thriving tourist economy (1066 publicity contributing to congestion problems machine) o Lack of car parking o Relatively high household income o Poor cycle access o Community Spirit o Few residents undertake their main o Low unemployment weekly food shopping trip locally. o Good quality of life and high life o Weak office market expectancy o Lack of tourist accommodation in town o Good quality schools boundary, relative to peripheral area o Good range of flourishing independent o Lack of employment opportunities and retailers, distinctive shopping centre and out-commuting amongst young people clear concentration on definable “High o Bus Services (both level of usage and Street”. frequency of service) o Large number of small businesses in and o Pockets of relative disadvantage around town centre (source Retail o Concentration of wealth amongst retirees study). and out-commuters o Local Housing Need o Developers building housing primarily for wealthy retirees and out-commuters. o Public Utility Infrastructure - prone to power cuts and localised flooding.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 31 Battle Town Study Main Report

Opportunities Threats o Further potential to capitalise on Abbey o Ability to effectively manage increasing and historic legacy. congestion pressures weakened in event o Aspiration for a new hotel to enhance of link road delay or cancellation. tourist revenue. o New housing further exacerbates o Attractions, particularly more festivals congestion. and events to attract visitors throughout o Demographic imbalance and income the year. disparities continues to be exacerbated o Employment opportunities – particularly o Continuing pressures on public funding availability of capacity for light industrial for tourism. at Marley Lane. o Pressure on school provision, particularly o Potential to ‘clawback’ food retail primary school, meaning they are close to expenditure by improvement of local being over-capacity (although many offer. pupils are not Battle residents). o Station Approach area has potential both for high quality employment floorspace in a sustainable location, but also for rationalisation and improved car parking provision. o Housing to meet local need. o Town centre tourism, both extension to existing and encouragement of new.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 32 Battle Town Study Main Report

Main Key Issue: Figure 1: Squirrel Corner Traffic Flows, Congestion and Cross- (junction of A271 and B2096). Town Traffic - the Relationship to This indicates large volumes of New and Existing Development traffic in both directions along Patterns the A271, with a comparatively small number turning off or in The Problem to the B2096 to/from Netherfield. 4.5 Congestion within the central area is detracting from the Figure 2: Battle roundabout overall quality of the living and (junction of A271, A2100 and working environment. The High Street). This is a busy volume of traffic in the area also roundabout, with the largest contributes to the production of volume of traffic moving pollutants as traffic noise and between North Trade Road vibration, particularly HGVs. and the High Street in both Congestion at junctions and in directions (i.e. cross town the High Street increases the traffic). London Road (A2100) production of pollutants. Vehicle accounts for a slightly smaller emissions can be responsible for volume of traffic than either the deterioration of structures. the High Street or North Trade Road, although numbers are 4.6 Traffic congestion in and around still significant (just over 9,000 the High Street has been seen as vehicles in both directions a major issue for many years. In daily). Of vehicles coming into the past, a bypass has been Battle roundabout from the proposed as has rear vehicular A2100 roughly half go left access to serve the shops in the down the High street and High Street. These proposals roughly half go right into North have been dismissed as Trade Road. environmentally unacceptable or for practical reasons. Figure 3: Powdermill Lane junction (junction of A2100, Evidence Relating to the Issue Powdermill Lane and Station Approach). The majority of Evidence: Current Traffic Flows movements are between central Battle and Hastings in ESCC Data both directions, with much smaller numbers going 4.7 Figures A7 to A9 show traffic into/out of Powdermill Lane flows (ESCC data from 2008 and and a tiny number travelling 2009) at the three main to/from Station approach. junctions in Battle, namely:

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 33 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.8 From these three figures it is from east to west, but in the pm possible to conclude that the peak this is reversed with more volume of traffic using Battle vehicles heading down towards High Street is significantly in Hastings. The reason for this excess of that skirting the fringes apparent discrepancy with ESCC of Battle (i.e. between North traffic flow data may be due to Trade Road and the London Road the times of the survey in and between Powdermill Lane relation to school times. The and Hastings). Although it is a Blackfriars survey of the am peak busy area for pedestrians with (8am to 9am) would have high heritage and conservation captured the ‘school run’ trips value, Battle High Street does towards the schools on the west form part of the A2100 – one of side. However the time of the the county’s key strategic routes. Blackfriars survey in the evening (4pm to 5pm) would have been Blackfriars Planning Application too late to capture many ‘school Transport Assessment run trips’. This would also explain the differing flow patterns 4.9 The ESCC figures discussed between am and pm peaks above indicate a slightly higher within the Blackfriars Transport number of vehicles along Battle Assessment. High Street/Upper Lake from west to east (i.e.: towards 4.10 The Blackfriars transport Blackfriars and Hastings) than assessment also indicated that going in the opposite direction. development of the Blackfriars However, research produced By site, will result in an increase in Countryside Properties in am peak hour traffic on Hastings support of the Blackfriars Road (+4.2%), Battle Hill (+2.9%), planning application High Street (+5.8%), Marley Lane RP/2007/1896 (see figures A10 West of Harrier Lane (+5.8%), to A11) appears to show the Marley Lane East of Harrier Lane opposite, with slightly higher (+13.7%). The only stretch of numbers of vehicles heading in road that will see a decrease in an east to west direction up the pm peak hour traffic as a result High Street (towards London) of the Blackfriars development rather than west to east. It is is Lower Lake (-4.3%). In pm noteworthy though that the peak hour all roads show a Blackfriars research surveyed a similar result except Marley Lane much shorter period (just 2 (West of Harrier Lake) which hours a day) and demonstrates a shows a decrease in flow. very different pattern of movement between am peak Traffic Flows Compared with Similar hour and pm peak hour. In the Towns morning the dominant flow is up

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 34 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.11 The following table compares bottom of the issue of daily flow of vehicles in the main origin/destination, and the roads of Battle, with two similar related issue of how many of market towns in East Sussex. these journeys terminate in Whilst Heathfield appears to central Battle vis-à-vis those generate more traffic, it is which continue elsewhere. The important to note that it does only origin/destination have a higher population than information that exists for Battle both Battle and Rye. dates from 1998/99, although more recent data relating solely 4.12 Battle’s traffic flows are to freight traffic is available effectively concentrated on the (2006), and discussed in the A2100, which for the purposes of section ‘Evidence: Service Trips’ the survey was sub-divided into on page 40. four through-fares, namely Battle Hill, Lower Lake, the High Origin and Destination Survey all street and London Road. Vehicles (1998/99)

Table 1: Daily Vehicle Flows – Battle 4.14 Origin and Destination surveys compared with Rye and Heathfield were conducted at two Battle locations (as well as one in Crowhurst). The two Battle locations are North Trade Road and Powdermill Lane. However the A2100 was not included in the research. As such it is difficult to extract any definitive conclusions from this now dated research.

4.15 However, the 1998/99 surveys do provide a useful insight into the broad split of trips by purpose, as demonstrated by Source: ESCC Tables 3 and 2.

Evidence: Origin and Destination Table 2: Breakdown of Trips that give Surveys Battle area as the Final Destination

4.13 The traffic flow figures discussed in the previous section provide useful insight into volumes of traffic using Battle’s roads. However they do not get to the Source: ESCC O&D Surveys 1998/99

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 35 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.20 Conversely, Battle does not seem Table 3: Breakdown of Trips that give to have such a role as a shopping Battle area as the Origin centre. People tend to head out of Battle to do their shopping – a finding which is supported by the results of the Retail study (as discussed in section 3).

Source: ESCC O&D Surveys 1998/99 4.21 For ‘work’ more people appear to head out of Battle than into 4.16 It is important to clarify that Battle. This does not sit easily ‘work’ is a static location, i.e. an with the findings of the 2001 office, factory, shop etc. census (as presented in the ‘Employee business’ entails ‘Commuting Flows’ table at delivering goods, visiting clients Appendix A46) which indicated homes, engineers etc.. Battle has more in-commuters 4.17 Not surprisingly, most trips are than out-commuters. One to and from home. Trips that possible explanation for this originate in Battle are more likely apparent anomaly is the location to be persons heading home – of the two survey points in perhaps confirming Battle’s 1998/99 (North Trade Road and service centre role for the Powdermill Lane) do not serve as surrounding area, as people access points to the large head back to their place of employment areas at Marley residence having made use of Lane, so may not have been best Battle’s services and facilities. placed to capture in-coming commuters. Furthermore, both 4.18 Persons heading into Battle are in-coming and out-going more likely to be doing so for the commuters between Battle and purposes of ‘recreation’ or Hastings/ London/ Tunbridge ‘other’ then persons heading out Wells would be more likely to of Battle. This perhaps confirms use the A2100 which was not both Battle’s tourist role and its included in the survey. role as an education provider. Evidence: Volume and Direction of 4.19 The pattern of movements for School Trips ‘employee business’ also provides evidence of Battle Proportion of School Trips Nationally service centre role, with persons based in Battle heading out into 4.22 Nationally, school trips account the surrounding area for for approximately 1 in 5 of all deliveries, visiting clients, etc. journeys in the morning peak hour (source: LTP). The 2005

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 36 Battle Town Study Main Report

BLATs suggests that in Battle it transportation by which they get could be higher. to school. Other sources can give an indication of this however, as Numbers of Children in Battle discussed below.

4.23 This will of course vary according Likely Level of Vehicle Trips to Primary to the numbers of school age School children and schools within any given place. 4.28 The 2007 Transport Assessment provided in support of the 4.24 Table A1 indicated that Battle Blackfriars application Town has a fairly high proportion (RR/2007/1896) analysed5 the of 0-14 year olds, although this likely vehicle trip rates to be age band has seen no growth in generated as a result of a new the last decade, primary school of 210 pupils. It suggested 0.43 vehicle 4.25 Table A28 ‘Households by type’ movements per pupil at the 8am indicated that in Battle some to 9am peak (arrival and 62.3% of all households are departure at school each count ‘family households’4. Table A30 as separate trip) which equated ‘Family Households by type’ to 89 vehicle movements for 210 suggests that just under half of pupils. Across the whole day these (49.2%) have dependent total trip rates amounted to 1.1 children in Battle. This is an vehicle trips per pupil. identical proportion to East Sussex and the South East 4.29 According to the 2010 Ofsted region, but a slightly lower (by report, Battle and Langton 1%) proportion then the Church of England Primary equivalent national figure. School has 420 pupils on the roll. Using the TRICs figures used in 4.26 Therefore, at the time of the the Blackfriars application, this 2001 census, some 30.7% of all suggests about 460 Battle households had consequential vehicle dependent children, the majority movements every school day. of which (estimate 75%) can be assumed to be of school- 4.30 Table 4a shows the place of attending age. residence of pupils of Battle and Langton CE Primary. 4.27 Whilst Battle may have typical numbers of children, the census Likely Level of Vehicle Trips to does not tell us the method of Secondary School

4 Comprising married couple, cohabitating couple or lone parent households 5 TRICs database figures

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 37 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.31 Claverham College has 1184 reports that the congestion pupils (2010 Ofsted report) and impact of the school is attracts pupils from a much exacerbated by this, and also wider catchment area than that the main school increasingly Battle and Langton Primary uses facilities on Battle High School (as seen in Table 4b) Street.

