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EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN COUNCIL HELD AT EAST COURT, EAST GRINSTEAD on MONDAY 5 OCTOBER 2009 at 7.45 pm

Present: Councillor L Marmara (Town Mayor) Councillor S Barnett (Deputy Town Mayor) Councillors Mrs Bennett, Mrs Brunsdon, Mrs Collins DL, Mrs Mainstone and Mrs Waddingham Councillors Baldwin, Banks, Gillbard, Johnson, Joyce-Nelson, Mainstone, Musk, Quinn, Reed and Starmer

Also present: Three members of the public and a representative of East Grinstead Courier and Observer.

32 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mrs Glynn, a member of Mid Sussex District Council, said she noted the consultation that had been considered by the Public Services Committee in respect of school safety zones. In relation to the proposal for Crossways Avenue she felt that a school safety zone would be superfluous. She felt the issue in Crossways Avenue is one of inconsiderate parking and not speeding and she did not think the proposal should be proceeded with. Councillor Mrs Brunsdon said that in her capacity as a County ’s comments and concerns, but the Town Councillor she had passed on Mrs Glynn ’s views were as stated in the minute. Council

Mrs Glynn also asked about the tables and chairs licence in respect of the paved area outside Broadleys. Councillor Mainstone said that although a licence had been granted for this year to the new owner of the former HSBC building they had not been able to operate. There are, however, a number of other businesses in East Grinstead with tables and chairs licences, including Grub.

Public Question Time concluded at 7.51 p.m.

33 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillor Dixon.

34 MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 6th July 2009, having been previously circulated, be confirmed and signed by the Town Mayor.

35 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL & PREJUDICIAL INTEREST FROM MEMBERS

* All interests declared during the previous cycle of meetings were re-disclosed by Councillors.

* Councillor Gillbard disclosed personal interests in Public Services Committee mins. 103 and 107 as an elected member of Mid Sussex District Council and in Finance & General Purposes min. 136 as a member of East Grinstead Town Twinning Association, East Grinstead Credit Union and East Grinstead Music & Arts Festival. In addition he recorded that his wife is a committee member of East Grinstead Fairtrade Committee.

26 * Councillor Mrs Waddingham disclosed a personal interest in Public Services ’s rail pass and in Committee min. 105 as the holder of a disabled person Finance & General Purposes Committee min. 136 as a member of East Grinstead Music & Arts Festival, East Grinstead Town Twinning Association and Age Concern East Grinstead.

* Councillor Mrs Mainstone disclosed a pecuniary interest in Finance & General Purposes Committee min. 135 as cheque no. 01684 had been made out to her for expenses, and Finance & General Purposes Committee min. 136 as a member of East Grinstead Music & Arts Festival.

* Councillor Reed disclosed a personal interest in Public Services Committee min. 103 and 107 as a member of Mid Sussex District Council and in min. 108 as his wife is employed at Hospital. He also disclosed a pecuniary interest in Public Services Committee min. 106 as a part time employee at .

* Councillor Mrs Brunsdon disclosed a personal interest in Public Services Committee mins. 100 and 106 as an elected member of County Council and in mins. 103 and 107 as a member of Mid Sussex District Council.

* Councillor Musk disclosed an indirect personal interest in respect of Public Services Committee min. 106 as his wife is a part time employee with West Sussex County Council.

’S ANNOUNCEMENTS 36 TOWN MAYOR

The Town Mayor drew Members attention to the list setting out attendances that he, the Deputy Town Mayor and others had undertaken since 10th July 2009, as follows:-

