Consultation Version - May 2008 1

SHAPING HASTINGS HASTINGS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Core Strategy - Preferred Approaches

The consultation period for this document will run from Monday 12 May 2008 to Tuesday 8 July 2008. The first two eeksw will be for informal consultation and publicity; the remaining six weeks from Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 8 July are the statutory consultation period, and it is only during this time that we are able to accept comments.

This document is available on request in large print, audio, braille and in different languages. For details, call 0845 274 1098*.

*calls from BT cost max 5p per minute, other providers may vary. 2 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Contents

FOREWORD ...... 6

HOW TO RESPOND ...... 7 Taking part in this consultation...... 7 Confused by the process?...... 8 Spreading the word ...... 8 How to respond ...... 9

INTRODUCTION ...... 10 What is this document about? ...... 10 The Hastings Local Development Framework ...... 10 Further information about The Core Strategy ...... 11 Writing the Core Strategy...... 11 The Rules ...... 12 Documents informing the Hastings LDF ...... 12 The Policy Approach...... 13 Further Information ...... 13

SPATIAL PORTRAIT OF HASTINGS...... 14 Character of Hastings ...... 14 Business, Economy and Economic Participation ...... 15 Infrastructure and Services ...... 17 Property Affordability ...... 17 Education and Skills ...... 18 Community Safety ...... 18 Health...... 18 Key Statistics about Hastings ...... 19

ISSUES, PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES ...... 21 A changing population ...... 21 Addressing the causes of deprivation...... 21 Making more of our seaside location ...... 21 Limited space for growth/development...... 22 Achieving a step change in the economy ...... 22 Consultation Version - May 2008 3

Housing ...... 22 Keeping the special character of the town ...... 23 Dealing with climate change...... 23 Low land values ...... 23 Accessibility and transport ...... 23

THE VISION FOR HASTINGS ...... 24 Vision Statement: Take a trip to Hastings in 2026: ...... 24

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES...... 27 Regeneration, housing and employment: ...... 28 Retail ...... 29 Transport and accessibility: ...... 30 Quality of life and health:...... 30 Environment and Sustainability: ...... 32

HASTINGS AND BEXHILL – A SHARED VISION...... 33 Shared objectives ...... 34

THE SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR THE PERIOD UP TO 2026 ...... 35 Moving On From The Present ...... 35 The Structure of The Spatial Strategy ...... 35 Summary of the Spatial Strategy...... 36 Areas of Change ...... 39 Managing and Implementing Change ...... 40

CHAPTER 1 LOCATION, SCALE AND TYPE OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT ...... 43

LOCATION OF NEW HOUSING ...... 43

EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS ...... 49 Main locations and estimated date of development ...... 50

LOCATION OF RETAIL DEVELOPMENT ...... 54 4 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

CHAPTER 2 AREAS OF CHANGE...... 58 CENTRAL AREA...... 58 Hastings Town Centre ...... 58

SOUTH ST LEONARDS ...... 62 Central St Leonards...... 62 Pebsham Countryside Park...... 70

EAST HASTINGS ...... 72 Ore Valley Millennium Community ...... 72

NORTH ST LEONARDS ...... 75 Major New Housing Proposal ...... 75 Enviro Enterprise Corridor (New Proposal) ...... 75

THE SEAFRONT – SOUTH ST LEONARDS, CENTRAL & EAST HASTINGS...... 78

WILTING ...... 82

CHAPTER 3 MANAGING CHANGE ...... 84 HOUSING...... 84 Housing Mix ...... 84 Density ...... 85 Gypsies and Travellers ...... 87 Affordable Housing ...... 89 Types of Affordable Housing Needed...... 92 Specifying the size and form of affordable housing...... 92

THE LOCAL ECONOMY...... 94 Land supply...... 95 Skills and training ...... 99 Tourism...... 102 Language Schools...... 106 Consultation Version - May 2008 5

TRANSPORT AND ACCESSIBILITY...... 105 Strategic Road and Rail Schemes...... 105 Local Road Improvements ...... 107 More Sustainable Transport Options ...... 107 Car Parking ...... 109 Location of Development...... 110

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND QUALITY OF LIFE ...... 112 Community Infrastructure ...... 112 Neighbourhood Planning - Area Co-ordination...... 114

GREEN SPACE, LANDSCAPE AND LEISURE ...... 117 Nature Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity ...... 117 Landscape Protection ...... 119 Open Spaces...... 120 Developing a Network of Accessible, Safe, Green Pedestrian and . Cycle Routes ...... 121 Sports and Leisure Facilities ...... 122 Childrens’ Play Provision...... 123

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN ...... 125 Overall approach...... 125 Sustainable Design...... 126 Renewable Energy ...... 127 Flood Risk and Water Quality ...... 128 Sense of Place and Local Identity ...... 130 Built and Historic Environment...... 131

CHAPTER 4 DELIVERY MECHANISMS AND MONITORING FRAMEWORK....134 Delivery of the spatial strategy...... 134

JARGON BUSTER...... 147 6 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Foreword

Hastings Borough Council has prepared this Core Strategy Preferred Approaches document for consultation as part of the Hastings Local Development Framework (LDF). You can find out more about the Hastings LDF in the Introduction on page 10.

The consultation period for this document will run from Monday 12 May 2008 to Tuesday 8 July 2008. The first two eeksw will be for informal consultation and publicity; the remain­ ing six weeks from Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 8 July are the statutory consultation period, and it is only during this time that we are able to accept comments.

The Core Strategy is just one document that will form part of the Hastings LDF. When com­ pleted, the Core Strategy will be the first ek y document that has been prepared. It will set out the vision, spatial objectives and core policies for the town’s future development. The Core Strategy will be the foundation for the other documents that will form the Hastings LDF.

There are three stages to producing a Core Strategy. We consulted on stage one – Issues and Options towards the end of 2006. This “Preferred Approaches” document is the second stage. A third and final stage – “Submission Version” – is timetabled for the end of 2008.

You can find out how to make your comments on pages 9. Consultation Version - May 2008 7

How to Respond

Taking part in this consultation

Although this Core Strategy Preferred Approaches document is the result of a significant amount of research, assessment and consultation, it does not represent the Council’s final view on what the Core Strategy will contain.

Before we reach that point, we are keen to get your views so our final policy choices are informed by local people’s ideas and needs.

You may wish to comment on: • the proposed content of the spatial vision • the range and nature of the suggested spatial objectives • the approaches identified for each policy area • whether our preferred approach is the one you would support or whether you have an alternative • the choice of targets and indicators to measure progress • the content of the draft “Final Sustainability Appraisal Report”. 8 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Confused by the process?