4.32 National Indicator 198 measures Likely Level of School Vehicle Trips ‘Children travelling to school – Generated by a Housing Development usual mode of travel’. Unfortunately NI198 is not 4.35 As discussed previously it is currently available in East estimated that primary schools Sussex, although it is in Kent result in about 1.1 vehicle trips where approximately 25-30% of per pupil daily, and secondary 11-16 year olds arrive to school schools in about 0.55. On this by car (although the rate varies basis an overall estimate of from 20% to 38% across different 0.825 vehicle trips per pupil districts).6 Therefore it is (primary and secondary) is estimated that some 325 pupils assumed. arrive at Claverham College by car, resulting in an estimated 650 4.36 Using these figures the following daily vehicle movements can be surmised: If an estimated Monday to Friday. Very roughly 23% of Battle households have this equates to 0.55 daily vehicle school attending children and trips per secondary age pupil. these average an estimated 0.825 vehicle trips per pupil, 4.33 Battle Abbey School is also then a development of 100 present in central Battle but only houses results in approximately has about 206 pupils, 44 of 19 school related vehicle whom board at the school journeys every day. (according to 2004 figures from the Department for Education 4.37 Overall, based on the above and Skills) figures it could well be that there are in excess of 1,200 vehicle 4.34 They also have a Preparatory movements per day (Claverham school in Bexhill, and around 40 650, Primary School 460, + Battle of the younger pupils are Abbey) as a result of journeys to dropped at Battle with an older and from Battle’s three schools. sibling and are taken to Bexhill by bus. Battle Town Council 4.38 A significant proportion of these car journeys would be made

6 across town. It is possible to Maidstone Borough Council ‘Maidstone estimate how many via analysis Profile Report’ produced for the Local Strategic Partnership of home addresses of Battle

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 38 Battle Town Study Main Report

pupils, information on which has been provided by Battle Town 4.39 This information is taken from Council. From the two tables Dot Maps produced by ESCC’s below it can be seen that the School Admissions System. It is greater number of pupils access assumed that the locations of the school from an easterly these students for which location direction, due to the large data is missing will reflect that of numbers of pupils resident in known cases. The tables should East Battle, Hastings and to a be interpreted as providing only lesser extent Westfield. These a general indication of the pupils are likely to contribute location patterns of students towards the cross-town attending both schools. congestion in the High Street. New School? Tables 4: Broad Locations of Home Addresses of Children Attending Battle 4.40 A new primary school at Schools 2010/11 Blackfriars (as proposed in the 2006 Local Plan) may have Table 4a: Battle and Langton CE helped reduce cross-town traffic Primary and greater justified the Location Estimated Number preferred development strategy Battle West (West of 130 focussing on sectors 4 and 5. Abbey) However this is no longer the Battle East (East of 150 Abbey) Education Authority’s preferred Hastings 110 option, so the problem of cross- Bexhill 10 town traffic resulting from the Villages/Rural 20 location of the school remains. Total 420 Evidence: Volume and Direction of Table 4b: Claverham Community Journeys to Work College Location Estimated Number 4.41 Perhaps surprisingly given its Battle West (West of 180 proximity to the much larger Abbey) Battle East (East of 180 urban centres of Hastings and Abbey) Bexhill, the Census Workplace Hastings 180 Statistics tell us that Battle has Bexhill 90 slightly more in-commuters than Ninfield Lower St 80 out-commuters (as Table A49 Crowhurst 40 demonstrates in more detail). Catsfield 30 Sedlescombe 50 Overall there is a net movement Westfield 100 of 78 commuters to Battle. Netherfield 40 Other Villages/Rural 190 4.42 The detail of commuting flows Total 1160 can be seen in Table A46. It

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 39 Battle Town Study Main Report

shows that there are net in-flows ‘Journey to work movements’ of commuters from Hastings are made by car, it highlights the (143) and from the rest of Rother extent of the problem. It means (198). These are balanced by net about 950 cars bring commuters out-flows to Greater London (- into Battle each working day (or 105) and Kent (-86) and to approx 1900 vehicle Tonbridge Wells (-68) in movements), with over 300 from particular. . Hastings and about 400 from the Rest of Rural Rother. Moreover 4.43 The Table ‘Mode of Travel to these figures exclude Battle Work’ indicates that just under residents who choose travel to 2/3 of Battle residents in work by car within their own employment travel to work by town. car. But if ‘home-workers’ are discounted, the proportion of 4.47 Therefore in total, there are those who commute to work by approximately 2,200 vehicle car from Battle is even greater, movements (leaving + returning) rising to 74.2%, with just 25.8% as a result of Battle residents travelling to their workplace by out-commuting. There are more sustainable means of approximately 1900 additional transport. Rother as a whole vehicle movements daily as a shows an even greater reliance result of people coming from on the private car for commuting elsewhere to work in Battle than Battle does. (leaving + returning. In total there are approximately 4,100 4.44 In actual numbers, Table A47 vehicle journeys daily as a result (Mode of Travel to Work - of journeys to and from work. Breakdown of Private Vehicles (Absolute Numbers) shows Evidence: Volume and Direction of that 1,111 cars driven by Battle ‘Employee Business’ trips residents leave for work every day (and logically return again 4.48 ‘Employee business’ trips entail each evening). delivering goods, visiting client’s homes, engineers etc. Based on 4.45 The BLATs states that of the the 1998/99 Origin & Destination workforce (as opposed to surveys, vehicle trips for this residents) of Battle, 63% purpose comprise 15-18% of commute in as car driver, 6% as traffic within Battle (as visible in car passenger and 1% on Tables 2 and 3 earlier). motorbike. 4.49 Tables 5 and 6 below show 4.46 If it is assumed that where these trips are originating approximately ¾ of the car from and heading for journeys listed in the Table A49

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 40 Battle Town Study Main Report

Table 5: Emp. Business Trips with destination survey of HGVs and Battle as Final Destination commercial vehicles over 30cwt entering Battle. Surveys were carried out at Powdermill Lane, A2100 Hastings Road, Marley Lane, North Trade Road and A2100 London Road.

4.52 From the HGV origin / destination surveys undertaken it is apparent that most of the HGV’s in the High Street are Source 1998/99 Origin & Destination Survey there for deliveries to local Table 6: Emp. Business Trips with businesses. 88% of Battle High Battle as Origin Street businesses have deliveries or collections. Most take less than 15 minutes with almost half taking less than 5 minutes. 34% are by lorry (29% rigid lorry, 5% articulated lorry), with almost half by light van and the remainder by car and motorcycle. 43% are made between 9am and 12pm in the morning. Problems experienced by delivery vehicles accessing premises in Battle include traffic

levels, illegal parking, 4.50 Table 3 shows that employee Loading/unloading facilities and and business trips with Battle as Traffic levels on main access final destination predominantly routes. arrive from Hastings or the

north. Table 2 shows that 4.53 Particularly busy routes are employee and business trips Marley Lane (entering Battle), with Battle as origin Hastings Road (from Hastings to predominantly head south or Battle or going elsewhere via west. Battle), Powdermill Lane (both

terminating in Battle or via Battle Origin and Destination Survey of HGVs to Hastings) and North Trade and commercial vehicles over 30cwt Road from Bexhill (mostly (2006) heading north, but some heading

into Battle). 4.51 In July 2006 East Sussex County

Council carried out an origin and

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 41 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.54 The outcome of the trader’s and Tesco). Budgens in Battle freight questionnaires was the third most popular undertaken at the same time choice. Only 9.1% of Battle area demonstrates that the traders residents did their main food have little control over the shopping in Battle Town centre. delivery times. 4.59 A caveat to this is the ‘Battle 4.55 The Battle Local Area Transport area’ defined in the Retail study Plan (BLATs) recognised this incorporated a large area problem and has proposed a including Robertsbridge, range of potential solutions as Sedlescombe, , outlined in paragraphs 4.76 – Mountfield and Ewhurst. 4.94. Therefore it is likely that a higher proportion than 9.1% of actual Evidence: Volume and Direction of Battle town residents shop Retail Trips within their own town. This is balanced the other way by the 4.56 The 1998/99 Origin & fact that subsequent to 2007 Destination Survey showed that further convenience retail shopping trips accounted for a developments in West Hastings low proportion of trips (between and St Leonards has increased 3.5% and 5.5%). However the the appeal of these destinations two survey locations did not for weekly food shopping. include the A2100 so would have missed shoppers heading to 4.60 The 2007 Retail Study showed Hastings, which the 2007 Retail that 70% of Battle shoppers did Study suggests is the main flow so in their own car and a further of shoppers. Therefore the 3.5% 17% as passengers in to 5.5% estimate is a likely friends/relatives cars. The under-estimate. remainder either walked took the bus or did their food 4.57 A more accurate guide to traffic shopping online. It is logical to generated by shopping trips may assume that the 5.5% who therefore be the Retail Study walked did so at a more local which showed some 73% of store than Hastings/St Leonards. Battle area shoppers do their Therefore the vast majority of main food shopping in Hastings Battle residents who shopped in and St Leonards. Hastings/St Leonards do so by car and usually as the driver 4.58 The Retail Study indicated that for Battle residents, the most 4.61 In terms of overall volume, if popular stores for their ‘Main 73% of Battle town ward 4,872 Food and Grocery shopping’ residents obtain their main food were in St Leonards (Sainsburys shopping in Hastings and St

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 42 Battle Town Study Main Report

Leonards that equates to some marginally better accessibility 3,500 persons. The average than the south east of Battle household size in Battle is 2.2 (Table A31) so assuming there is Evidence: Volume and Direction of one trip per household per week Services Trips means about 1600 shopping trips to Hastings. Based on the figures 4.65 Battle is a service centre for discussed in the previous residents of the town and its paragraph if it is assumed that satellite communities. Local 70% (just over 1,100) would be surgeries and the Hastings by car. This would equate to Conquest Hospital provide 2,200 weekly vehicle movements health services for the area. or just over 300 vehicle Visits to the GP, chemists and movements per day as a result of dentist, grocery shopping, the Battle residents shopping in library, the closure of village post Hastings. offices, banking and social activities are all generators of 4.62 For comparison goods, Hastings journeys. town centre followed by Tunbridge Wells and Bexhill 4.66 Map A2 ‘Key Services’ in the Ravenside were the most appendices shows the location of popular destinations. some of the main services in Battle. Not surprisingly most 4.63 The intention to provide more services are clustered around the convenience retail floorspace High Street, although there is a within Battle would hopefully small cluster in the vicinity of the ‘clawback’ some of this lost trade train station and the top end of if completed. However, there is Battle Hill. still a clear pattern of traffic heading out of Battle for 4.67 Maps A10, A12 and A13 in the shopping, predominantly appendices were originally towards Hastings and St produced for the Local Transport Leonards. Plan and show accessibility by sustainable transport modes to 4.64 Map A11 in the appendices were Hospitals and Colleges. The originally produced for the Local south-east of the town along Transport Plan and shows Hastings Road is more accessible accessibility by sustainable to Hospitals as a result of its transport modes to proximity to the Conquest. supermarkets. It shows that as a Central and south east areas result of proximity to enjoy the best access to Hastings Budgens/Jempsons, the centre, College, but all areas have similar west and north of Battle all enjoy access to , with

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 43 Battle Town Study Main Report

the exception of the far north of certainly exclude work, business, the town. shopping and home. The 33.9% must therefore include school, Evidence: Volume and Direction of medical, eating out and tourism. Tourism Trips Just 24.8% of trips that originate in Battle do so for the purpose of 4.68 There is no source that gives a ‘recreation/ other’. The direct indication of how much discrepancy with trips heading traffic is generated by tourist into Battle lends support to visitors to Battle, but rough Battle’s service centre and estimates can be inferred from tourist role. other sources. 4.72 Information provided by Battle 4.69 Tourism South East’s ‘The Tourist Information Centre Economic Impact of Tourism (January 2011) indicates that Rother 2009’ estimated that approximately 130,000 people 493,000 staying trips were spent visit Battle Abbey per annum, in Rother District in 2009, of which averages about 350 per which around 439,000 were day. There is considerable made by domestic visitors (89%) seasonal variation however, with and 54,000 by overseas visitors perhaps 1,000 visitors per day in (11%). A considerable proportion the July/August peek. of these would have visited Approximately 500-600 visit daily Battle. in April/May/June and also in September/October. But in 4.70 The Battle Destination Profile winter months visitors number 2007 by Arkenford (derived from 20-100 daily. The Battle of the Hastings and 1066 Country Hastings re-enactment weekend Visitor Study) showed that about in October is a one off peak of 75% of visitors to Battle do so for about 10,000 visitors across the just a day trip and do not stay weekend. overnight.