July 10 Welcoming EGIB judges at East Court Mansion 27 Tour of Queen Victoria Hospital and meeting with Chief Executive 28 Presentation of cheque by Friends of Museum 30 Flower Festival at Sackville College* Aug 2 Turners Hill Park Summer Fete* ’s* 5 Handing out Loyalty Cards at Sainsbury 7 Bluebell 50th Anniversary Appeal Launch* 11 Staff and Members Get together at East Court 15 Lingfield Lodge Garden Party* 16 Bluebell Railway Vintage Transport & Lunch* 19 Grenestede Talking News AGM at East Court Sept é Bar* 2 GFest at Chequer Mead for Grub Caf 3 Council for Voluntary Service AGM at East Court* 5 Opening of new extended premises at Bullfrog 9 Bermudan delegation visit and lunch at Chequer Mead British Heart Foundation presentation at Queen Victoria Hospital* 10 Meridian Rotary Golf Day at Lingfield Park Golf Club* 11 Opening of new shop at Orchard Nursery* 17 Reception for Imberhorne School students with visiting German students at East Court* 18 East Grinstead Music & Arts Festival AGM/Cheese & Wine in Meridian Hall* 19 Aquaduct sponsored bike ride and walk from Sackville School car park* 27 Trinity Methodist Church new build ribbon cutting* Filippino/British Association event at Jubilee Centre* Pro Corda charity concert at Holy Trinity Church, Forest Row* 21 Spires Hairdressing charity event in aid of Melanoma research at Chequer Mead* 24 Town promotion event by Winentwine at 41 High Street* 26 Street collection for Access Group outside Waitrose* ’s Civic Service at St Mary’s Church, Southgate* 27 Mayor of Crawley Oct 1 Medieval Market promotion event* ’s Parlour for EG4Kidz winners* Presentations in Mayor 125th Anniversary of Meridian Line at East Court* 2 East Grinstead in Bloom presentations in Meridian Hall* 3 Street collection for MS Society outside Sainsburys* ’s Civic Service at St Swithun’s Church* 4 Town Mayor 5 Short Mat Bowls presentations in Meridian Hall*

* with Mayoress

Deputy Town Mayor July ‘At Home’ at Windlesham House School* 7 High Sheriff of West Sussex ’s Tea Room* 10 Opening of Nizam ’s production of Don Juan at Peredur Centre* Artemis School 11 Halsford Park School Summer Fayre Presentation of Graduation certificates for College of Oriental Medicine* ’s Lunch & Soap Box Derby at Windmill Lane* 12 East Grinstead Scout 13 Access AGM and presentation of Burrin Awards in Cranston Suite, East Court* 17 Girl Guides County Review at * 20 Sackville Shield Awards at Sackville College* 24 Choirpower Concert at Chequer Mead* 26 Olympic open weekend at Burgess Hill Olympos* Sept 7 Peacehaven Town Council and Sussex Life magazine journalist Clive Agran “Walking the Meridian Line” press call at Peacehaven

18 Age Concern AGM and Tea Dance in Meridian Hall Oct 2 Exhibition on Sackville College at Town Museum

*with Deputy Mayoress

Representing the Mayor July 10 Councillor Musk at EGIB judges lunch at East Court ’s Commun 12 Councillor Johnson at Mid Sussex District Council ity Service & Garden Party at Ravenswood Aug ’s new web site 27 Town Clerk at launch of Town Museum

In respect of the East Grinstead in Bloom presentations in the Meridian Hall on 2nd October, the Town Mayor said what a splendid occasion this had been and he wished to commend everyone who had participated or contributed to the evening in any way. He said how delighted he had been at the success of East Grinstead in Bloom in the 2009 South and South East in Bloom Competition with the award of a Silver Gilt to East Grinstead. He was equally pleased that the Town Council had 28 obtained a Silver award for its work at East Court. At this juncture he presented the certificates, respectively, to Councillor Banks, Chairman of East Grinstead in Bloom and Councillor Musk, Chairman of Amenities & Tourism Committee. They both duly responded.

’S COMMUNICATIONS 37 LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

The Leader of the Council highlighted Local Democracy Day to be held at East Court on Saturday 17th October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. He hoped that many Members would be available to attend and meet with the public and expressed gratitude for the work of the Officers in setting up the day. He said he hoped that Local Democracy Day would shed some light for the public on the often confusing system of local government in West Sussex.

He also focused on the coming budget for 2010/2011 financial year. He referred to the active planning stage that is currently being entered into prior to discussions on ’s the detail of the budget early in the New Year. He emphasised the administration intention to plan for a zero increase in the East Grinstead Town Council element of the Council Tax for the coming year. He said that he was mindful of the need to be particularly vigilant on costs at this difficult time and that this approach to Council Tax was possible because of an increasing focus on commercial services, careful spending and procurement policies, and efficiency savings achieved.