Whilst we appreciate that planning might not be of interest to everyone, we want as many people as possible to take part in this consultation. It is inevitable that the LDF documents will contain jargon and technical terms, but we have kept this to a minimum in this document. We have included an explanation of some of the terms used on pages 147 - 154, but if you would like further clarification please contact us on 0845 274 1098* and we will try to help.

There will also be exhibitions held at the following locations, where you can find out more information about the Core Strategy.

Saturday 24 May Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, Hastings from 9am-5.30pm.

Wednesday 28 May Four Courts Community Centre, Sydney Close, St Leonards on Sea from 10am–4pm

Thursday 29 May The Bridge Community Centre, 361 Priory Road, Hastings from 2pm-7pm

Monday 2 June All Saints Church Hall, Old Town, Hastings from 10am-5pm

Tuesday 3 June West St Leonards Community & Social Club, Bexhill Road, St Leonards on Sea from 10am-5pm

Thursday 5 June Gensing & Central St Leonards Community Information Centre, 16 Silchester Road, St Leonards on Sea from 2pm-7pm

Saturday 7 June Sainsburys Supermarket, John Macadam Way, St Leonards-on-Sea from 10am-5pm

You can find urtherf information about the Hastings LDF, the Core Strategy process and our Statement of Community Involvement at www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf

Spreading the word

Paper and CD Rom copies of these consultation documents have been sent to local residents, groups and agencies who work in Hastings who have asked to be kept up to date. It has also been advertised through local newspapers, direct mail outs and exhibitions. Please help spread the word too – if you know someone who is interested in these issues do encourage them to take part in the consultation. Consultation Version - May 2008 9

How to respond

There are two ways that you can make your comments:

1. Complete the form online (this is our preferred method of response)

The document and response form are available to read and complete online via our website. Go to www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf/consultation.aspx and follow the instructions.

Comments must be received by 4pm Tuesday 8 July 2008.

2. Written response

You can complete a response form and post (or deliver) it to:

LDF Core Strategy Consultation Hastings Borough Council, Century House, 100 Menzies Road St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9BB

Alternatively you can hand your completed response form to the counter staff at the Hastings Information Centre, Town Hall and they will forward it to our office.

Additional copies of the document and response form can be downloaded from www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf/resources.aspx

Comments must be received by 4pm Tuesday 8 July 2008. 10 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Introduction

What is this document about?

1.1 Planning affects many aspects of our lives – from where we live, work and shop to where and how we can spend leisure time. Effective planning is about managing change rather than letting it happen in an unplanned way.

1.2 The Government introduced a new national planning system in September 2004, uniting traditional planning techniques with other local policies and strategies such as the “Hastings & St Leonards Community Strategy”. The term given to this is ‘spatial planning’.

1.3 Under the new national system there will be a regional planning strategy, called “The South East Plan”, and the Hastings Local Development Framework (LDF) will replace the 2004 Hastings Local Plan. Together these documents will form the statutory plan for Hastings.

The Hastings Local Development Framework

1.4 The Hastings LDF will be a portfolio of different planning documents, maps and written policies to show where, in what form and in what quantities development can take place. The documents that will make up the Hastings LDF are described below: • Local Development Scheme (LDS) – the timetable for the new planning documents to be produced. Our revised LDS was adopted in April 2007. • Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) - this sets out how you can get involved in the preparation of Local Development Framework documents. We adopted this in June 2006. • Core Strategy - this is what you’re reading now and will inform the other LDF documents as they’re written over the next few years. More detail about developing the Core Strategy is given below. • Site Specific Allocations - this will identify proposed development sites to meet the vision identifiedin the Core Strategy. Work will begin on this document in 2008 with adoption due in 2010. • Area Action Plans - Areas with specific needs will have these action plans written especially for them. • Proposals Map - We’ll produce a map to show how the Local Development Framework will affect Hastings & St Leonards. Consultation Version - May 2008 11

Further information about The Core Strategy

1.5 The Core Strategy will provide a long-term strategy to deliver regeneration and sustainable growth in the town over the next 20 years. It will not be concerned with individual development sites or specific details. Its purpose is to set an overall framework for the future of the town and will: • set out the vision for the future sustainable development and regeneration of the town up to 2026 • identify the key issues to be addressed through the planning system and set out generally how we intend to deliver new housing, jobs and infrastructure and will also contain policies for protecting our most important green spaces and historic townscapes. • set out how we’ll accommodate future levels of housing growth proposed through the South East Plan. • set guidelines for the pattern of land uses around the town. • form the context for other LDF documents that will be prepared in the future. • clearly show how planning policies and the use of land will support the key targets in the Community Strategy. • join up planning and land issues with plans and proposals affecting health, equalities, community safety, housing, regeneration, community development, employment, education, transport and the environment set out in the Hastings & St Leonards Community Strategy.

Writing the Core Strategy

1.6 There are three stages to producing the Core Strategy. The first stage – “Issues and Options” - was carried out at the end of 2006, when we presented an overview of the local issues, and suggested options for addressing them. We asked for comments, inviting further issues and options to be identified too.

1.7 This next stage – “Preferred Approaches” – has taken into consideration: • the comments we received as part of the “Issues and Options” consultation. • studies that have looked at issues such as flood risk and land for housing. • assessments of the environmental, economic and social impacts of the different issues and options that have been put forward

1.8 A third and final ersionv will be submitted to the Government for approval in 2010. 12 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Rules

1.9 It’s important to realise that we do not have an entirely free hand to decide what is and what is not included in this LDF Core Strategy. We have to follow government guidance on the type of subjects to address, the level of detail, and the length of the document.

1.10 This “Core Strategy Preferred Approaches document” is not simply a re-write of the 2006 “Issues and Options” document, which went into more detail and background. Instead it lays out a preferred approach having considered the issues and options, comments on those issues and options, and evidence from further studies.

Documents informing the Hastings LDF

1.11 It’s also important to recognise that the planning process at a national level is in a period of great change, and the Hastings LDF is informed by a number of documents, some of which are still in draft format. These include:

The South East Plan

1.12 The Regional Strategy, known as the South East Plan, will contain a policy explaining how many houses will need to be built in Hastings from 2006 to 2026, and is not a matter of choice for us. Therefore the role of our Core Strategy will be to decide, in strategic terms, where best to locate the number of new homes that the South East Plan says must be built. The South East Plan is scheduled for approval in Autumn 2008. You can get further information about the South East Plan at www.southest-ra. gov.uk/southeastplan

1.13 In regional policy terms, the economic and urban link-up between Hastings and Bexhill has been recognised in the March 2006 “State of English Cities” report. This report identifies Hastings/Bexhill is one of 56 rimaryP Urban Areas in England. Within the South East Plan, Hastings is identified as a regional hub, located within the South East Plan Sussex Coast Sub-Region. The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) also recognises the town’s regional hub status located within the Coastal South East Sub-Region (including and centred on the Brighton Diamond for Growth). The RES Coastal South East Region, is wider than the South East Plan Sussex Coast Sub-Region, and links Hastings with Thanet, another persistently deprived area also a recipient of Working Neighbourhoods Funding. There are also links with other English seaside towns with similar problems, such as Great Yarmouth, highlighted in a recent Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee Report.