4.71 The 1998/99 Origin & Destination surveys (detailed in Table 3 above) showed that for trips that gave Battle as their final destination, 13.1% were for the purpose of recreation and 20.8% for the purpose of ‘other’. ESCC are unable to say which category tourism would have fallen into, but the 33.9% of trips to Battle for ‘recreation/ other’

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 44 Battle Town Study Main Report

Figure 2: Top 10 Tourist Activities in Country Walk, Yesterday’s Battle World, Battle Museum and the Almonry Gardens. Top 10 Activities done at destination

4.74 Even if 90% of the 350 average Visiting cultural/ heritage attractions daily visitors to the Abbey arrive by car, many will do so as Walking passengers. Therefore it is General exploration/ touring/ estimated that on average 100- soaking up atmosphere 150 cars arrive daily to visit the

Eating out at restaurants Abbey, resulting in 200-300 daily movements. Not all tourists Visiting other attractions would visit the Abbey of course. Based on Figure 2 above showing Shopping 60%+ visit cultural/heritage

Visiting artistic/ cultural attractions, it is suggested that attractions perhaps half of all visitors would

Spending time on a beach/ in a visit the Abbey. Therefore a park ballpark of 400-600 average daily

Photography vehicle movements as a result of tourism seems reasonable, rising Attending a show/ specific to about 1,500 in the July/August event peek period. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100 % Visitors to region Visitors to Battle 4.75 Evidence suggests that most

visitors to Battle arrive from a 4.73 The Hastings and 1066 Country northerly direction (especially Visitor Study showed that almost Kent and London) as evidenced 90% of visitors to Battle arrive by in Figure 3 opposite. car, although the survey did not distinguish between drivers and passengers. The same survey showed that the most popular reasons for tourism in Battle are not surprisingly ‘Visiting cultural and Heritage attractions’ (as Figure 2 above indicates). The main draw is of course the Abbey and Battlefield located on the south of the town. This suggests much cross-town traffic is generated by tourist visitors. Other attractions are the 1066

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 45 Battle Town Study Main Report

Figure 3: Origin of Tourist Visitors to Battle

Origin Profile

Local

London

Essex

Outer London

Kent

West Sussex

Home Counties

Midlands

North

West

East

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

All respondents Visitors to region Visitors to Battle

Source: Hastings and 1066 Country Visitor Study by Arkenford Market Modelling and Research

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 46 Battle Town Study Main Report

Potential Solutions to the Issue 2008). Maps A8 and A9 therefore are presented with a strong 4.76 Transport planning solutions are caveat that the situation generally the domain of the regarding development in Bexhill County Highways Authority, and and Hastings is a fluid one, the the Battle Local Area Transport outcomes of which will inevitably Strategy (BLATS) contains a impact upon Battle. number of solutions and measures to address the 4.79 Elsewhere in the Link Road transport problems of Battle for Model, it indicates that the short, medium and long Powdermill Lane is over-capacity, term. Latest updates on progress but this has been addressed by are contained in Appendix A50. the recent development of a mini roundabout. 4.77 Two of the more key potential transport planning solutions are 4.80 The BLATs supports the findings discussed in this section. of the Link Road modelling in Conclusions regarding the highlighting the benefits of the location of future development Link Road for Battle. The are discussed in the next section origin/destination surveys of on page 45. freight traffic seem to suggest a significant volume of freight in (i) Link Road the area would instead use the link road once it is built, although Evidence: ESCC Link Road Modelling it has to be said that a significant volume of freight has Battle as 4.78 Evidence shows that the building either an origin or destination. of the Bexhill to Hastings link road would significantly reduce 4.81 Following the change of national congestion in Battle town centre. government, all funding for As maps A10 and A11 illustrate, transport schemes, including the Battle would positively benefit link road, is on hold. In late 2010, both in terms of reduction of the government announced its flows and reduction in junction intention to make a final decision delays. It is important to note regarding funding for the link that these map models are road by the end of 2011. It is based on housing figures derived hoped that the link road will from the Local Plan and South eventually proceed following this East Plan, which may be an unavoidable delay, but it is in under-estimate in light of the effect in direct competition with most recent housing figures a number of nationwide presented in the emerging Core transport schemes for a limited Strategy (Consultation on pool of funding. Strategy Directions November

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 47 Battle Town Study Main Report

(ii) HGV Restrictions Town Study using information provided by ESCC. Further 4.82 It is clear that problems with updates on progress on wider commercial deliveries are fairly BLAT objectives are in Appendix fundamental to the problems of A50. High Street congestion. Although only 34% of deliveries are by Table 7: Update on Key BLATs lorry (29% rigid lorry, 5% recommendations regarding HGVs articulated lorry), they have a The Battle Local 2011 Update dis-proportionate impact due to Area Transport their size. Strategy (BLATs) Recommendation 4.83 The problem would be helped to Work with local A loading bay a large extent by simple freight hauliers and has recently enforcement of parking businesses to been developed restrictions, particularly on the develop a Freight by the co-op High Street. North Trade Road’s Providing dedicated and zebra designation as a ‘freight traffic unloading facilities crossing. route’ up to the roundabout is for goods vehicles in felt to be an issue by the Town Battle High Street; Council. Freight routes are Consider the No further identified in the BLATs and in the introduction of update from context of Battle, the following cameras north and ESCC. roads have been identified in the south of Battle High hierarchy of freight routes: Street to ‘catch’ lorries using Battle o A21 (London – Hastings) to avoid the A21 or Strategic Trunk Road Route accessing the o A2100 (Johns Cross – North industrial estates in Trade Road Roundabout) North Hastings; Local Route Considering the Survey o A271 (Boship Roundabout – introduction of a conducted by Battle) Local Route delivery scheme ESCC for BLATs. that could be Implementation 4.84 The Battle Local Area Transport developed to scheme was Strategy (BLATs) contained a alleviate town supported by number of recommendations to centre congestion; some traders address the impact of HGV HGV ban between and the efforts movements, including those set particular hours of to mitigate the out in the table below (Table 7). day to restrict problems met deliveries to outside with some 4.85 The table has been subject to an peak periods; and success. nd update (2 column) as part of Dialogue with the the recent work on the Battle

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 48 Battle Town Study Main Report

Chamber of Trade elsewhere in the Rest of Rural and Commerce will Rother than in Hastings. Even be encouraged so, Hastings is easily the town regarding varying with greatest community links business delivery with Battle. times in the town. 4.87 The 1998/99 Origin & destination surveys suggest there is an even greater quantity of vehicle trips as a result of employee and business trips (e.g. delivering goods, visiting clients homes, engineers, etc) than of work trips. The pattern seems to be of employee business trips coming in from Hastings and of heading out to Bexhill.

4.88 There has been much discussion of the impact of the ‘school run’. The evidence suggests there are well over 1,200 daily vehicle movements resulting from journeys to schools, which is still less in number than trips for Conclusions Regarding Locations of work and employee/business Development trips. However the impact of school traffic may be felt more Conclusions Regarding Pattern of keenly as a result of its Traffic Movements concentration at certain hours of the day, notably the morning 4.86 There are approximately 4,100 rush hour. The locations of the vehicle journeys daily as a result schools on the west side is of journeys to and from work. without doubt a cause of cross- Hastings and the ‘Rest of Rother’ town traffic and congestion due were the largest generators of to the number of pupils who both ‘in’ and ‘out’ commuting. travel from the east side of the Although the previously High Street. published version of the Core Strategy made much of the inter- 4.89 There is an estimated average of relationship with Hastings, 300 vehicle movements per day particularly as a workplace as a result of people heading to destination, more Battle and returning back from Hastings residents actually work to do their food shopping. Many

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 49 Battle Town Study Main Report

of these are presumably heading overwhelming case for saying across Battle via the High Street that south-east and east Battle in order to do so. The fact that so (sectors 4 and 57) should be the few Battle resident choose to preferred locations for future shop locally is a pattern that for housing development. There is a numbers of reasons it would be no clear pattern of residents of advisable to reverse, including west Battle being pulled sustainability, reduction in un- eastwards across town to a necessary trips and supporting significantly greater extent then the economic viability of Battle there is of the reverse journey shopping centre. (east Battle residents heading west). 4.90 It is estimated a further 400-600 vehicle movements result on an 4.94 However, there are a number of average day for tourism other factors that should be purposes (Although this is considered when deciding upon subject to considerable seasonal the most sustainable pattern of variations). Most of these arrive development, including:- from a northerly direction. Need for development 4.91 The station on the east side Proximity to key services attracts a number of cars, but Location of environmental, many of these will be commuters assets from Hastings, Bexhill and Location of heritage assets villages. Landscape assets Representations received 4.92 Whilst east and south east Battle from interested is closer to the Hospital and to organisations and persons the colleges, the level of trips Site opportunities generated for these uses is not as great as for the uses discussed 4.95 In subsequent sections covering above. Furthermore, it is not ‘Economy and Employment’, significantly quicker for ‘Housing’ and ‘Community and east/south-east Battle resident Service Needs’ these matters are to access them by sustainable discussed further. transport than it is for west and north Battle residents (as Maps A10, A12 and A13 demonstrate).

4.93 Based purely on an assessment of ‘car journeys, impacts on

cross-town traffic and 7 congestion’, there does not as defined in the Urban Options Background Paper and illustrated on Map 1 (page 22) of appear to be a particularly this study

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 50 Battle Town Study Main Report

Other Key Issues this. The Town Council also point to the fact that the Senlac site Other Transport Issues within the vicinity of the train station has already provided Parking additional parking.