38 MINUTES OF MEETINGS

“Angmering” in RESOLVED: That, subject to noting the correct spelling of paragraph 10 of Public Services Committee min. 100 and that the first response in paragraph 11 should have been accorded to Mrs Merriman and not Mrs Mainstone, the minutes as numbered of the following Committee meetings, held on the dates as shown, be received, their acts and proceedings noted and their recommendations confirmed:

Minute Nos Date of Mtg

(a) Planning 61 - 69 22.6.09 (b) Planning 70 - 77 13.7.09 (c) Planning 78 - 87 3.8.09 (d) Planning 88 - 95 24.8.09 (e) Public Services 96 - 109 10.9.09 (f) Planning 110 - 116 14.9.09 (g) Amenities & Tourism 117 - 130 17.9.09 (h) Finance & General Purposes 131 - 147 24.9.09

39 TO ANSWER QUESTIONS PURSUANT TO STANDING ORDER 9. Nil

40 SEALING OF DOCUMENTS

RESOLVED: Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial Nos. 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843 and 1844.

– 41 CORE STRATEGY EAST GRINSTEAD CHAPTER

The Leader of the Council advised Members that the Three Tiers Group had approved its response for the East Grinstead Chapter of the Mid Sussex Core Strategy earlier in the evening and that a copy of this would be attached to these 29 minutes for future reference (Appendix A). He emphasised that this represents the official submission of the Three Tiers Group and that it will still be necessary for the Town Council to agree its own statement. To that end it was intended to organise a public meeting on 20th October 2009 in the Meridian Hall, commencing at 7.45 p.m., with an additional Special Council meeting to be held at East Court on Tuesday, 27th ’s official submission October 2009, again at 7.45 p.m., at which the Town Council would be approved. In presenting this item the Leader of the Council said:-

“Tonight is an important stage in securing the right future for the Town from Mid ’s Core Strategy but by no means the final stage. It is not a Sussex District Council night for detailed debate but for me to report back on progress and for us to agree next steps.

The proposed resolution before you refers to our resolution of November 2007. We ’s set up the Three Tiers Group through that resolution, where some of the Town Councillors from all three Councils that serve the Town, and both Parties, came together to develop a draft submission for us on the Core Strategy. The Group met on no less than twelve occasions, with comprehensive minutes prepared by the Town Clerk and posted on the Town Council website.

The Group was a new way of working for us all but in my view, has been an outstanding success through the bi-partisan, focussed and insightful efforts of its ’s members and the significant and helpful input from District and County Officers. It now time to move forward, to consult on the Draft and then to finalise our own Town Council Submission on October 27.

This Draft provides the right starting point because it reflects our long established ’s housing growth for the policy priorities. It sets a ceiling of 2000 houses on the Town Core Strategy period - compared to over 5000 when the debate on these issues began in 2002. It recognises that a full and effective relief road is not deliverable and instead proposes action on congestion relief that can be implemented. It looks for an emphasis on affordable housing and more local jobs.

Although Mid Sussex does not have our final Submission, or that of the other Towns, or all the evidence they need they are discussing the Core Strategy tomorrow night. This Council has made its concern clear on this and we have been assured that no decisions will be taken before December. I am pleased that if my Resolution is passed we can provide the Three Tiers draft to aid their preliminary debate.

I commend the Three Tiers process to this Council and thank all who have taken part in its work. I commend the draft they have produced as a basis for consulting with the people of East Grinstead on the Core Strategy. I commend the timetable proposed with a public meeting on 20th October and Special Council on 27th ’s response.” October to finalise this Council

’s recommendation, advised Councillor Mrs Collins, in seconding the Leader Members of two minor changes that had been made by the Three Tiers Group to the draft that had previously been circularised. These changes were in respect of paragraphs 5.3 and 5.8, which took account of information received from the District ’ Officers at the Three Tiers Group and, more precisely, and County Councils represented the intentions of the Three Tiers Group.

The recommendation, proposed and seconded, was then approved unanimously.

30 RESOLVED:- 1. On 22nd November 2007, East Grinstead Town Council considered the Core Strategy process and passed a resolution to determine its Policy.

2. As the Core Strategy process nears conclusion, the Town Council wishes to restate its policy on this fundamental influence ’s future. on the Town

3. Key to that restatement is the following extract from the 22nd ‘Inherent is the need for a strong November 2007 resolution: evidence base for the Core Strategy, protection of the Town's character and identity with sustainable housing growth matched by necessary infrastructure and linked to employment growth together with clear and more appropriate understanding of the ’s housing stock and future housing needs’. town

4. Therefore, drawing upon the existing policies of the Town Council on the future development of the Town, the Town Council:

4.1 Commends the Three Tiers Group for its work on the Core Strategy since 2007 in developing a draft submission for the East Grinstead chapter of the Core Strategy and the officers from all contributing councils for their input and support.