The County Plan

1.14 The East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Structure Plan gives strategic planning guidance for East Sussex up to 2011. Consultation Version - May 2008 13

1.15 Other plans and strategies that the Core Strategy must be consistent with include the Community Strategy, the Hastings and Bexhill Five Point Plan and Towards A Masterplan for Hastings and Bexhill.

Sustainability Appraisals

1.16 We have to produce these for all our Local Development Framework documents. These appraisals incorporate the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, and assess the various options made in the Core Strategy Issues and Options stage against sustainable development objectives.

1.17 The purpose of sustainability appraisal is to help integrate social, economic and environmental considerations into plans and the process is now integral to plan- making. A Sustainability Appraisal Report has been produced alongside the Core Strategy. To view a copy, look at http://www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf/resources.aspx or contact us.

The Policy Approach

1.18 The Council’s preferred policy approaches are grouped by subject area, reflecting likely chapter headings in the Core Strategy.

1.19 Under ”Preferred Policy Approach”, we suggest how an issue might be dealt with by a policy or policies. This does not mean they are necessarily the final ersion,v and they may be subject to change following consultation.

1.20 For each policy we have also indicated links to relevant higher-level guidance, best practice material, the Community Strategy and the existing Hastings Local Plan (where relevant). It should be noted that a number of policies in the Local Plan are now out of date, so in many cases the policy options being suggested are different from those in the existing Local Plan. Replacement and new policies will be identified as per Regulation 13(5) of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004.

Further Information

1.21 Read more about the new planning system at the Department of Communities and Local Government website www.communities.gov.uk/planning For more information on The South East Plan view the South East of England Regional Assembly (SEERA) website www.southeast-ra.gov.uk and for more details about Hastings LDF Core Strategy or the Community Strategy go to www.hastings.gov.uk 14 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Spatial Portrait of Hastings

Character of Hastings

2.1 Hastings & St Leonards is a town committed to changing itself through regeneration. In December 2007, Hastings was ranked as the 29th most deprived local authority area of 354 in England. 22 of the town's 53 neighbourhoods were identified as being in the 20% most deprived nationally. 15 of these were in the 10% most deprived in the country. 11 of the town's 16 wards contain one or more of these neighbourhoods. Localities in particular need include: Central St Leonards, Castle, Gensing, and Hollington. To date Hastings’ position has been recognised nationally and the town has attracted significant resources to kick-start its regeneration process.

2.2 The town is a special place with an 86,000 strong community, many of whom are creative and fiercely loyal to the town. It is 100 kilometres from London, with 13 kilometres of coastline. Primarily an urban area, Hastings is surrounded by the mainly rural district of Rother, and bordered by the High Weald to the north, Pevensey Marshes to the west and the Romney Marshes to the east. Nearby are the towns of Rye, Battle and Bexhill.

2.3 Hastings is an urban centre set in a largely rural area of East Sussex. This means the town has an important role as a centre of economic activity and transport services, (indeed the town is recognised as a “regional hub” in the regional spatial strategy), and the interdependencies between Hastings and neighbouring Bexhill are such that the wider area of Hastings and Bexhill needs to be recognised in a planning context.

2.4 The town has a rich history and has constantly re-invented itself. Famously associated with the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest, its history is bound up with the sea. It prospered as a Norman port in the eleventh and twelfth centuries and formed part of the Cinque Ports, an alliance of Kent and Sussex ports to defend the area against the French. It regenerated itself in the sixteenth century as a major ship builder supplying ships to fight the Armada, re-invented itself again in the early nineteenth century as a Victorian seaside resort and today retains Europe’s largest beach-based fishing fleet.

2.5 Today we face a challenge in terms of how best to achieve the growth and regeneration aims of the town in the light of potential environmental constraints including:

• the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers most of the northern edge of the town and encompasses the 245 hectares of Hastings Country Park to the east. • to the west is the green wedge of Combe Haven Valley (partly a Site of Special Scientific Interest – (SSSI), which separates Hastings from Bexhill. Consultation Version - May 2008 15

• on the north western edge of the town is the Marline Valley, much of which is an SSSI. • the extensive area of coastline which is both an asset and a constraint to development. 2.6 The urban area is characterised by a hilly landscape of valleys and ridges.

Hastings & St Leonards has a rich heritage of historic buildings - the medieval Old Town, the Victorian town centre in Hastings and the Regency splendour of parts of St Leonards. The town contains 17 conservation areas. The urban area has a valuable network of green spaces important for wildlife and informal recreation. Over 30 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance have been identified. Ancient and ghyll woodland is a special feature of the area.

Business, Economy and Economic Participation

2.7 The town has a service-based economy with public services, education and health and also distribution, hotels and restaurants sectors providing the main sources of employment. The town also has a relatively high level of employment within the manufacturing sector compared to the South East average, although this has been declining in recent years.

2.8 There are an estimated 2,800 businesses in the town. However, the majority of these businesses employ less than 10 people. In recent years, there have been high rates of business start-ups, although this has been coupled with high levels of business de- registrations. Approximately 70% of residents live and work within the town.

2.9 A major issue for the town is the level of economic participation – we have relatively low employment and economic activity rates.

Employment Rates (working age): Jan 2006 – Dec 2006

Geography Employment Rate GB 74.3 % South East 78.3 % Hastings 73.9 %

Source: www.nomisweb.co.uk: Annual Population Survey

2.10 The above table shows that Hastings has a lower employment rate than the national average. Similarly, economic activity rates (those people of working age either in employment or seeking work) show that the town falls well below the South East rate and the GB rate. 16 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Economic Activity Rates (working age): Jan 2006 – Dec 2006

Geography Economic Activity Rate GB 78.6 % South East 82.1 % Hastings 77.9 % Source: www.nomisweb.co.uk Annual Population Survey

2.11 The town has higher numbers of people engaged in part-time work relative to regional and national rates. There are also clear differences in earnings relative to neighbouring areas and the regional average. Average earnings of Hastings residents are 83% of the South East average. 2006 data shows Hastings to have the lowest average wage (at £369 workplace based wages) of all the East Sussex districts. In 2004, 14% of the population had no qualifications at all. Indeed the skills ‘gap’ is seen as a major concern in getting local people into work. There are also a high number of residents who are economically inactive in part due to long-term illnesses or acting as full time carers compared to regional and national figures.