4.96 More Battle residents are 4.100 Furthermore, Battle Town dissatisfied with ‘car parking at Council also take the view that facilities’ than with any other local dissatisfaction is more facility. 31% of Battle residents directed at charging rather than responding to the Issues and a lack of availability. For example Options consultation identified it is felt that there is sufficient them as being poor or very poor. parking at the station, but people frequently park their 4.97 The main thrust of the ESCC vehicles at Caldbec Hill and Battle Local Area Transport Glengorse to save money. Strategy (LATS) is to improve accessibility by alternatives to 4.101 BLATs measures to ‘Review the car. It notes that ‘there is existing Traffic Regulation Orders pressure with parking at peak relating to parking restrictions in times of the year with an influx the town. Consider appropriate of visitors to the town and its amendments to Order(s) and tourist attractions.’ advertise, & implement changes accordingly’ and to ‘Investigate 4.98 The Core Strategy ‘Consultation options for improved on Strategy Directions’ management of parking concluded that additional off- including appropriate signage’ street car parking needs to be need to be maintained at a high identified and that if practicable, priority to address these issues. this should be on the south-east side of the town centre, so as to 4.102 Map A7 shows the location provide a better balance across of car parks within Battle the town. together with their capacity (where known). 4.99 This recommendation did not stem from the BLATs and has 4.103 On balance, it is felt the subsequently been disputed by Town Council have a point in Battle Town Council, who say that there is little reason to that if is there is a need it is on prioritise the south east of the the north side of the town, town as a location for a new car located so as to cater for tourist park, if as the BLATs states the visitors. The Town Council pressure is at peak seasons as a suggest that the ESCC 1066 result of tourist visitors. This is Management Survey support for two main reasons.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 51 Battle Town Study Main Report

southern boundary of the car (i) The two largest car parks park. (station and Abbey) are already on the southern sides 4.106 Other representations to the of the town centre. The Core Strategy proposed former caters largely for solutions such as extending commuters and the latter Mount Street car park, and largely for tourists. more car parking at the rail (ii) Tourist visitors and users of station. The Mount Street Battle as a service centre option may be possible, generally arrive from the although the gradient of the north, so car parking on the surrounding area is restrictive. south would increase cross- The 2004 ESCC Landscape town traffic. Assessment also identified this as a problem area that would 4.104 It is advantageous for visitors benefit from tree planting to to park on the north side of the reduce its impact on the AONB. town centre, not just for reasons of reducing cross-town 4.107 With regard the train station, it congestion, but also for is difficult to see how much economic reasons. Parking on more parking could be the north side would achieved without multi-storey encourage tourist visitors to or underground parking for enjoy Battle High Street and which economic viability would the museum, rather than just be an issue. Nonetheless, given visiting the Abbey and that Station Approach offers departing. Encouraging longer considerable potential for new stays in Battle will have knock- employment floorspace, the on benefits for the local site would benefit from further economy. investigation in the Site Allocations DPD of the 4.105 In any event it is difficult to see potential to rationalise and where opportunities for new improve car parking. car parking may arise. Representations have 4.108 Some time in the past, English suggested that the Market Heritage looked at the north Street Car Park has potential to side of Powdermill Lane as a extend onto the cricket ground potential car park, as well as and other areas to the south. other uses ranging from a hotel However these areas all fall to a garden centre. As recently within the 1066 Battlefield and as 1995 this area was allocated as such are protected by in planning policy for English Heritage. The commercial and business uses, battlefield boundary marks the although there was opposition

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 52 Battle Town Study Main Report

to English Heritage’s proposals between interested from County Highways. The stakeholders including ESCC, issue has arisen again as a RDC, Sustrans, ‘Battle Cycle’ result of recent discussions. and English Heritage in order However this is not a preferred to try and provide cycle routes solution as the area is now to and from the schools. included within the now Funding has been an issue, but extended 1066 Battlefield site. this is something that could potentially benefit from S106 4.109 Overall it seems that traffic as a result of future management (by addressing development. issues and measures identified in the Battle LATs) would do 4.114 Another issue identified in the much to address the problem. BLATs is the lack of secure cycle parking, particularly in Cycling the town centre and at the rail station. The same strategy 4.110 Cycling has considerable aimed to address this issue by potential in Battle to act as a ‘providing secure, sheltered realistic alternative to the car, and clean cycle parking particularly for school related facilities at key destinations’. traffic. ESCC have been asked for an update in 2011 as part of this 4.111 The Battle Local Area Transport study but confirm that that Strategy (BLATs) contained the they have “not provided any following recommendation:- cycle stands since 2005 and that there are no immediate ‘Provide cycle route which link plans to provide more”. It is residential areas to key the view of this study that the destinations such as schools aspiration should remain a and shops, cycle links to the rail priority and that Mount Street station’ overflow car park is one potential site. 4.112 The BLATs mentions that ‘Cycle links to the Railway Station and Public Transport behind the High Street are local aspirations. 4.115 The BLATs identified a number of both issues and potential 4.113 The Battle Transport Forum solution measures for Battle also noted that are few routes bus services. These are to a suitable for cyclists linking large extent dependent on the housing to schools, particularly collection of future Claverham Community College. development contributions. There has been discussion

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 53 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.116 One solution not included in o land west of DB the BLATs which has emerged Earthmoving site, Marley from discussion with Battle Lane – 1,900 sq m (also just Town Council is the greater over the boundary in deployment of smaller transit Sedlescombe Parish); and buses, particularly for the o land at Rutherfords, Marley under-used daytime services. Lane – 2,700 sq m (Battle Parish) 4.117 Congestion in the High Street has an inevitable impact on bus 4.121 Broadly speaking this leaves a journey reliability. requirement for at least a further 3,000 sq.m, which Economy and Employment would seem an appropriate target both to secure further New Employment Needs land/premises for employment use. 4.118 The Employment Strategy and Land Review indicates that when the total employment requirement is disaggregated, of the order of 10,000 sq m of land for employment is appropriate for the Battle area to 2026.

4.119 Allowing for a less strict adherence to parish boundaries, there is some 7,000 sq.m in the pipeline which whilst not necessarily within Battle Town ward or Battle parish, nonetheless serves the Battle employment market.

4.120 The breakdown of the available 7,000sqm is as follows;

o Blackman, Pavie and Ladden site, Marley Lane – 2,400 sq.m (but just over the boundary in Sedlescombe Parish);

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 54 Battle Town Study Main Report

Broadband Town Centre 4.122 Broadband speed can be an

influence on location of 4.127 New development also business. provides the opportunity for business accommodation 4.123 With reference to Map A4, it within the town itself. The Core can be seen that most of Battle Strategy therefore will town enjoys broadband speeds promote employment in of 5 megabytes per second or suitable locations to reduce more. This places it in the top reliance on ‘out-of-town’ bracket for speed within employment areas.

Rother District. Marley Lane

Location of New Employment 4.128 There is potential to increase space along Marley Lane. New 4.124 Map A3 indicates the main space for employment is existing employment expected to come forward, as generating areas in and around access restrictions are being Battle. These were discussed in overcome. A recent A21 detail in the Employment junction will particularly Profile in Section 2. improve the feasibility of development on Marley Lane 4.125 The Core Strategy defines the close to the A21 which has overall quantum of new planning permission and the employment floorspace rationalisation and the already required (3,000 sq.m), whilst planned expansion of the forthcoming Site Rutherfords Business Park. Allocations DPD will allocate exact locations. Therefore, at Station Approach this stage of the plan process it is not necessary to define the 4.129 The office market, generally exact locations of the does not currently justify additional 3,000 sq.m. commercial investment. However, 1,000 sq.m of office 4.126 Nonetheless the five possible space has recently been sites have been identified, of developed at Station Approach which the first three would in a mixed use redevelopment appear to be the most suitable. including housing and The latter two areas (Watch community facilities. It is Oak and Glengorse) although considered that this area has less advantageous in many potential for further respects may require further redevelopment/ site investigation if needed. rationalisation. It has a good

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 55 Battle Town Study Main Report

location adjacent to the features of the sector in Battle, railway station. Investigation of drawn largely from 4 evidence this area for new employment studies. Together these studies floorspace should be have provided a wealth of concurrent with investigations information regarding the to rationalise and improve car current market, trends and parking provision. prospects of the Battle tourism market. For the purposes of Watch Oak Business Park the Battle Town Study, this information has been 4.130 There is the possibility of supplemented by further expanding the Watch Oak discussion and meetings with Business area into surrounding Battle Town Council, Rother areas to north and west, District Council Regeneration & although there are Tourism Officer and Hastings environmental and landscape Borough Council Regeneration constraints as well as possible & Tourism Officers. access difficulties. This would require further investigation. 4.134 This ‘Key Findings’ section develops some of the themes Glengorse Farm highlighted earlier in the profile and examines trends, 4.131 Existing office space exists at prospects and LDF policy Glengorse within a large site direction. that could have potential for expansion, albeit in an out of Supply of Tourist Accommodation town countryside location. This would require further 4.135 Table A23 in the appendix investigation. shows hotel and guest house supply. Although there is no As part of new mixed-use developments apparent undersupply of hotels relative to other areas, there 4.132 New business and employment does appear to be a relative opportunities may also be shortage of guest-house feasible alongside new housing accommodation. For example, developments as ‘mixed-use’ the Rye area has 16 guest opportunities. houses with 146 rooms compared to Battle area’s 3 Tourism guesthouses with 25 rooms.

4.136 The 2007 Sea Space study 4.133 The ‘Tourism Profile’ within commented that Section 2 of this report

highlighted some of the main

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 56 Battle Town Study Main Report

“The stock of accommodation at their place of lodging. This is in the Battle area comprises a concern corroborated by mainly rurally-located hotels. Rother’s Regeneration & There are few hotels and Tourism Officer. There is also guesthouses in Battle itself. some statistical evidence of Standards are not particularly this derived from the 2009 high, although there are some Battle Visitor Survey, which signs of investment beginning shows a low proportion of to take place in hotels here.” visitors staying overnight when compared to other market 4.137 There is a feeling in the Town towns. This is despite the fact Council that the town is failing that the same survey showed to fully capitalise as a visitors to Battle are more consequence of these two likely to recommend the town related issues, namely hotels as a place to visit, than visitors being of both insufficient to other market towns. quality and not located sufficiently centrally. The Table 8: Proportion of day and problem is felt to particularly staying visitors in Battle relate to coach tours, since a ALL relatively low number of 2009 2005 MARKET visitors choose to stay TOWNS overnight. It is felt by the Day 87% 90% 72% Town Council that the lack of a visitors single centrally located and top Staying 13% 10% 28% quality hotel with sufficient visitors bed-spaces to cater for a Source: Tourism South East ‘Battle tourist coach was a particular Visitor Survey’ 2009, Prepared by weakness of the town and one Tourism South East that was resulting in lost revenue. 4.139 With regard self-catering units, the 2009 Sea Space study 4.138 Battle Town Council has also indicated a concentration highlighted their own concern around Battle – residential self that the supply in the Battle catering let out area comprises mainly rurally accommodation and self- located hotels and that there catering barn accommodation, are few hotels and many on farms. The study guesthouses in Battle itself. As showed that the Battle area a result those visitors that do has a good supply of self- choose to stay overnight in the catering accommodation with area, will be less inclined to 33 establishments and 44 spend evenings within the units, a good proportion of town and more likely to remain which are 4*. It is also notable