4.2 Restates its commitment to a Core Strategy for East Grinstead that provides:

(i) A reconciliation of housing and employment growth with the ’s char preservation of the Town acter and identity, and preservation and promotion of its prosperity.

(ii) An emphasis on affordable housing and the creation of local employment.

’s (iii) A sustainable Strategy that addresses the Town ’s acknowledged infrastructure deficit and in particular the Town chronic traffic congestion.

(iv) A Strategy that clearly draws on a conclusive and comprehensive evidence base to underpin all its proposals.

(v) A Strategy that is rooted in significant community engagement and consensus.

4.3 Resolves that the draft submission, prepared by the Three Tiers Group should be sent, with relevant supporting documentation and this resolution, to Mid Sussex BEAG members to be included in their discussions at their meeting on 6 October 2009.

4.4 Restates its commitment to involving the people of East Grinstead in determining the shape of the final East Grinstead Town Council Core Strategy Submission.

4.5 Considers that the draft Submission prepared by the Three Tiers Group provides a basis for public consultation on the Core 31 Strategy to inform the development of the Town Council Submission and accordingly resolves it is released as such for public comment.

4.6 Instructs the Town Clerk to set up a Public Meeting to discuss the Core Strategy Submission to be held in the Meridian Hall on 20 October 2009.

4.7 Agrees to hold a Special Council Meeting on 27 October 2009 to finalise the East Grinstead Town Council Submission to the Mid Sussex District Council Core Strategy.

The meeting closed at 8.41p.m.

SIGNED:

TOWN MAYOR

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MID SUSSEX CORE STRATEGY

THREE TIERS GROUP SUBMISSION FOR EAST GRINSTEAD CHAPTER

1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Core Strategy for East Grinstead has the challenge of reconciling the needs of ’s character and housing and employment growth with the preservation of the Town identity and preservation of its prosperity. At the same time it must address the ’s acknowledged infrastructure deficit. This deficit is most apparent in the Town ’s road network and is evidenced by the Town’s chronic traffic congestio Town n.

1.2 The Core Strategy can meet those challenges by offering a sustainable way forward that provides both housing and employment growth and outlines the necessary infrastructure enhancements. It needs to draw on a considerable evidence base and be rooted in significant community engagement. It needs to reflect the range of ’s development in the years leading up to its conclusion. This thinking on the Town latter point is stressed in the succeeding paragraphs of this section.

1.3 In September 2002 East Grinstead Town Council formed a steering group to undertake a town health check. The process involved engagement with the East “East Grinstead Action Plan” (2003), which Grinstead community, and resulted in the “East Grinstead Action is reviewed and monitored annually by the Town Council. The ” sets out how the community wish to see East Grinstead develop over the Plan coming years. The action plan covers a wide range of topics and it is not possible to list all the issues covered. However, the following high priority recurring themes from “Vision” and “Action Plan Projects” sections need to be, and are, reflected in the the Core Strategy:

* Revitalisation of the town centre in terms of shops and services as well as appearance * Improve access to affordable and key worker housing * Meet the needs and improve facilities for the old and young generations ’s heritage * Support for protection and promotion of the town * Transport improvements (to relieve congestion, improve public transport, parking)

1.4 In July 2006 the District Council adopted the East Grinstead Town Centre Masterplan as a Supplementary Planning Document. The overall vision of the Masterplan is:

“Living Life Well – A reinvigorated town centre that is proud of its heritage and builds sensitively upon its special character by integrating the best contemporary development to create a vibrant and successful place for the 21st century and ”. beyond

1.4.1 This vision will be delivered through seven strategic objectives that cover issues such as

 ’s unique character; the integration of new development with the town  improvements to the accessibility of the town centre;  the provision of safer and more attractive pedestrian and cycle routes;  enhancements to town centre shopping and car parking provision;  a wider mix of uses;  improvements to the public realm; and  ’s special character and identity. development that builds on the town

1.4.2 The creation of a sustainable environment is also a key objective. The Masterplan provides guidance on

 the provision of new housing and business development within the town centre;  improving the quality of the environment, retaining the attractiveness of the town centre for shopping, leisure and recreation and as a place to live and work;  reducing the impact of traffic in the main shopping areas; and  safeguarding the character of the town and enhance car parking, open space and community facilities.