2.12 Hastings consistently has the highest unemployment rates in East Sussex, and has had mixed economic fortunes over the past 50 years. Historically, the town was a popular destination for seaside holidays, but with the decline of the traditional tourism market it looked to develop in other ways. In the 1970s and 80s large areas of greenfield land in the north–west of the town were developed to provide homes and employment for people moving out of London as part of the Greater London Council’s population overspill scheme. This largely achieved its objectives of providing a more balanced population structure and a significant manufacturing job base for Hastings.

2.13 A major issue for the town is the level of economic participation. Hastings has relatively low employment and economic activity rates. In April 2007, there were 1,853 claimants of Jobseekers’ Allowance in Hastings (Source: Office of National Statistics – job seekers allowance is a form of unemployment benefit paid yb the government to people who are unemployed but are actively seeking work). Hastings has a very high percentage of households without a car at 34% compared to 19% in the South East and 27% nationally.

2.14 Hastings is now getting close to its limits in terms of further outward growth and development. There is limited scope for further large-scale housing and employment development within the town itself. In the longer term, some of the town’s needs may be met through new development proposed in Rother District, particularly on land at north Bexhill where a new community and business park are proposed.

2.15 Regeneration is the key theme in practically all of the current strategies and plans for the town’s future. The Government has invested more than £82m1 into a variety of regeneration projects targeted at Hastings and Bexhill. The economic and urban link-up between Hastings and Bexhill has been recognised in the March 2006 “State Of English Cities” report. This independent report to government identified 56 rimaryP Urban Areas in England. The Hastings/Bexhill Primary Urban Area has a population of around 125,000. 1 Includes £38m from Government, £19m SEEDA, £15m English Partnerships, £10m SRB Consultation Version - May 2008 17

Infrastructure and Services

2.16 The area is remote from the national road network, the primary access being the A21 from London and the A259 Honiton to Folkestone Trunk Road. The town is served by regional passenger rail services, and services are available to Ashford International and hence the Channel Tunnel. Poor road and rail links have made it more difficult to tackle the town’s economic problems. In December 2004, the Government gave “In Principle” support for the construction and funding of the Bexhill and Hastings Link Road. This would improve connections between the two towns and release land for future housing and development to the north of Bexhill. It is a key element in the future regeneration of both towns. East Sussex County Council submitted the planning application for the link road in May 2007.

2.17 Within the urban area there is a hierarchy of town, district and local centres. Hastings town centre is the main town centre and the area’s largest shopping quarter. The range and scale of facilities, which includes not just shopping facilities but other activities such as office, entertainment and civic uses, means the role of the Town Centre extends beyond Hastings’ boundary to make it a “sub-regional centre”. The town’s district and local centres provide an important focus for communities, with an essential mix of shopping and other services at a more local level.

Property Affordability

2.18 Property values in Hastings have remained significantly below the regional average, despite rapid growth in recent years. Average house prices within Hastings are also considerably lower than the East Sussex and South East averages. In Hastings average house prices are £155,646, in East Sussex £229,685, and the South East £256,148 (Land Registry – April – June 2007). Despite these low house prices, property affordability is still a big issue, where the cost of the average house is 7.3 times the average salary (ESIF, 2006). The 2005 Housing Needs Survey revealed that we are not meeting our housing needs; there is currently a shortfall of 596 affordable homes annually. 19% of households live in private rented accommodation, which is double the national rate. There are currently 2,400 households on the housing waiting list (June, 2007). Hastings is also under performing in terms of house building rates; to 2006/07 we have built 3,695 dwellings compared to the East Sussex and Brighton & Hove Structure Plan target of 4,800. 18 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Education and Skills

2.19 In 2005, 42.1% of 15 year-olds achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* - C or equivalent. This is not improving and the need for improved educational attainment is considered to be the cornerstone of many regeneration initiatives in the town. In a 2003 survey by the Department of Education and Skills revealed that 61% of adults have basic numeracy skills of below entry level 3, compared to 11% for England and Wales. However, 10% of adults within Hastings have basic literacy skills below entry level 3 (Entry level 3 is considered lower than GCSE levels) compared to 25% for England and Wales.

Community Safety

2.20 It is acknowledged that crime rates in Hastings have been relatively high in previous years, with overall crime rates over 50% greater than the national average in 2003/04. Since that time there has however been considerable success in tackling crime, with a 25% reduction in British Crime Survey crime rates by the end of 2007. In particular there has been an over 40% reduction in car crime, and over 60% reduction in offences of burglary on people’s homes and robberies. This has also been reflected in consistent improvements in annual local fear of crime surveys.

Health

2.21 Hastings is the most deprived local authority area in the South East and deprivation is related to ill health. People here die younger on average than elsewhere in the South East largely due to high rates of cancer and coronary heart disease. The 2001 Census showed that 17.5% of people of working age in Hastings & St Leonards had a limiting long-term illness, compared to 7.4% in East Sussex, and 10.6% in the South East region. Consultation Version - May 2008 19

Key Statistics about Hastings

Area 3077 Ha (almost 31 Km2)

Current Population Total Population: 86,120 Source: 2006 Mid Year estimates, NOMIS

Policy based Population Projections2 By 2026 the population is predicted to fall to 84,500 (a 1.85% decrease from 2001) Source: Policy based Population Projections, East Sussex County Council, 2007 This is a standard model that doesn’t take full account of the potential impact of regeneration initiatives on population growth. It is anticipated that regeneration initiatives will result in a modest increase in the Town’s population.

Age Structure and Gender 47.2% Male, 52.8% Female Average Age for a Hastings resident is 39.6 Source: Census, 2001.