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 57 Battle Town Study Main Report

that the Battle area has the largest supply of touring 4.143 Beauport Park Hotel is on the caravan and camping pitches in Battle Road and technically in the District with 4 sites. Hastings, so does not appear on the tables of Battle Trends and Prospects accommodation in Table A23. Nonetheless it is worth 4.140 According to the ‘1066 mentioning that is has been Destination Management taken over, renamed Strategy’8, ‘the challenge for ‘Bannatyne's Beauport Park Battle will be to capitalise on Hotel’ and expanded the 2006 investment in the considerably in size. Abbey facilities while managing effectively pressures in the 4.144 The 2009 Sea Space study town caused by significant noted that Crowhurst Park had numbers of visitors for major recently received planning events and at peak periods. permission for a further 49 Additional visitors should be timber holiday lodges of high encouraged to use the good quality. public transport links and the tourist information centre’s Hotels and Guest Houses Market role could extend to acting as a Trends gateway to the 1066’s countryside.’ 4.145 Key trends in the Hastings, Bexhill and 1066 Country hotel Recent Closures and Developments and guesthouse market have been as follows over the last 4.141 In the last few years there have few years: been two hotel closures in the Battle Area: o The residential conference market has been static for o Netherfield Place Hotel country house hotels in the o Burntwood House Hotel Battle area. o Leisure break business has 4.142 There has also been a generally increased in development in the Battle Hastings, Battle and Rye for Area, with Powder Mills Hotel better quality hotels and adding a further 10 bedrooms guesthouses, particularly together with a conference those that have invested in and banqueting suite in 2007. improving their product and that are using Internet 8 Locum consulting commissioned in March marketing effectively 2005 on behalf of the Hastings and Bexhill Area Investment Framework, Sea Space and the 1066 Country Marketing Partnership.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 58 Battle Town Study Main Report

4.146 Achieved room rates are high for some country house hotels Hotels and Guest Houses Developer in the Battle area Interest

4.147 There is some evidence that 4.150 The 2007 study conducted for companies in Hastings tend to Sea Space identified plenty of use hotels further afield for interest in Hastings area and in residential conferences and Bexhill and, to a lesser extent meetings as the hotels in Battle Rye. However the only interest (as well as Hastings and Bexhill) in the Battle area at the time are not sufficiently large or of appeared to be for extensions an adequate standard to meet to existing 3 star hotels in their requirements. Battle.

4.148 The HS Solutions research in 4.151 Hotel Solutions commented in 2007 suggested good 2007 that the whole 1066 area prospects for growth in leisure “is not on the ‘Hit List’ of break business for hotels and acquisitions targets of the main guesthouses in Battle (as well branded operators”. Although as Hastings and Rye) given : a number of potential sites were identified within the 1066 o Improvements in the area, no sites were identified in quality of existing Battle. accommodation establishments; Hotels and Guest Houses Future o The development of new Prospects and Potential good quality hotels and guest accommodation 4.152 The 2007 research suggests establishments; that the hotels and inns in o Effective marketing to Battle and the surrounding attract leisure break area could command higher business by hotels and prices if they upgraded. Their guesthouses and by the potential to achieve higher 1066 Country Marketing occupancies is more limited Partnership. however, as the market for accommodation here is 4.149 The same study also suggested primarily leisure driven. There good scope for growth in would appear to be scope for leisure break business for some of the country house hotels and guesthouses in hotels in the Battle area to Battle and other areas as the upgrade and possibly expand. accommodation and leisure The HS Solutions company offer of these locations survey in 2007 showed some improves and develops. dissatisfaction with these

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 59 Battle Town Study Main Report

hotels in terms of service (generally Americans or standards and their food offer. Japanese) may be more ‘high- spend’ but few tour the south- 4.153 The 2007 Sea Space study east or visit Battle (preferring recommended the following far flung destinations such as for Battle and Surrounding York, Bath, the Cotswolds and Area: Stonehenge). Hastings and Battle are simply too close to Potential for the hotels and London to justify international inns in Battle to upgrade; coach tours and generally Scope for the country result in day trips instead. house hotels in the Battle European tourists don’t area to upgrade and generally visit by coach. possibly expand. Prospects: Events Self-Catering Accommodation, Caravan and Camping Sites, Holiday 4.157 Battle excels at events, Parks, Youth and Group organised both by English accommodation - Market Trends Heritage, the Chamber of Commerce and individuals. 4.154 The 2009 Sea Space study Notable regular draws include showed a strong demand for the annual Battle of Hastings self-catering accommodation, re-enactment and the annual caravan and camping sites, Bonfire parade. holiday parks, youth and group accommodation across Rother. 4.158 The Battle Contemporary Arts Fair and Battle Scarecrow 4.155 The 2009 Sea Space study festival were recent successes. recommended that Battle The Battle Arts Trail is could be a suitable location for expected to be live in 2011. a new youth hostel in longer term. 4.159 Rother’s Regeneration & Tourism Officer has suggested Prospects: Coach Market further potential for developing an ‘Events 4.156 Hastings Borough Council programme’ throughout the Tourism Manager has advised year. that coach tourism, particularly domestic coach tourists, Prospects: Tourist Information Centre generally caters for those on a (TIC) budget. As such, upmarket hotels may be beyond their 4.160 4.158 Rother District Council preferred price range. provides funding towards the International coach visitors annual Battle Marketing

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 60 Battle Town Study Main Report

Campaign, which includes the outlined the importance of production of a visitor guide. tourism in the town (paragraph Although not a statutory 7.39), but did not cover the requirement, Rother District subject extensively within the Council also provide funding to preferred strategy directions, English Heritage for the other than to ‘promote delivery of the Battle and working on conservation and Bexhill Tourist Information tourism in connection with the Centre (TIC). The current Abbey’. Given Battle Town contract for the TIC in Battle Council’s views on the expires in March 2012. From importance of tourism, it will April 2012 a new Visitor be important to give the issue Information Services structure due prominence in the will be introduced within the submission version of the Core district to include; one Hub TIC, Strategy. two satellite information points to be located within 4.163 The 2007 Sea Space study existing businesses and a series suggested that in the rest of of local information points. Rother – including Rye, Battle and the rural area – policies 4.161 The 1066 Destination should allow for: Management Strategy observed, the tourist o The development of new information centre’s role could accommodation where extend to acting as a gateway suitable properties for to the 1066’s countryside. conversion are identified, Battle Town Council have especially properties of made similar observations and character; certainly Battle is well placed o The addition of rooms to to provide tourism services and existing facilities e.g. pubs, information to the wider 1066 restaurants and golf courses. country, located as it is upon the transport corridor between 4.164 A policy statement of this London and Hastings and at nature would seem to be the the very heart of the areas appropriate way forward for historic interest. the Core Strategy, perhaps with a greater emphasis on the Future Policy Direction promotion of accommodation within Battle Town itself rather Core Strategy than in the rural hinterland.

4.162 The Battle section of the Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008 briefly

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 61 Battle Town Study Main Report

Site Allocations Housing

4.165 During the course of producing Existing Proposals the Town Study, specific sites for tourist accommodation 4.169 The location of development have been discussed. should respect the town’s close Overgrown areas within the relationship to landform and vicinity of Mount Street Car landscape setting. The Park have been suggested, an Blackfriars area is seen as the area that has the advantage of principal location for future being central although growth. Land in this area lying conservation area constraints between Marley Lane and are likely to apply. Hastings Road has been earmarked for housing 4.166 English Heritage’s proposals in development for some 35 the past for developing a hotel years. It is still considered to site at the top of Powdermill be the most appropriate Lane were thwarted at the location, and the retention of time by Highways objections. large open areas that will Today a further obstacle would create a permanent “green be the extension of the 1066 lung” extending into the urban Battlefield so that this area is fabric of the town should now included within it. provide amenity for the development and the wider 4.167 In light of the evidence area. discussed in this section, it would not seem appropriate to 4.170 The current development allocate a specific site for strategy already provides for tourism in the Site Allocations over 360 dwellings taking into DPD or elsewhere in the LDF, account completions since particularly as the evidence has 2006, current permissions and not demonstrated high levels allocations. There is only a of market interest. relatively modest requirement for additional allocations to 4.168 However, in view of the meet the requirement of the concerns highlighted regarding Overall Spatial Development Battle Town’s hotel market it Strategy. would seem appropriate to frame policy so as to allow/encourage further tourist accommodation to develop should a developer/owner wish to do so.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 62 Battle Town Study Main Report

Housing Figures market means that the position regarding completion Position set out in Core Strategy and status of allocations Consultation on Strategy Directions remains broadly the same as that set out in the Core 4.171 A preferred distribution of Strategy Consultation on housing numbers for the plan Strategy Directions. period 2006-2026 was contained in the Core Strategy 4.174 A significant question however ‘Consultation on Strategy does need to be addressed in Directions’ in Appendix 3 this Battle Town Study. (November 2008). The District Namely; is the housing target wide requirement of 5,600- for Battle still appropriate – 5,850 was essentially a ‘top- particularly in the light of the down’ target derived from the revocation of the South East South-East Plan. The Core Plan (and the top-down Strategy demonstrated the housing targets contained how this District wide-target within it) by central would be achieved, by government in 2011? apportioning it between smaller geographical 4.175 Perhaps not surprisingly, the components within Rother majority of respondents to the District. formal consultation (12 week period November 2008 – 4.172 For Battle this amounted to January 2009) who chose to 450-500 dwellings, the comment on the subject did so majority of which was by objecting to the level of accounted for by current housing development allocations, current envisaged in Battle. The permissions and completions majority of objectors were in the period 2006-2008. This private individuals. However, left a remaining requirement there were some responses on sites yet to be identified of (typically from consultants) in between 88 and 138 dwellings. support of the housing levels envisaged including a handful Implications of Recent Developments, who wished to see higher Representations made to the Core levels of house-building in Strategy and Changes of National Battle. Policy 4.176 The national government 4.173 Although two years has since position was partly set out in passed since the above housing July 2010, when DCLG Chief figures were published, the Planner Steve Quartermain downturn in the housing wrote to all local authorities.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 63 Battle Town Study Main Report

He confirmed that local 1. To revert to the so-called planning authorities would still ‘option 1’ numbers (also need to “collect and use 280 per annum in Rother’s reliable information to justify case). their housing supply policies 2. To continue using the and defend them during the South East Plan housing LDF examination process. They figures (280 per annum in should do this in line with Rother’s case). current policy in PPS3” 3. ‘Something else’ that is (paragraph11). This applies robust enough that local whether LPAs decide to retain authorities can defend the their existing housing targets figures to the Planning that were set out in the inspectorate at revoked Regional Strategy; examination. replace Regional Strategy targets with “option 1 4.178 In Rother, the SE Plan figure numbers9” or something else (and the Option 1 figure it because “any target selected derived from) were both based may be tested during the on the assumption that the examination process especially Hastings-Bexhill link road if challenged and authorities would go ahead. The will need to be ready to defend continuing uncertainty over them”. He added that although the link road funding may the RSS has been revoked, the ultimately mean that the evidence base underlying it District’s housing figure needs remains valid and can be used to be re-considered, as by local planning authorities significant amounts of new along with more up to date housing is dependent on the material. road’s completion. However this does not directly affect 4.177 In effect, central government Battle. The logical assumption has given the local authority a must therefore be that the choice; option 1 housing figure was appropriate, unless 9 ‘Option 1’ housing figures were those that overwhelming recent and individual local authorities own projections of locally specific evidence shows the number of houses they believe will be otherwise. The following necessary by 2026 to meet local needs. They section on ‘Evidence of were derived from analysis of trends, opportunities and outstanding permissions. In Housing Need’ examines the many cases, central government interposed to evidence for housing need in impose significantly higher targets within the context of Battle. regional spatial strategies. However, Rother DC’s option 1 housing figure was accepted and adopted in regional policy.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 64 Battle Town Study Main Report

Evidence of Housing Need justification for house building. In this respect Figures A1 to A3 Evidence of Housing Need: House in the appendices need further Completions Trends consideration.