1.4.3 It identifies key areas that, if brought forward for development, would support the regeneration of the town centre, improve the public realm and upgrade the townscape. In particular it identifies the need to improve the link between the railway station and the town centre and provide enhanced food store provision in the town centre, enhancement that will be fully addressed by the opening of the planned new developments for Aldi and Marks and Spencers. The proposed approach is:

– Core Policy 19 East Grinstead Town Centre - to have a policy that supports the revitalisation of East Grinstead Town Centre in accordance with the vision, objectives and guidance contained within the adopted East Grinstead Town Centre Masterplan, and commits to the review of the Masterplan to adapt to changing circumstances and the planned growth of the town.

1.5 The Core Strategy should also draw upon the Vision for East Grinstead adopted by East Grinstead Town Council in 2008. This Vision make clear that a community based ’s unique sense of place, and further Core Strategy needs to reflect East Grinstead develop its economy and infrastructure.

‘ East Grinstead is a market town, which is unique because of its location, its heritage and because of its community spirit. People aspire to live and work in East Grinstead because of the opportunities that exist and because it is an attractive, inclusive and economically vibrant town. It is meeting the challenges of social, environmental and economic change and is able to provide for itself in terms of housing, jobs, shops, services and facilities. It is also attractive to visitors and continues to provide a range ’ of services for the surrounding rural areas.

1.6 As well as these key documents, the Core Strategy should draw upon the evidence base compiled for the East Grinstead Area Action Plan, West Sussex Structure Plan and related traffic studies and reflect the work done by the Three Tiers Group set up by East Grinstead Town Council.

1.7 This Core Strategy submission for East Grinstead first defines a context in terms of the principles that should underpin the Core Strategy and goes on to make specific proposals for transport planning, housing growth, employment and infrastructure.

2.0 Core Strategy Context

’s draft Core Strategy originally proposed a total of 4,550 2.1 Mid Sussex District Council new units of accommodation for East Grinstead between the planned period of 2006 and 2026. This comprised a strategic development of 2,500 homes and, a further 2,050 homes to be provided on small scale housing allocation sites and by infill developments. In 2004 housing growth in East Grinstead and its constraint was ’s established by Examination in Public (EiP) and was inextricably linked by the Town traffic conditions and chronic congestion. Accordingly, any proposed strategic development was linked with the upfront provision of a relief road and could not proceed without such a relief road.

2.2 Subsequently the original thinking behind the Core Strategy was derailed by the global recession/credit crunch, the crash of the housing market and emerging European Habitats Directive for nearby Ashdown Forest. This resulted in the ’ consortium to conclude that the planned strategic decision by the developers development of 2,500 homes with a relief road in East Grinstead was no longer viable. . ’s Core Strategy the 2.3 In the planned preparation for submission of Mid Sussex document must be justified, effective, sustainable and consistent with National policy. This requires that the chapters relating to East Grinstead must provide plans that are deliverable, flexible, affordable and meet the necessary tests of soundness on a robust and credible evidence base. Plans must also have been considered against reasonable alternatives.

2.4 It this regard the Core Strategy and any housing growth at East Grinstead needs to provide the resolution of local infrastructure problems, in particular providing relief to ’s chronic traffic congestion. It needs to have broad community support, and the Town to reflect the Local Development Scheme. It needs to comply with the Statement of Community Involvement, be subject to Sustainability Appraisal and be a spatial plan that has properly had regard to any other relevant plans, policies and strategies relating to the area. These will, include the South East Plan, and must have regard to ’s Community the District Council Strategy.

2.5 It is clear that development in East Grinstead needs to consume its own smoke in terms of infrastructure. There should be a clear and direct linkage between future developments and what is required in terms of infrastructure provision to meet the needs of the specific part of the town in which the development is based. There also ’s current needs to be consideration of the overall impact of development on the Town infrastructure deficit: development should not take place without the infrastructure.

3.0 Development Principles .

3.1 The previous section stressed the key relevance of traffic conditions to the ’s future development. Thus it is of fundamental consideration of East Grinstead importance that West Sussex County Council concluded several years ago that the ‘at capacity’. Since then there has been significant infill A22 was already development in the town which has put further pressures on the road network, pressures that have not been alleviated by any significant enhancements. This means a new comprehensive traffic management scheme needs to be drawn up for East Grinstead to address its traffic and congestion issues.