A higher than average proportion of the population is aged 16 or under at 21.1% (18,000) By 2026 it is forecast that there will be a large growth in the proportion of older people (75+ age group) living in Hastings. Policy based forecasts predict a 38.1% rise from 8,009 in 2001 to 11,057 in 2026. Source: East Sussex County Council

Housing - Average House Prices Hastings East Sussex South East Detached £256,235 £354,228 £424,356 Semi-Detached £181,970 £222,878 £243,555 Terraced £156,290 £194,747 £202,266 Flat/Maisonette £106,127 £144,762 £168,657 Overall Average £155,646 £229, 685 £256,148 Table 1: Average House Prices (April - June 2007): Source, Land Registry

Tenure Owner occupied: 65% Social Rented: 16% Private & Other Rented: 19% Source: Census 2001

2 Policy based population projections are based on future changes anticipated given the current expectations of future levels of housing de­ velopment across the Borough. They are consistent with the housing provision figures included in South East England Regional Assesmbly’s (SEERA’s) draft South East Plan March 2006. 20 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Household Size Average Household Size: 2.2 persons per household. Source: Census, 2001

Household Change Policy based forecasts predict one person households are due to increase from 1,313 in 2001 to 5,129 in 2026 (290% increase). Source: East Sussex County Council

Ethnicity Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) population - 5.9% Source: Census, 2001

Qualifications In 2004, 14% of the Hastings population had no qualifications at all. Source: Local area labour force survey (Mar 2003-Feb 2004)

Car Ownership 33.8% of Households have no car 66.2% of Households have at least one car Source: Census, 2001

Health Male Life Expectancy – 75.7 years, Female Life Expectancy – 79.9 years Source: NCHOD – Oct 2007, 2003-2005 3 rolling average

Sports Activity A national survey in 2005/06 showed that Hastings had the lowest participation rate in sport or active recreation of districts in the South East Region, and the 15th lowest of 354 districts nationally. Consultation Version - May 2008 21

Issues, Problems and Challenges

A changing population

3.1 Population forecasts show that up to 2026 there will be a greater proportion of older people, with particular growth in the 75 and over age group (13.1% in 2026, compared to 9.0% in 2006). This means we need to plan now to provide the housing, health and social provision for older people.

3.2 The 2006 Hastings and Rother Housing Market Assessment stated that “Hastings also attracts young and middle aged singles who are not wedded to progression up the career ladder and attracted by the availability of cheap rented accommodation by the sea”. The very sizeable private rented sector is regarded as both cause and effect of this. This is reflected in the concentrations of economically inactive people in areas dominated by private rented sector accommodation, such as central St Leonards.

Addressing the causes of deprivation

3.3 Hastings is one of the most deprived areas in the South East. Part of the town’s character is that it is such a varied place; some of the most deprived parts of the town sit side by side with better off areas. We need to have a particular focus on addressing the causes of deprivation which result in low skills, poor educational attainment, ill health, poverty, lack of job opportunities, poor quality housing and high crime rates.

Making more of our seaside location

3.4 Our consultations have shown that many local people would like to see the town’s future planning make more of its seaside location. This is part of what makes Hastings special and the challenge is to capitalise on this to enhance the quality of life of local residents, improve the attractiveness of the town to tourists and visitors and support and attract businesses. The seafront area provides potential for change – upgrading and improving accessibility along and to the promenade, finding economic uses orf buildings such as the Pier and White Rock Baths3, bringing life to the western end of the seafront through the redevelopment of the old Bathing Pool site, and maximising the potential of the Stade area as a tourism and cultural resource.

3 White Rock Baths were formerly used as a swimming pool and later as an ice skating rink. 22 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Limited space for growth/development

3.5 There is not a lot of land available for development within the town and outward expansion is constrained by protected landscape and countryside such as the Hastings County Park and the High Weald Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). We are making best use of previously developed land in the urban areas e.g. the Ore Valley Millennium Communities development and the town centre redevelopments. We also need to work closely with neighbouring Rother District Council to make sure the communities of both Hastings and Bexhill benefit romf the regeneration of the two towns.

Achieving a step change in the economy

3.6 Our research has shown that we need to achieve a big improvement in the town’s economy if we are to achieve regeneration benefits orf everyone. We need to diversify the town’s economic base and reduce its reliance on public sector jobs; support small businesses to set up and grow; get more people into work through skills training and education, and provide better paid jobs. Existing employment areas such as Ponswood and Ivyhouse Lane are not well suited to the needs of modern businesses and we need to plan how these can be renovated and improved, as well as providing major new space in the town centre and the Queensway/A21 economic corridor.

Housing

3.7 The main challenges here are: • to allocate enough land in the right locations to provide for future housing needs and to meet the housing target set out in the South East Plan. • to address poor housing conditions particularly in Central St Leonards and the town centre where there is a legacy of attractive private rented sector Victorian housing in need of repair and upgrading. • to increase the supply of affordable housing to help reduce homelessness and address housing need. • to make best use of previously developed land in the urban area before considering green field sites for housing development Consultation Version - May 2008 23

Keeping the special character of the town

3.8 Our seaside location, wooded valleys, varied wildlife, attractive Victorian housing and surrounding Wealden countryside all contribute to the special character of Hastings. Our challenge is to conserve and enhance the best of this and at the same time enable high quality development to meet future needs.

Dealing with climate change

3.9 As a coastal town, we need to plan ahead to deal with the potential impacts of climate change - the risks from flooding now and in the future, the need to reduce carbon emissions through the better design of buildings and reuse of building materials, and the encouragement of development to incorporate on-site renewable energy generation.

Low land values

3.10 Land values in Hastings are generally lower than surrounding areas and the rest of the South East. This can affect the economic viability of development and in turn, developer contributions to affordable housing, transport and community infrastructure. We need to get the balance and flexibility right in terms of securing benefits for the community and promoting the development necessary for the town’s regeneration. We also need to move from a position of being dependent on public investment to underpin regeneration, to a situation where the economy is sufficiently buoyant to attract and retain private investment.

Accessibility and transport

3.11 The local business community consistently point to the need for improvements to the A21 and A259, and the rail links to London and Ashford as being key to making Hastings a more attractive place for businesses to locate in and to operate from. Decisions about trunk road investment and rail improvements are taken at national and regional levels, and we strongly lobby for better links.

3.12 Hastings has relatively low car ownership rates and if regeneration of the town is successful these are likely to rise in the future. This presents challenges about provision of adequate car parking, particularly in the town centre, and how best to promote the alternatives to car use in a way which is equitable and affordable for all sections of the community. 24 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Vision for Hastings

4.1 The Core Strategy has to identify an overall vision for the town; giving a clear picture of the type of place we want Hastings to be by 2026.

4.2 At the Issues and Options stage we presented two visions. We received a wide range of comments, with most recommending that we pursue and refine vision 2, making it specific to Hastings. You can read the comments made at www.hastings.gov.uk/ldf/ resources.aspx

4.3 Government guidance suggests that the vision should closely relate to the Hastings & St Leonards Community Strategy. With this in mind we have redrafted vision 2, to include the essence and principles of the Community Strategy vision, at the same time aiming to make the vision as specific to the Borough as possible:

“By 2026 Hastings will be a safe and thriving place to live in, that offers a high quality of life, and has a strong economy and sustainable future, founded upon our unique heritage and seaside location, and supported by social, economic, cultural and environmental regeneration”.

4.4 We also have to write a statement to describe what Hastings might look like in 2026, when the vision has been fulfilled. We’ve written our statement based on what people have said in our consultations and on the strategic objectives we’ve drafted to achieve the vision.