4.179 Tables A24 and A25 show a 4.182 Population projections 2006- consistent level of housing 2026 based on zero net completions in Battle, and in migration (as seen in Figure Rother as a whole over the last A1) demonstrate that by 2026, 10 years. This demonstrates a Rother would have an buoyant housing market and unsustainable demographic an ongoing need that has been make-up, with an increased met. retired population with far fewer persons of working age. Evidence of Housing Need: Projected Indeed, without in-migration Population Growth some working age groups would fall by as much as 50%. 4.180 Table A4 in the appendices The likely affects of this would show the projected population be irreparable harm to the growth in the District to 2026. local economy and may lead to They show that Rother’s many key supporting services population is projected to rise being unable to function. up from 87,800 in 2006, to 95,415 in 2026. Most of this 4.183 Migration led population accounted for by a rise in would redress the balance and numbers of older persons lead to an increase in the 20-35 (aged 65+). Conversely, there is year old age groups. To a large a projected fall in numbers extent the policy based aged 30-44 and in married population projections are couples. It is important to note similar to the migration-led, that these are ‘policy-based’ albeit policy would temper projections. That is to say they some of the more extreme are projected according to impacts of un-restricted inward future levels of fertility, migration. mortality and migration and reflecting the level of housing Evidence of Housing Need: being planned across the Affordability district. 4.184 Although the housing market 4.181 The fact that migration is a has dipped in recent years, component of these there was previously continual projections leads onto the housing market growth for debate as to whether this more than a decade. The justifies a ‘local’ need and recent downturn has not yet

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 65 Battle Town Study Main Report

made a significant impact on households may have access to the affordability of home equity from savings or ownership. Broadly it is still property. Furthermore, in very difficult for those on low practice, many households incomes to afford even the stretch themselves further cheapest homes in the local than their incomes would housing market. In Rother the imply, although access to affordability ratio for the lower credit has become more quartile is 10.4 in 2009. This restricted in the last couple of means that the average lower years. quartile house price is 10-11 times the lower quartile 4.187 Earlier evidence in the form of income in Rother. The problem the 2005 Housing Needs of affordability is much more Survey (by DCA) calculated severe in Rother than in the there was an annual shortfall wider nation, region or county. of 256 properties in Rother and This may partly explain the net that the need for affordable out-migration of the 15-24 age housing vastly outweighed the band in the area. supply of affordable housing. With reference to these 4.185 Although, figures are not figures, DTZ consultants stated available for Battle, there is no in 2010 that ‘there is little reason to suppose the reason to believe the level of affordability problems in Battle housing need has declined are any less acute. Whilst over the last 4 years’. They incomes in Battle are slightly suggested this was supported above the Rother average (see by a range of evidence, Table A20 ‘Average Household including; Income’), house prices also hold up well. o Numbers of households on local authority registers 4.186 Evidence contained in the 2010 o Marked increase in Strategic Housing Market households receiving Assessment (SHMA Figure 4.6) housing benefit since 2005 suggested that on the basis of (20% up from 2005 to existing household incomes in 2009). Rother only about 30% of o Recent rise in households are able to buy. A unemployment. further 30% may be able to rent privately, but the 4.188 Moreover, there is little reason remaining 40% are unable to to believe that Battle is in any rent or buy in the market. more fortuitous a position than These figures are income based the rest of Rother in this and is caveated by the fact that regard. Indeed the available

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 66 Battle Town Study Main Report

evidence suggests Battle may figure of 450-500 new be even be in a comparatively dwellings over the plan period worse position, particularly its 2006-26. This will include less affluent residents. allocations of approximately 100 additional dwellings on Evidence of Housing Need: Housing newly identified sites (i.e.; sites Register not already having permission or subject of a Local Plan 4.189 As Figure A9 demonstrates, allocation). Battle (in common with Rother as a whole) has a low 4.192 Notwithstanding the relatively proportion of social housing good services and facilities, stock when compared to the because of the topography and national and regional averages. other over-riding constraints, the growth potential of the 4.190 As Table A35 shows, there are town is fairly limited. The 560 households on the Rother following section examines register seeking what locations may be suitable accommodation in Battle. But to meet the need for new only 120 of those are already housing. living in Battle – This latter figure equates to 5.3% of all Location of New Housing households in Battle (2253 total households). Whilst this Position set out in Core Strategy proportion is typical for East Consultation on Strategy Directions Sussex, it is high compared to the rest of Rother District 4.193 Section 3.13 summed up the where the equivalent main points of the emerging proportion averages 4.1%. This Core Strategy and Urban suggests there is more locally Options Background paper that derived need unmet in Battle supported it. The crucial point then there is elsewhere in for new housing development Rother. was that sectors 4 and 5 (to the east and south-east of the Evidence of Housing Need: Conclusions town) were preferred as they ‘offer most potential for 4.191 The need for new housing both sensitive and sustainable nationally and locally within development in the long term.’ Rother is hard to dispute. It is therefore concluded that the Response of Consultees in housing figures published in Representations the Core Strategy Directions were the correct ones and 4.194 The preferred geographical Battle will need a ballpark directions for development

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 67 Battle Town Study Main Report

raised a number of objections SHLAA was always underlined or points raised in concern, by the caveat that sites would most notably from Battle Town be subject to further Council, East Sussex County investigation and consultation Council and the National Trust, as part of the process of as well as a number of producing a Site Allocations individuals. Although there DPD, and therefore its findings were one or two should not be interpreted as representations in support, the final or definitive. This is overwhelming feeling was particularly the case if the opposed to the RDC preferred overall Battle strategy were strategy of focussing also to be subject to development in sectors 4 and 5 amendment. (to the east and south-east of the town). Factors that Influence the Choice of Location of New Housing Allocations in Strategic Housing Land Availability Battle Assessment (SHLAA) 4.197 Factors that influence the 4.195 The Core Strategy Consultation choice of location of new on Strategy Directions was housing allocations have been followed by the publication of discussed throughout this a detailed supporting evidence Battle Town Study, but are study, the SHLAA, in March summed up in the following 2010. This examined specific table sites in more detail for the purpose of demonstrating to what was then regional government that the SE Plan housing targets could be achieved.

4.196 For Battle, the SHLAA largely confirmed the position established by the Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions, by identifying suitable land primarily to the east and south-east of the town. It is important to state that the SHLAA is a background evidence study and not a formal policy document. The

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 68 Battle Town Study Main Report

Table 9: Summary of Factors east included Influencing Geographical Direction of within Sussex Growth for New Housing Biodiversity Traffic generation, No clear Partnership’s particularly cross- conclusion (see Biodiversity town traffic main key issue Opportunity section 4) Areas. Proximity to Centre, east and Proximity to West of Battle public transport south east Schools preferable located Proximity to West and north preferably for Supermarket of town access to rail preferable, even station. more so if Bus services are existing similar (see map supermarket A5), although were to be Marley Lane has a expanded in the bus service on future less than 5 days a Proximity to Two GPs serve week. medical services both sides of Existing Policies Strategic Gap at Battle equally. south-east of Conquest town. AONB Hospital more comprehensive accessible by road coverage. from south east. Heritage Impact Battlefield ruled Proximity to key Central areas out. services preferable, Landscape Impact South-east and although east of town opportunities generally limited marginally Representations Opposition to preferable. Received on focussing housing Central areas emerging Core growth to south ruled out as Strategy east and east. unsuitable. Pattern of Historic ‘dumb- Biodiversity Ancient woodland Development bell’ pattern of dotted around development has town’s proximity, seen similar levels generally further of growth on removed from north and west the development sides compared boundary. to south and east. South-east and

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 69 Battle Town Study Main Report

update the published Conclusions for Core Submission recommendations of the 2010 Version Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 4.198 There is an undoubted need (SHLAA). In any event, all sites for housing in Battle, as will be subject to further discussed in section 4. investigation and consultation as part of the process of the 4.199 However, the case for a forthcoming Site Allocations preferred direction of growth DPD. being limited to the east and south-east (sectors 4 and 5) is Table 10: Specific Sites for Further not overwhelming (As investigation within Site discussed in the conclusions to Allocations DPD the main key issue (page 30). Area (SHLAA Approximate Land The area does have some IDs) Area of Further advantages (as identified in the Investigation (Ha) and Consultation on Strategy Details Directions) notably proximity West Battle to the train station and BA3 0.4ha Hastings. But there is also a Remainder of existing case for seeking opportunities allocation in other areas such as the west BA40 1.4ha. Not ideal site as and north-west. has semi rural feel, but further post-SHLAA 4.200 Core Strategy wording may be investigation shows better served by simply refer this site is not to meeting the need for especially exposed in housing in Battle by long distance ‘opportunities within the landscape to Telham development boundary and Ridge. modest peripheral expansion BA10, BA13 1ha opportunities’. North-West Battle BA45, BA16, 2.5ha (2ha outside 4.201 Whilst any extension of the BA17 groundwater source ribbon development needs to zone that is be resisted, modest peripheral developable) expansion opportunities do Would need to be a exist. Areas that should be comprehensive subject of more consideration development only, and investigation at Site requiring creation of Allocations DPD stage are highway in place of outlined in the following table. existing footpath. In some instances these may Access issues would

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 70 Battle Town Study Main Report

need to be resolved. the LDF will need to go through BA26 Approx 2.3ha several further stages prior to South-east side formal adoption as allocations. adjacent to Netherfield Rd only, including Housing Type and Tenure possible relocation of Watch Oak Allotments 4.203 The evidence suggests a need Access may be a for more, smaller residential difficulty. units in Battle. With reference North Battle to Tables A31 and A32 in the BA1, BA33 1.1ha appendices, it can be seen that East Battle whilst average household size Blackfriars 7.3ha in Battle (in terms of numbers Allocation and outline of people) is on the low side, permission the average rooms per South-East Battle household is comparatively BA54 2.3ha. Access issues to high. Not surprisingly given this resolve. imbalance, levels of BA31 At least 1 ha overcrowding are very low (see North-east field only. table A40). Furthermore single Further post-SHLAA person households are investigations appear projected to increase in Rother to show that other (see Table A29) which will areas of site further add to the demand for immediately adjacent smaller properties. south side of Glengorse and west along the 4.204 The Town Council support the ridge may be too 40% affordable housing exposed in the requirement but would prefer landscape from a greater proportion of shared southerly direction. ownership (+prevent step up BA23, BA28 5ha + to full ownership). (west side Accessed either from only) Glengorse or Hastings Open Space, Sport and Recreation Road Needs

Phasing of Development Identified Needs

4.202 Allocations remaining from the 4.205 Needs for Battle were 2006 Local Plan (such as identified in the Open Space, Blackfriars) should ideally be Sport & Recreation Study, and phased first. In any event, have been reflected in the newly identified sites within emerging Core Strategy. More recently, further needs were

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 71 Battle Town Study Main Report

identified in the Leisure Future Policy Direction Facilities Strategy. The recommended needs are Core Strategy repeated, together with initial discussion of how they may be 4.209 The Core Strategy Consultation achieved, in the section on on Strategy Directions stated ‘Sites’ below. the intention to implement the improvements set out in the 4.206 In addition the Open Space, Open Space, Sport & Sport & Recreation Study sets Recreation Study. This standards for Quantity, Quality commitment remains, and Accessibility to open space although there needs to be a that are to be achieved. For continuing dialogue with Battle Battle these standards are set Town Council regarding the out in Table 4 in the Appendix. details of these Essentially they show that recommendations. while Battle has a plentiful supply of ‘Natural and Semi- 4.210 Elsewhere in the Core Strategy Natural Greenspace’ it is short there will be a continuing of allotments and outdoor commitment to meeting the sports facilities. standards for open spaces in terms of quantity, quality and Biodiversity Opportunity Areas accessibility.