3.2 Housing growth for East Grinstead needs to be evidence-based growth that is proportionate and sustainable, including a significant level of affordable housing. Linked to this is the need to create further employment land and clearly defined policies that provide a methodology to establish and maximise internalised employment growth, so that those persons living in the town do have jobs on their doorstep. This would accord with emerging Government guidelines.

3.3 The key principles underlying the proposed housing growth should ensure that development is of a scale and type that:

 respects the existing built environment and the historic nature of the town at its hub, but that does not impact adversely on strategic gaps,  does not adversely encroach into the areas of outstanding natural beauty and development restraint that surround the town on all sides,  would not damage the natural habitat of Ashdown Forest, and  ’s roads. would not result in gridlock on the Town

4.0 Traffic Congestion Issues

’s traffic congestion has already been 4.1 The linkage of development with East Grinstead stressed. Thus it is of fundamental importance that it is now recognised that no full relief road around East Grinstead is either affordable or achievable. Furthermore, such a road would adversely impact upon Ashdown Forest on grounds of increased traffic numbers and pollution thereby being unacceptable under European Legislation as set out by the Habitats Directive. Thus new thinking is necessary on ways to ease ’s traffic congestion. East Grinstead

4.2 Furthermore, the evidence shows that there would be a major deterioration in traffic conditions in East Grinstead by 2021 if no improvements are made to the highways network and that some internal solutions including improving key junctions can help to ease congestion delays in the Town.

4.3 The issue of housing numbers and the ability of the road network infrastructure to cope given existing congestion and the adverse impact that additional housing will have on this is clearly of critical importance. The evidence produced by MTRU (East ’s transport consultant) indic Grinstead Town Council ates that a programme of coordinated road junction improvements along the A22 could accommodate approximately 30% of the estimated increase in traffic movements generated by the ‘infill’ development of approximately 2000 homes. MTRU suggests that proposed ‘infill’ development could be further mitigation of the increased traffic flows from this achieved by other demand management measures. However, this would be ‘Greenfield’ development, beyond the challenging. MTRU conclude that a further ‘infill’ ‘creating additional proposed level of 2000 homes, could not proceed without ’ (MTRU Sept 2009 report p6 point 3 Para 1). stress on the road network

4.4 Thus the Core Strategy must outline the necessary road enhancements to deal with ’s housing. Immediate priority must be to the proposed growth in East Grinstead complete the junction improvements that were initially planned in the 1990s but, which were not undertaken on grounds of cost and as, at that time, the County Council did not consider that they would give sufficient capacity benefit. The County Council no longer takes that view and accordingly work to relieve congestion at the following key junctions on the A22 must commence as a priority. This work should be synchronised as part of a wider traffic management plan through an urban traffic control system to ease traffic flows through the Town.

 A264 (Moat Road)/A22 (London Road)/A22 (Station Road)

 Lingfield Road with London Road, including widening over the redundant railway bridge and the installation of a pedestrian walkway on the outside of the bridge parapet;

 Imberhorne Lane/London Road;

 A22/A264 at Felbridge;

4.5 In addition there are two key locations where it is felt that a one-way road network would help ease congestion relief. These are as follows:

 Maypole Road and Garland Road;

 Windmill Lane/Highfield Road/onto Lingfield Road.

4.6 The junction improvements and one-way proposals identified above will give some congestion relief for north/south traffic on the A22 but would do little to ease the congestion for east/west traffic across East Grinstead that already exists. Proposals are required to dramatically improve the existing road network to help achieve this. Clearly the costs of any enhanced road network, including some new build sections would require some housing to provide the necessary infrastructure levy to meet the costs associated therewith and the new housing identified in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2 will need to contribute towards these costs.

4.7 Coupled with work on improvements to the road network in and around East Grinstead there needs to be enhancement in public transport provision. Services are not currently providing a viable alternative to private car use. Greater investment in public transport investment is needed to ensure a more frequent and efficient service and here particular focus should be directed at incorporating East Grinstead as an extension to the Fastway scheme. It is recognised however that any modal shift arising from such investment is unlikely to be significant. However focus on public transport, walking and cycling, street scene/public realm design, smarter choices, and parking are all likely achievable either through developer contributions or as an alternative to these in respect of the transport element.