4.5 Remember this is a vision. We have to be realistic and recognise that it is impossible to predict and shape the future.

Vision Statement: Take a trip to Hastings in 2026:

4.6 It’s 2026, and Hastings is one of the most desirable places on the South Coast to visit, to stay, to work, to study and to live. The regeneration programme has transformed the town with the university centre, new office and leisure activity, and the college and library revitalising the town centre, the Millennium Community and college transforming the Ore Valley, and Central St Leonards and flourishing as a desirable location for people to live, shop and work.

4.7 Over 4,000 homes have been built in the town, providing a mix of styles, designs, sizes and affordability to meet the differing needs of residents. As a result many more people are now in quality housing that they could not access a decade ago. Hastings has looked to the future by placing accessibility and sustainability high on its agenda with building and planning policies that encourage a sensible approach to using resources for building and living. The homes are well-constructed using sustainable materials, renewable energy, and following energy and waste efficiency and safety Consultation Version - May 2008 25

principles. It is not only the new homes that are of improved quality; focused renewal programmes, investment and enforcement actions, have vastly improved the quality of the private sector housing stock in Central St Leonards that several years ago was in a poor state of repair. Good use has also been made of the limited land available, with some allocated for housing, and some for economic activity. The Millennium Community development at Ore Valley gives an excellent example of how an area that was once a disused industrial site can be regenerated into a desirable place to live.

4.8 The town’s population has increased, with many skilled professionals and their families coming in the last 5 years, attracted by the quality housing, the range of careers available and the promise of a high quality of life by the sea. Many work from home taking advantage of flexible working, and modern flexible fibre-optic and other ITC technology. Others use the improved links to London, Ashford and Brighton to reach their offices. There are more people coming to the town too, with students and office workers commuting in on a daily basis and an increase in leisure and weekend visitors.

4.9 The strong focus on raising education standards for children and young people, from pre-school to school leaving age, has contributed to young people having higher aspirations. As a result they are achieving good exam passes, with the excellent town- wide training and education facilities at University Centre Hastings and the Further Education colleges at Station Plaza and Parker Road being widely used. When they leave full-time education, they are equipped with a variety of skills, and are prepared for the next stage of their lives, whether that is university or the workplace, where there is a variety of jobs and careers available for all ages.

4.10 Tourism continues to be important to the local economy. The number of bedspaces has been increased, the tourist season extended and there is generally a higher quality tourist offer. But regeneration has ensured that other local businesses have grown and new employers have been attracted to the town creating a healthy, diverse economy, as well as a strong housing market.

4.11 Improved transport infrastructure has played a major part in opening up the town, with a choice of travel options, enabling people to reach the town centre easily, including rail links from Wilting and the Ore Valley, and local buses that serve the housing areas, with good fares, and convenient timetables. Car-use has decreased on short journeys with many people walking or cycling into town, to their nearby shops or to school. Links to neighbouring areas are much improved following the opening of the link road to Bexhill, and improvements to the A21.

4.12 The Town Centre is a centre of activity, with a reputation for good retail that offers a range of high street brands as well as independent stores. The town remains alive in the early evening with a range of cafes and shops open until 9pm.

4.13 Every home is in walking distance of quality open space. The award winning Hastings Country Park and the new Pebsham Countryside Park border the town. The open spaces are a major factor in Hastings residents maintaining their active lifestyles, many of who are now are now living healthier longer lives. 26 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

4.14 The rejuvenated seafront continues to attract visitors and residents throughout the year whatever the weather, who can walk or cycle from the Old Town to Bexhill. Hastings is an inclusive place, with a diverse range of communities, residents, employees and visitors.

4.15 Hastings still knows how to party and continues to host festivals that brings the whole town together as well as attracting visitors from all over the South East. Hastings has always been famous for its culture and history and is now planning for the major celebrations in 2066, which will attract international interest. Consultation Version - May 2008 27

Strategic Objectives

5.1 To achieve the vision, we have identified a number of strategic objectives, grouping them under five themes.

5.2 The 2006 “Issues and Options” consultation showed that whilst there was general agreement with the suggested objectives some refinement was needed. As a result some of the objectives have been combined, others re-worded. Others have been removed, as they did not relate specifically to planning and development issues. Critical success factors now accompany each objective. These show what needs to be achieved, working with existing partnerships, agencies, groups and communities, in order to meet the objectives.

5.3 We will adopt a coherent approach to the regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill as a Primary Urban Area. This will recognise and build on the interdependencies of the two towns and the surrounding area.

5.4 We will work with developers and partners to support planned employment and housing growth through the provision of infrastructure and services including the education facilities, healthcare provision and transport.

5.5 All the objectives run to December 2026, and are supported by a number of targets to monitor success and progress – these are set out in the relevant sections of the Core Strategy. 28 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Regeneration, housing and employment:

Objective 1:

Increase business activity and create employment through town centre office developments, more high quality flexible industrial floor space, and excellent education and training.

Critical Success Factors:

• A net increase of 32,000m2 in town centre office floor space by 2016. • Expansion of the education sector to support training and development, requiring 36,000m2 of floorspace by delivering the college sites at Station Plaza and Ore Valley and Phase 2 University Centre Hastings by 2011. • Increase in business activity (measured by an increase in VAT registrations).

Objective 2:

Provide additional homes that give a range of housing options for existing and future residents, including the provision of affordable housing.

Critical Success Factors:

• Provide for at least 4200 new dwellings between 2006 and 2026 in line with Draft South East Plan requirements. • Affordable housing provided on all suitable sites of 15 dwellings or more • Widen the range of housing available in Central St Leonards, particularly by increasing the amount of social rented housing. • Reduce the proportion of single person households in Central St Leonards to below 50% by 2021 as revealed by the 2021 Census.

Objective 3:

Identify sufficient land and floor space that will support the needs and opportunities for business, retail, education and skills sectors, to strengthen the local economy and enable increases in economic activity rates, employment rates, and average wages.

Critical Success Factors: • Provide for at least 60,500m2 of modern, purpose-built industrial and warehouse floorspace on land outside of the town centre to meet needs identified by studies. Consultation Version - May 2008 29

• Improve our relative position on (workplace-based) wage rates in Hastings by closing the gap between Hastings and East Sussex median average.

Objective 4:

Prioritise the use of previously developed land.

Critical Success Factor:

• At least 60% of residential development each year to be on previously developed land.

Retail:

Objective 5:

Identify and promote retail sites in Hastings town centre and St Leonards district centre.

Critical Success Factors:

• A net increase of 15,500m2 in purpose-built town centre comparison goods retail floorspace to address a shortfall in scale and quality identified by retail studies (consisting of gross 30,000m2 including related service trade shops). • An increase of 2,600m2 of purpose-built retail/commercial floorspace in St Leonards District centre from the Crystal Square development.