4.207 The Sussex Biodiversity 4.211 The approach to BOAs is yet to Partnership has identified be confirmed, but may state Biodiversity Opportunities that opportunities for Areas across the County. This management, restoration and work is wholly independent of creation of habitats will be the Open Space Sport and sought where possible. Recreation Study, Sites 4.208 BOAs identify where the greatest opportunities for 4.212 Possible means of achieving habitat creation and are discussed the restoration lie. Two BOAs Recommendations of the Open impact upon the Battle area, Space, Sport & Recreation notably the Great Wood area Study are discussed in Table 9 east of Battle and the Rother, below. Brede and Tillingham Woods area to the west of the town.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 72 Battle Town Study Main Report

Table 11: Potential Means of Achieving Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs

Identified Need Potential Means of Achieving Long term consideration to be given to a new Potential to allow public access to swimming pool at Glengorse? swimming facility.

The Leisure Facilities strategy talked about The refurbishment of Battle Recreation Ground basketball court to become a MUGA for football, basketball and short tennis is expected to be completed in need for both Multi-use gaming areas (MUGAs) Summer 2011. The funding will be 50:50 between RDC and BTC and was approved in April 2011. and Skate Parks but was not location specific. Since the above development is in the north-west of the town, the recommendation of the 2007 study is arguably still valid and it is therefore appropriate to Need for a new facility for older consider means of addressing it. children/teenagers as part of housing/open The Blackfriars outline permission was for a LEAP (a Local Equipped Area for Play), a type of play area designated and equipped for children of early school age, space developments in South Battle was However, RDC Amenities comment that ‘Provision for older children and teens doesn’t necessarily have to be provision of space/equipment for ball games or identified in Open Space, Sport & Recreation wheeled sports. There is now very good play equipment designed for this age group which could be accommodated within the same space as the equipment Study. for younger children provided thought is given to the zoning and landscaping it so that it becomes an appealing place for teenagers to be.’ With this in mind it may be preferable if the Blackfriars facility was not restricted to a LEAP, but was rather a facility that catered for a wider range of ages to include older children and teenagers.

Children’s play area: A children’s play area (400 sq.m LEAP) was included in the Blackfriars outline permission (RR/2007/1896/P). The Council to consider new children’s play Logically it is assumed that ‘the Old Mill’ refers to Caldbec Hill, as this was included in the PMP study. Ownership may be a constraint on this site. areas as part of the housing development in Battle Town Council further comment that Glengorse is neither a playing field nor a good location for new provision. Blackfriars, Glengorse playing field and around In RDC’s view this would not be a good location as it stands as it is on the residential periphery and therefore the catchment would be limited. The position the Old Mill in North Battle. would change in the event of Glengorse seeing housing development.

Qualitative improvements to existing natural Section 106/CIL contributions could be sought alongside development to address this: and semi natural open space sites, and to amenity green spaces.

New allotment site in south Battle subject to Battle Town Council have queried this ‘need’ on the basis that demand. (i) South Battle is predominantly large gardens. (ii) As of Jan 2011, there is no one on the waiting lists for Town Council managed allotments As of July 2011, RDC Amenities department report that the RDC allotments at Watch Oak are fully occupied (26 plots) with a waiting list of 3, which is a comparatively low waiting list in comparison to most RDC allotment sites – some of which have waiting lists in excess of the number of actual occupied plots. In conclusion it should be noted that the original recommendation said ‘subject to demand’ and it seems the demand in Battle is actually very limited compared to other parts of the District. However, potential residential development site BA26 does include Watch Oak allotments, so there is also the possibility of replacement allotments being required. If there is a need, an extension to existing allotments may be possible, with Cherry Gardens allotments on Mount Street being a candidate for further investigation.

Synthetic Turf Pitch – possible at Claverham (as Position as set out in section 3 on Leisure Facilities Strategy. set out in Leisure Facilities Strategy)

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 73 Battle Town Study Main Report

Community and Service Needs in Hastings / St Leonards will have met the needs of Battle Retail Needs shoppers is debatable. The debate touches on wider issues 4.213 Previous sections 1, 2 and 3 such as sustainable travel have all touched upon retail patterns and whether it is issues. In particular, the need desirable for Battle to stem or for 1,000 sq.m of new reverse the pattern of convenience retail space was shoppers heading to Hastings outlined in the Retail by ‘clawback’. assessment (as outlined in section 3) of the same study. 4.217 For the sake of the health of Battle town centre, and also in 4.214 Battle Town Council have order to reduce the flow of suggested that subsequent to cross-town traffic heading to the time of the 2008 Retail Hastings as much as possible, it Study, Budgen/Jempsons and seems appropriate to the smaller Co-Op and Tesco encourage new convenience have all improved in terms of retail in Battle. Core Strategy quality and range. policy should therefore be framed accordingly. 4.215 However, there is still a considerable out-flow of 4.218 The identification of sites shoppers from Battle to the would ultimately be the role of Hastings and St Leonards area the Site Allocations DPD or (a pattern discussed in more Neighbourhood Development detail in the earlier section Plan. Locations close to the 4‘Main Key Issue: Traffic Flows, town centre and preferably Congestion and Cross-Town within the Local Plan defined Traffic - the Relationship to ‘shopping area’ would be most New and Existing Development appropriate. An initial Patterns’). It is likely that this examination of potential areas pattern has been exacerbated suggest there is potential, further since the evidence was particularly to the north of the produced in 2008 as a town shopping area, possibly consequence of new retail as an extension to the existing floorspace being developed on store. However, the feasibility the West side of Hastings/St of these options would require Leonards (including a new further investigation within the Asda, are built Tesco and an Site Allocations DPD, extended Sainsburys). particularly in order to assess if this target is realistic and 4.216 The extent to which new compatible with environmental convenience retail floorspace factors, not least maintaining

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 74 Battle Town Study Main Report

the character of the historic School Numbers, Locations and Usage core. 4.221 Introductory information on Empty Shops Battle schools was outlined in section 2. This section 4.219 Generally Battle is a buoyant continues by drawing out why shopping centre which has the schools are an issue historically had low vacancy affecting the future rates. However, in common development of the town. with all areas, the town has suffered the effects of the 4.222 The location of schools is also a economic down-turn and key issue in so far as it is a vacancies have increased as a factor influencing the location consequence. In response to of new housing. As such this the Battle Chamber of reference was made to schools Commerce has set up a ‘High in the main key issue section Street Group’. regarding ‘Analysis of school Trips’ Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs 4.223 Figures A5 to A8 in the 4.220 Section 2 ‘Profile of Local appendices indicate future Facilities and Services’ forecasts of pupil numbers. highlighted that the town has a These figures do build in relatively high proportion of proposed new housing at cafes and restaurants, Blackfriars and elsewhere. reflecting its service centre role. However it has also been 4.224 Pupil forecast numbers to 2026 noted in this study that tourist from ESCC suggest that whilst visitors typically have a many schools in rural Rother relatively short length of stay. District are forecast to have Therefore it seems appropriate spare capacity, the Battle to frame planning policy to schools will become more facilitate additional squeezed. There are forecast restaurants, cafes and/or retail to be slightly too many pupils service establishments that for teaching space (in the case enhance the profile of the of the primary school), whilst town as a visitor destination Claverham College will be at and encourage visitors to stay capacity. for a longer period thereby contributing to the local 4.225 ESCC (Children’s Services) has economy. advised that the Local Plan primary school allocation at Blackfriars is no longer required and therefore it is not

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 75 Battle Town Study Main Report

necessary to carry it forward to the LDF. Instead it is proposed 4.228 However, ESCC have to construct a permanent maintained that ‘Early Years’ extension to the existing Battle facilities are still needed. and Langton Primary School. Consideration is being given to utilising part of the current 4.226 The main reason that it was primary school allocation site (and still is) felt by ESCC that a for Early Years facilities and for primary school is not required the remainder of the site to be on the Blackfriars site is that used for other the admissions system will community/educational redirect 'out of area' applicants facilities. This matter is back to schools nearer their discussed in more detail in the homes, thereby creating next section. capacity to accommodate children being generated by 4.229 ESCC (Children’s Services) has new housing in Battle. This is advised that additional housing why the Figure A5 shows will impact on secondary Reception Year Pupil Numbers school provision, by more out- remaining at the school's of-area pupils not gaining intake number at 60. There places at Claverham may be a small bulge in Community College. numbers in Year Groups higher up the school (the admissions 4.230 The Battle schools are all highly system can't redirect 'out of regarded, attractive to parents area' children already in the and it is likely that pressure on school) but nothing like the their capacities is as a number required to justify the consequence of their high provision of a new school on appeal. the Blackfriars site. Claverham College Sports Facilities – 4.227 Battle and Langton CE school Level of Use by the Community capacity is 420, albeit some of this capacity is made up of 4.231 Since September 2006 temporary accommodation. Claverham has officially had ESCC Education stated in Specialist Sports College status. January 2011 that “Any small A Specialist Sports College is a bulge in the future would need School which uses Physical to be addressed through the Education and sport outside use of temporary the curriculum to improve the accommodation if we were whole school. It achieves this unable to accommodate the by sharing expertise and children within the current resources with its partner building infrastructure” schools and the wider

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 76 Battle Town Study Main Report

community. The Town Council Development Plan’ stated that suggest the sports facilities are Battle’s Martins Oak surgery under-used, so the local will need replacement within 3 community should be to 5 years. The Primary Care encouraged to make maximum Trust will work with the use of these facilities. practice and the Local Planning Authority to identify a new site Early Years Facilities and allow a smooth transition to new purpose built premises, 4.232 As discussed in paragraph potentially to include a new or 4.225 above, ESCC have in the relocated pharmacy. It should past suggested a need for early have a floor area of 600sq.m.’ years facilities instead of a This aspiration was repeated in primary school on the the emerging Core Strategy. Blackfriars site. Further evidence on this need has been 4.236 Subsequently however, the sought from ESCC as part of PCT have requested RDC the process of undertaking the remove the Core Strategy Battle Town Study and the references in the document to matter remains under the replacement of Martins discussion. Oak Surgery (e.g. on pages 56 and 58). The PCT state “Our 4.233 However in the absence of a proposal in Battle is to increase proven need for ‘early years the number of patients facilities’ it seems prudent to registered at Battle Health adopt a more cautious Centre where we consider we approach in the LDF regarding have sufficient space to absorb the former primary school site the increased population.” at Blackfriars. Community Services Hub and Fire 4.234 Therefore in order to maintain Station a degree of flexibility and to be responsive to needs on the 4.237 The possibility of a combined ground, consideration may be community hub has been given to utilising the current discussed, and remains a Town primary school allocation site Council aspiration. This might for general comprise community services community/educational and/or Town Council premises. facilities. It may also serve as a replacement Battle Memorial Medical Care Hall in the event of this building being developed as a 4.235 Bexhill and Rother’s Primary retail arcade. A new Care Trust’s ‘2006 Primary Care community hub would not