5.0 East Grinstead Housing Proposals

5.1 Existing Core policy 20 identifies the following locations for housing development in East Grinstead:

Existing commitments. Mid Sussex District Council is asked to provide this figure although it is noted that at Core Strategy pre-submission document stage it was then stated as being 270 homes.

– The sites approved by the Inspector as small-scale housing allocations providing for a total of 162 homes, details as follows:

 Land at the junction of Windmill Lane and London Road (35);  Dunnings Mill Squash Club (40)  Land south of the Old Convent, Moat Road (70);  ’s Road (17). Land adjacent Moatfield Surgery, St Michael

Redevelopment opportunities in the town centre - a currently uncertain number of homes per the Thornfields/MSDC development agreement approved by MSDC Cabinet on 5 November 2008.

5.2 Subject to meeting infrastructure contribution criteria and planning brief requirements as set out elsewhere in this submission the following additional locations are proposed as follows:

 Holtye Road (previously identified as a reserve site by the Planning Inspector when considering small scale housing allocation sites - maximum 150 homes) – subject to access/egress not being through existing established residential areas;  Windmill Lane (currently Imberhorne Lower School and subject to relocation – of the school onto a new single site off Imberhorne Lane estimated 200 homes).  – Charlwoods Road Industrial Estate (up to 150 homes refer to paragraph 6.7 below)  In addition to the above a number of the identified SHLAA sites will meet the suitability criteria and emerge to progress through the planning process.

5.3 The abandonment of the relief road, and the clear evidence analysis of West Sussex County Council, supports a maximum development ceiling in East Grinstead of 2,000 homes for the period culminating 2026, subject to satisfactory mitigation.

5.4 All new developments should be required to provide affordable housing in accordance with Mid Sussex District Council policies and the South East Plan. There should also be a requirement for all sites to contribute towards infrastructure costs according to a formula to be agreed as part of the revised strategic planning document governing Section 106 agreements and/or the proposed new Community Infrastructure Levy. Given the existing infrastructure deficit Members would expect the planning authority to be vigilant and robust in ensuring that developer agreements are entered into and do require financial contributions in accordance with approved policies.

5.5 To secure integrated and sustainable growth, developers should be required to contribute to improved infrastructure and services, including community needs, to support proposed development and remedy existing deficiencies.

5.6 Apart from the central Town Centre area it would be expected that most new developments would comprise family dwellings. Particular emphasis must be given to high standards of design, climate change, reasonable densities, and minimum room sizes that accord with Mid Sussex District Council planning policy requirements and that provide adequate parking to meet West Sussex County Council standards.

5.7 In relation to parking it is clear East Grinstead Town Centre on-street provision is now at capacity. There can be no further developments approved on the expectation that West Sussex County Council residents parking permits would be made available to the occupiers of the new units. To do otherwise would be seriously detrimental to existing residents who already experience major problems of finding parking spaces close to where they live. Accordingly it must be understood and recognised in approved planning policy that if developers expect to build new accommodation without providing any dedicated off-street parking they do so on the strict understanding that the new residents will not be eligible for on-street parking permits. The new developments are sustainable or they are not. There must be no pretence of sustainability where it clearly cannot be met.

5.8 All allocated sites should be subject to a full planning or development brief. It is considered that

 a proportion of these homes should be specially built to meet the needs of home workers and  for, say, 10% of all developments above 100 units having land specifically set “self build” for first time buyers. aside for

Mid Sussex District Council will need to set out specific policy guidance/advice on the operation of such a policy, the definition and nature of the local housing needs and the mechanisms for delivery of the affordable housing and self build elements within a supplementary planning document.

5.9 There is a need to ensure that where development occurs it is well planned and enhances the quality, character and amenity value of the town and surrounding countryside as a whole.

6.0 Economic Development for East Grinstead

6.1 The office market in East Grinstead is very localised and consultants foresee limited demand for further office development although this should be assessed in detail through the Part 2 review. This recommendation is accepted locally as it is clearly evidence based.

6.2 There should be an expansion of the existing Birches Industrial Estate. It is important that future commercial development should provide for a range of suitable sizes and types of business premises, appropriately located, including high tech and knowledge based industries. The importance of providing employment opportunities/provision for local residents to reduce the level of out-commuting is emphasised. Evidence suggests around 4 hectares should be so allocated.