Objective 6:

Monitor and facilitate district centres of St Leonards and Ore and the local shopping areas of Old Town, Silverhill and Bohemia, so that they are safe, attractive and thriving places, which make a positive contribution to the local economy.

Critical Success Factors:

• Ground floor vacancy rates maintained at less than 15% in district and local shopping areas. • Local shopping areas to retain basic services such as a small supermarket, a sub-post office, pharmacy, bank and newsagent. 30 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Transport and accessibility:

Objective 7:

Work at a local, county and national level to secure improvements in strategic transport infrastructure so that the town performs as a regional hub.

Critical Success Factors:

• The Bexhill and Hastings Link road open by 2011. • The Baldslow link between Queensway and The Ridge/A21 to be open by 2011.

Objective 8:

All major development schemes will identify and promote sustainable alternatives to car use including walking, cycling and public transport.

Critical Success Factors:

• We currently require travel plans for commercial development schemes of over 10,000m2 gross floorspace. Guidance on the production on travel plans is the subject of further work by East Sussex County Council, this will take account of national guidance published in 2007, and revised proposals are anticipated later in 2008.

Quality of life and health:

Objective 9:

Achieve the sustainable and continued use of the seafront by ensuring it has a range of year round activities and facilities that attract residents, workers and visitors.

Critical Success Factors:

• Secure a sustainable future for Hastings Pier and the redundant White Rock Baths by 2015. • Expand the national cycleway route along the seafront to join up Grosvenor Gardens and Galley Hill in Rother. • Additional good quality tourist bedspaces through the provision of new facilities and the upgrading of existing ones. Consultation Version - May 2008 31

Objective 10:

Enable an increased take-up of sports, leisure and cultural activities by residents and visitors through the provision of accessible and affordable facilities and programmes.

Critical Success Factors:

• Work with Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to develop the new Pebsham Countryside Park by 2016. • Expand the national cycleway route along the seafront to join up Grosvenor gardens and Galley Hill in Rother. • Provide an improved and upgraded sports and leisure complex serving the whole town by 2012.

Objective 11:

Improve the health and well being of the population, reduce crime and contribute to community cohesion by providing community facilities, promoting ‘secure by design’ and establishing a network of open and green spaces that are easily reached by residents, and which promote biodiversity.

Critical Success Factors:

• Establish a strategic network of multifunctional greenspace and cycle and pedestrian routes giving access to greenspace and connecting communities. • Increase the percentage of households within 300 metres of a multifunctional greenspace, which meet the Councils’ quality standard in all relevant respects by not less than 4% in each of the next five years and to at least 90% by 2013. • All planning applications likely to raise security and crime prevention issues including all licensed premises, larger housing and commercial developments, hot food take­ aways, new shop fronts and security shutters to be referred to the Police Authority’s crime prevention design advisor. • Increase the number of working allotments. 32 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Environment and Sustainability:

Objective 12:

Enable the delivery of high quality and sustainably designed developments.

Critical Success Factors:

• All major housing developments (10 or more dwellings) to be appraised against Council for Architecture and The Built Environment guidance by 2010. • 10% of energy used in new major developments (10 or more dwellings/0.5ha or 1000m2) to come from on-site renewables.

Objective 13:

Promote, enhance and manage the town’s unique cultural heritage, historic buildings and natural landscape; making best use of the town’s individual character and environment, to contribute to economic regeneration.

Critical Success Factors:

• Manage Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve to enhance biodiversity and improve opportunities for informal recreation. • Carry out a review of Sites of Nature Conservation Interest in 2008 to identify those areas of most value to local communities and for biodiversity. • £1.7m of Townscape Heritage Initiative funding spent on building restoration by 2011. • A new library in Hastings town centre Consultation Version - May 2008 33

Hastings and Bexhill – a shared vision

5.6 Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council recognise the close inter­ relationship between Hastings and Bexhill.

5.7 This is not only a reflection of their physical proximity (being virtually co-joined with their centres some 5 miles apart), but they are economically inter-dependent. Hastings is the centre of the ‘travel to work area’ for much of Rother District. Some 10,000 people commute across the Hastings/Rother boundary each day, a half of which are between Hastings and Bexhill. Between them, the two towns serve a much wider area and both have important roles as centres for education, employment and housing.

5.8 This level of connectivity inevitably means that, to a large extent, the towns face similar (though not identical) issues and that their futures themselves are intertwined. Added to this, there is a shared interest in the urban fringes, particularly in the area between the towns where a countryside park is being promoted by both Councils.

5.9 Both towns are reliant on the same road and rail infrastructure, neither of which is currently serving the area well, especially in terms of helping economic investment.

5.10 It is therefore important that the strategies for development and change for Hastings and Bexhill need to be consistent, and complimentary, to be fully effective.

5.11 The two Councils have been working closely in developing an understanding of common issues as well as the testing of policy responses.

A shared vision To secure a more prosperous future for the Hastings and Bexhill area. Economic regeneration and growth will be generated through working together concentrating on: a) the provision of high quality education opportunities, skills training and economic development b) social regeneration c) strategic physical and environmental projects and programmes 34 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Shared objectives

1. To develop an integrated learning and employment strategy, in conjunction with other key agencies, that secures both increased skills and business investment across the area 2. To support the Bexhill/Hastings Link Road and the Baldslow link as being essential for the economic and social regeneration of the two towns and to improve road and rail connections to the rest of the South East 3. To develop and support a ‘local transport strategy’ for Hastings and Bexhill that brings forward more sustainable travel patterns and critical investment in all modes of transport infrastructure 4. To ensure that there is a range of housing supply across Hastings and Bexhill to support sustainable growth, including for economically active people and families 5. To secure investment in, and otherwise assist, areas of socio-economic need, with particular regard to social inclusion, getting people back into work and dealing with the problems created by the ‘ informal economy’ 6. To promote the development of Pebsham Countryside Park and other cross-boundary environmental schemes, including green space and urban fringe management 7. To recognise the important contribution of culture, sports, arts, tourism and leisure to the economies of Hastings and Bexhill and to the health and well-being of people living there. Consultation Version - May 2008 35

The Spatial Strategy for the period up to 2026

6.1 The spatial strategy shows how we will achieve the vision for the town by 2026.

Moving On from the Present

6.2 The town already has a clearly agreed focus centred around economic and social regeneration. This is signed up to by the Council, partners in the voluntary and private sector and the community, is voiced in the Community Strategy and the Task Force Five Point Plan, and supported by a range of plans and strategies such as the Housing Strategy, the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, the Seafront Strategy, the draft South East Plan.