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 77 Battle Town Study Main Report

however comprise GP services forthcoming Site Allocations for the reasons outlined in the DPD. preceding section. This aspiration would still require a Public Utility Infrastructure centrally located site, of which few are readily available. One 4.240 The need for adequate possibility may have been the infrastructure is critical to the existing Fire Station in the town and to support any event of it relocating. further development. Battle Town Council have suggested 4.238 RDC has discussed the matter town is prone to power cuts with the Fire & Rescue Service and localised flooding. as part of the process of this Unfortunately there is no Battle Town Study. The Service documented evidence in Battle stated their position as follows; Town Council's records, but information is derived from 'The Service has recently anecdotal experience and undertaken a review of reports of both residents and emergency cover in the rural councillors. There have been areas which included Battle no reported problems in Fire Station. The review relation to gas supply. determined that the fire station is in a suitable location in terms Electricity of meeting the salient risks, although it did recommend 4.241 The Town Council reports an that further work will be increased number of power needed should the outages, although they are Hastings/Bexhill link road mainly very brief. This may be materialise as a potential due to an ageing development. Consequently, infrastructure, with some additional loading and lack of the Authority is not minded to investment being the likely pursue any option to dispose of this site at the present time. main reasons. However, if there are changes with regard the link road or 4.242 Rother District Council has where there are opportunities made further inquiries with UK to re-locate the station at zero Power Networks, National Grid cost to the Authority then this and EDF Energy regarding this position will be reconsidered.' issue, and is currently awaiting further response.

4.239 Other potential sites for a ‘community hub’ may be 4.243 UK Power Networks have discussed further in the responded suggesting short term loss of supply would

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 78 Battle Town Study Main Report

indicate overhead power cable under the requirements of our issues which could be weather regulator Ofgem.” related (rain, wind tree branches etc). They state that 4.246 UK Power Networks UK Power Networks teams will Infrastructure Planning (South) be looking into these faults and team have said they will look dealing with them accordingly. into the issue of power interruptions around Battle 4.244 UK Power Networks state they and respond further. have a resilient programme of asset replacement which is on Water going so it is unlikely that these Localised Flooding problems are the result of any

form of ‘under investment’. 4.247 Issues of localised flooding However they suggest it may have been identified and be that there has been a outlined elsewhere in this gradual growth in the area report in section 3 and resulting in parts of the illustrated on Map A14 and network being subjected to Tables A51 to A52. Battle Town increased load which could Council have commented that lead to network difficulties and the flooding issues identified if that proves to be the case result from downhill surface then certainly that too will be drainage and topography. addressed by UK Power Networks. 4.248 The Town Council have raised questions as to whether 4.245 UK Power Networks further surface water carriers are comment “Where new inadequate or not properly developments occur, the maintained, for example the developer will ask for a erosion of kerbs which are to quotation from UK Power assist and direct surface Networks to connect the drainage. It is further development to our network, a suggested that cost efficient ‘connection fee’ will be paid methods of highway and this will provide the maintenance in recent years funding to reinforce the such as surface dressing and infrastructure enabling the resurfacing without kerb development to go ahead. It raising have had an adverse can be the case that new impact on surface drainage and development will force the contributed to the problem. In issue of reinforcement at a the view of the Town Council higher voltage as well all of “Any one localised flooding which would be addressed as problem can not, at present, part of our responsibilities

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 79 Battle Town Study Main Report

be attributed to a major infrastructure deficit, as is 4.251 Rother District Council is evidenced by the level currently awaiting further subsiding when heavy rainfall response from Southern Water ceases and lack of specific and the Environment Agency data.” to enquiries made in respect of these matters. 4.249 The matter of surface water and the maintenance of Clean Water ditches, watercourses and streams is the responsibility of 4.252 Battle Town Council say there the Southern Water (the is anecdotal evidence that sewerage undertaker for the water pressures in some areas area) and the Environment have lowered slightly and that Agency. Rother District Council there is no evidence that this is is currently awaiting further due solely to leakage. It is response from Southern Water suggested that it may be and the Environment Agency affected by an increased draw- to enquiries made in respect of off, which in turn means that these matters. investment will be needed in the future, or by effecting Dirty Water – Sewerage economies in the system operating method. The effect 4.250 Battle Town Council suggest of the work on the North Trade that the numbers of blockages Road water main will not be cleared by Southern Water and known until the work is private contractors has risen completed, tested and slightly in the last couple of experienced. years, which may be linked with surface drainage where 4.253 South East Water is combined systems exist and responsible for supplying water that leads onto a lack of to both residential and renewal and investment in commercial properties. These pipe sizes and carrying comments relating to water capacity. Again there is a supply and pressure are thus slightly increased loading and relevant to South East Water. will be year on year. Battle Rother District Council has Town Council stress that it is therefore made enquiries on paramount that any large this issue as part of the process development provides at least of producing the Battle Town for the current level of service Study. SE Water have to existing connections, commented as follows; “South especially when close to the East Water is statutorily Treatment Plant. required to put in place and

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 80 Battle Town Study Main Report

annually review a 25 year East Water will continue to rolling, forward looking water monitor levels of service and resources plans that take where necessary, address any account of current and future issues through future growth in housing, population investment plans.” and water use over that period. These 25 year plans are 4.255 The question of whether these used to feed into 5 yearly issues inhibit future investment plans, which are development was also put to determined by the economic SE Water, to which they regulator Ofwat. The current replied “South East Water has investment plan that South a statutory duty to develop East Water is running to is and maintain an efficient and 2010 to 2015 and this plan economical system of water includes investment required supply within its area and to to support existing and future provide water to meet both water demands in the Battle the existing and any future area. demands of local residents and businesses. It is therefore 4.254 The works referred to at North important that South East Trade Road are part of South Water understands local East Water’s ongoing mains planning authorities’ proposals renewal programme, where an for where and when new old 100mm (four-inch) growth is to take place, so that diameter cast iron water main we can take account of this in has been replaced with a new our forecasts and ensure that 1,800 metre length of tougher we can meet any increased 125mm (five-inch) diameter need for water.” plastic water main. The cast iron main was around 70 years 4.256 Whilst, Rother District Council old and had suffered an has informed all utility increased number of bursts - providers of emerging there have been 11 bursts in proposals for growth in the the last three years. Each time LDF, South East Water is it burst it did cause intending to further engage considerable damage and during the early part of 2011 to disruption to the highway and discuss strategic planning interruptions to customers’ issues”. drinking water supplies. South East Water is therefore Impact of New Development confident that the work they have undertaken will improve 4.257 Regarding the possibility of up local water pressure and to 140 new houses in Battle up consistency of supply. South to 2026, Southern Water have

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 81 Battle Town Study Main Report

commented that they have no preference regarding locations within Battle. They state that all options would require investment into the sewerage system, and that they would look to the developer to fund this work.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 82 Battle Town Study Main Report 5. Conclusions and Formulation of Strategy Options

Broad Conclusions of the Battle Town meeting the need for housing Study in Battle by ‘opportunities within the development 5.1 This section sums up the boundary and modest evidence and conclusions peripheral expansion contained in the earlier opportunities’. sections of the Battle Town o However within this study, Study, as well as briefly various options have been touching upon the implications identified at the urban fringes for statutory policy documents. of the town. In some instances the options have updated the 5.2 Key points are as follows: previously published SHLAA. This has been done in light of o Cross-town traffic and further work and evidence. congestion is recognised as a Further work on these options major negative issue for the will be undertaken as part of town. the forthcoming Site o There is a clear need for new Allocations DPD. housing within both Rother o Approximately 10,000sq.m of and Battle. In addition to employment floorspace is existing commitments (most required in the Battle area. notably at Blackfriars) a Approximately 7,000sq.m is ballpark figure of allocations already in the pipeline and for 100 additional dwellings in there are various options the town by 2026 is considered proposed around the town to appropriate. address the remaining need, o Based on detailed analysis of including at Station Approach. journeys, there does not o Tourism policies should be appear to be an overwhelming framed to allow for new tourist case for saying that developing accommodation via conversion on any one particular side of and extension, with a the town will have a particular emphasis on significantly greater impact in locations within Battle Town relieving congestion. Although development boundary and there are some advantages to within close proximity of the promoting the South-East of centre. Battle for development, the o Approximately 1,000 sq.m of Blackfriars allocation will convenience retail floorspace is already concentrate required and Core Strategy development in the area and policy should be framed therefore there is not a strong accordingly. Areas to the north case for reinforcing this still of the town centre seem to further. Therefore, the Core offer the most potential. Strategy may simply refer to

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 83 Battle Town Study Main Report

o A commitment to meeting the Core Strategy Aim & Objectives identified needs for open space and recreation remains. The 5.3 Following discussion within the Study has proposed various Town Study working group options as to how this may be there was general support for achieved. the Aims and Objectives as set o Regarding services; there is no out in the emerging Core longer a need to re-locate the Strategy10 Martin’s Oak surgery. The Fire Station remains needed and in 5.4 However, minor amendments an appropriate location. were agreed, in particular the Infrastructure provision (water, Town Council wishes to see the sewerage and electricity) Objectives ranked in priority remains a concern and RDC is order, so that the Aims and engaged in a continued Objectives in the final dialogue with providers in submission version of the Core response to the concerns. Strategy will appear as follows: o Measures contained in the Aim: Battle Local Area Transport To support the market town and tourist Strategy 2005 remain relevant centre role and character of Battle and as potential solutions to the conserve its historic core and setting. cross-town congestion Objectives: problem, and the Study has updated progress on some of (i) to reduce congestion and improve those considered most key. accessibility, especially by non-car modes; o Parking remains an issue, (ii) to enhance the commercial and tourism though possibly relating to cost attractiveness of the town centre; as much as quantity. Opportunities to provide more (iii) to conserve the key characteristics of are limited, but there appears the town and its setting that contribute is no significant case for to the AONB; prioritising the south-east of (iv) to provide increased opportunities for the town as a location for more employment locally; parking. Given that Station Approach offers considerable (v) to improve the level of community and potential for new employment sports/recreation facilities.

floorspace, the site would (vi) to preserve and enhance the historic benefit from further character of the Abbey and Battlefield and investigation in the Site maintain the town’s physical identity. Allocations DPD of the potential to rationalise and (vii) To make an appropriate contribution improve car parking. towards meeting local housing needs.

10 Consultation on Strategy Directions November 2008.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 84 Battle Town Study Main Report

More detailed strategy directions will be formulated in the Core Strategy Submission version based upon the findings and conclusions of this study as well as in response to representations received.

Rother District Council Local Development Framework 85 Battle Town Study Main Report