6.3 The South East Plan makes clear that the area has a particularly high proportion of natural, environmental and other designations, which add to the quality of life and underpins a successful economy. It is desirable that East Grinstead does not rely for jobs for its new residents on Gatwick Airport or on the service industries that surround it in the greater Crawley area. This is particularly important, as whilst airport workers are encouraged to use public transport this is not currently practical from East Grinstead, and hence there is no prospect of increasing the uptake significantly. Accordingly there is a great need to create jobs within East Grinstead itself and this needs to reflect the specific skill sets of the area, the needs of existing business that may need to relocate and the importance of ensuring that zoned business/industrial areas do comprise a mix of freehold and leasehold. This will require a proactive ’s economic development, which approach from all local authorities towards the Town is essential to achieving the necessary growth in local jobs. In all of this it is also considered essential to have regard to strategic planning policies planned for the Gatwick Diamond.

6.4 It is certainly necessary to allocate new employment land in the Core Strategy, as indicated in paragraph 6.2 above, but it is not sufficient by itself. There must be a realistic strategy to attract businesses to create jobs commensurate with the increase in workers resident in East Grinstead. East Grinstead must not become a commuter satellite for the expanding hub at Gatwick.

’s 6.5 The Town Centre revitalisation is viewed as one of the cornerstones of the Town economic development as it provides the basis for a significantly better retail offer thereby underpinning the important retail sector in the Town. Furthermore, it is clear that this sector benefits from new residents working within the Town.

6.6 The retail sector should also be underpinned by an expanding tourism sector. Already of growing importance, tourism to the town should be boosted significantly by the extension of the Bluebell Railway to East Grinstead, expected late 2010 or soon thereafter. It is important that planning policy facilitates this. This will include support for a new station and for an enhanced gateway and approach to the town through Railway Approach to attract Bluebell visitors to use the Town Centre. It will also require careful planning of infrastructure related issues by the local planning authority such as car parking that are not currently available, or easily provided for, in the ’s historic centre combined with its location close to Gatwick locality. East Grinstead Airport and convenience for Ashdown Forest and the High Weald creates a unique opportunity for becoming the gateway to the surrounding countryside and its heritage.

6.7 Land at Charlwoods Road Industrial Estate should be retained as a policy aspiration within the revised Core Strategy for housing development.

7.0 Infrastructure

7.1 It is crucial that the infrastructure improvements that the town requires, including those necessary to meet the existing deficit situation is the fundamental factor determining the level of future house building activity. This needs to cover the full gamut of services including the road network, leisure, community, culture and education, as detailed below in section 7.3.

7.2 it is also esssential that adequate utility infrastruture is provided - in particular to the needs for water and sewage infrastructure to service development for the town and to avoid unacceptable impacts on the environment and the amenity of existing users. It is understood that the present Felbridge STW is at or near capacity and £4,000 per additional improvements necessary are stated as requiring investment of unit. It is esssential therefore, that the appropriate assessments are completed and “all” growth. improvements made to to upgrade capacity to meet

7.3 At a local community level, infrastructure enhancements required will include:

 New allotment facilities as a short/medium term priority.  A new cemetery site towards the end of the Plan period.  Better day care facilities for the growing elderly population, confirming the action plan requirement first identified in the 2003 Town Health Check and the subsequent commitment of the Town Council, supported by Mid Sussex District Council, to prioritise a future affordable solution.  More strategically, solutions to address traffic congestion, which have been referred to previously in this document, including enhancements to the roads network, public transport, cycling, smarter choices and parking management.  Leisure facilities (indoor and outdoor) as identified through the emerging Mid Sussex Leisure Strategy.  Community facilities, including further performance/rehearsal space at Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre.  Public realm enhancements, including as priority enhancements to Railway Approach to improve the street scene between the Town Centre and East Grinstead Railway Stations for Network Rail and the Bluebell.

Document Ends

IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT This is the submission of the Three Tiers Group, which was established by East Grinstead Town Council, working in partnership with the principal authorities. The submission was agreed at a meeting held at East Court on 5 October 2009. The Group comprises representatives of East Grinstead Town Council, Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council and is all party. This is not the submission of East Grinstead Town Council who are due to determine their official response at a Council meeting on 27 October 2009 following an open public meeting on 20 October 2009.

– CJR/Three Tiers Group Core Strategy Response 5 October 2009