6.3 Delivery of major projects such as Millennium Communities, new education facilities and new business space is underway and has been enabled by large amounts of grant funding and inward investment by regional bodies such as SEEDA and by government agencies. Such high levels of public funding are not likely to continue in the longer term, and the spatial strategy aims to create the right conditions to attract and retain increased levels of private sector investment in the town.

6.4 The new strategy also reflects a culture change in planning – moving from an emphasis on the control of development through the granting/refusal of planning permissions, to a broader more pro-active, managed approach, working with local partnerships and the community to be clear about how much and what type of development will occur, when, where and how.

The Structure of the Spatial Strategy

6.5 The spatial strategy sets out the where, when and how for future development in the town up to 2026.

6.6 Firstly, the strategy shows the location and type of major development planned for employment and housing development; it then goes on to consider specific areas of the town and details the type of changes planned for these locations. Finally, the strategy deals with how change will be managed through policies and proposals relating to the whole area, covering issues such as affordable housing, transport, climate change, and open space provision.

6.7 A summary of the main elements of the spatial strategy is presented below, and more detail is provided in the chapters that follow. 36 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Summary Spatial Strategy

6.8 We have adopted a joined-up approach to planning ‘across the border’, in that the strategic housing, employment and transport policies have been developed in co­ operation with Rother District Council - recognising the sub-regional functions of the Hastings/ Rother housing market, the travel-to-work area, which encompasses Hastings and Rother, the impacts of the Hastings/Bexhill link road and the North East Bexhill business park and housing proposal, and the role of the Pebsham Countryside Park in maintaining a strategic gap between Hastings and Bexhill.

Land For Employment, Retail and Education Uses

6.9 Identification of an enviro-economic corridor along Queensway in the north-west of the town with potential to provide 18,500m2 business floorspace on high quality attractive greenfield sites. The Hastings & Bexhill Task Force, will provide this floorspace with public and private sector funding, between 2009 and 2013

6.10 Continued regeneration of Hastings town centre to provide employment opportunities and maintain its role as a sub-regional shopping centre.

6.11 32,000m2 of office development will be generated within Priory Quarter by the Task Force, with public subsidy, and by the private sector between 2008 and 2016.

6.12 Hastings Town Centre is the preferred location for 30,000m2 of comparison goods floorspace along with related service trade shops. This would be a private sector development in the period 2016-2026, with the Council using its compulsory purchase powers to aid land assembly, if necessary.

6.13 The creation of new employment opportunities is linked to the upskilling of the local workforce through supporting development of sites for Further and Higher Education in Hastings town centre and at the Ore Valley Millennium Communities site. The Learning and Skills Council development of a new Further Education College at Hastings Station Yard is due to be completed by September 2009, and a new Construction Skills College, to be developed will be completed at the Ore Valley by Autumn 2009. The expansion of University Centre Hastings (UCH) will be provided through the Priory Quarter development by 2011.

6.14 Taken together these will create around 6,000 student places by 2011, with courses on offer being matched to local skills requirements.

6.15 The major employment allocations in the Core Strategy have been subject to transport modelling to determine their impacts on the strategic and local road networks. Consultation Version - May 2008 37

Land For Housing

6.16 To provide at least 4200 net new dwellings in the period 2006 – 2026.

6.17 Housing will be delivered on a mix of brownfield and greenfield sites throughout the urban area. The table below sets out the proposed distribution using area coordination areas, and is based on housing potential identified in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and reflects the availability of land for development in this densely developed urban area.

Area Co-ordination Zone Number of additional Wards included housing units to be provided 2006-2026 North St Leonards 1879 Ashdown

Conquest

Hollington

Wishing Tree South St Leonards 1297 Central St Leonards

Gensing

Maze Hill

West St Leonards Central 507 Braybrooke

Castle

Silverhill

St Helens East Hastings 1283 Baird

Tressell

Old Hastings

Ore Total 4966 All wards 38 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

6.18 It is anticipated that Planning permission will be given for housing to meet the targets indicated in each of the area co-ordination zones.

6.19 A contingency plan is included to deal with any shortfall in housing development in the long term – it is proposed that a major greenfield site in the north west of the town, capable of accommodating up to 1000 new dwellings, has been identified orf release in the 2021-2026 period. Further details about this proposal can be found in Chapter 1, pages 43-48. Hastings Borough Council will release this site before 2021 should monitoring show it to be needed in line with national policy in PPS3. The trigger for release of this site before 2021 will be when, and if, housing delivery falls more than 15% below the annual target of 210 units per annum for 3 years in a row.

6.20 The major housing allocations at the Ore Valley Millennium Community and the major Greenfield site mentioned above have been subject to transport modelling to determine their impacts on the strategic and local road networks

The Hastings and Bexhill Link Road

6.21 This is a key element of both Hastings and Rother Core Strategies, since it is not only critical in reducing current congestion, and helping to address accessibility and economic regeneration issues, but also in enabling substantial development as required by the draft South East Plan.

6.22 Traffic modelling to estt the impact of different development scenarios on the Link Road is being undertaken.

6.23 A planning application for the Link Road was submitted in April 2007 and a decision is expected early this year. However, it is likely that an Inquiry will follow, which, given a favourable outcome, should mean that Secretary of State approval could be in towards the end of 2008. The road could then open in Autumn 2011.

6.24 Should the Link Road not go ahead, it would have a major impact on the regeneration strategy for Hastings and Bexhill. In Hastings, this could prevent the release of housing sites at Seaside Road and Bulverhythe with potential to provide up to 500 dwellings. Without the scheme only 100 of these units would be attainable. It could also impact on housing numbers on the major new site in the northwest of the town.

6.25 The ESCC Regeneration Statement accompanying the planning application for the Link Road shows how the take-up of employment generation schemes, including Land off Queensway, and office and education development in Hastings Town Centre will be seriously delayed, with employment generation taking place post 2025. (See pages 75 and 76). The North East Bexhill development would also be unlikely to proceed, which would result in the loss of 48,000m2 of business and industrial floorspace.

6.26 If this eventuality were to occur, it would be likely to affect business confidence and slow down the progression of the Task Force developments in the town. There are no alternative sites to accommodate development to the scale of North Bexhill within the town, which would mean that we would seek to make the most of existing available Consultation Version - May 2008 39

land, and use it to its maximum potential. We would however, be dependent on market conditions to bring forward employment sites, but would continue to lobby the Government to secure investment in Hastings.

Areas of Change

6.27 As part of the strategy for the town we need to identify areas where a substantial amount of change is planned for the future. Reflecting the town’s four Area Co- ordination zones, the summaries below show the overall direction of change proposed within Central Area, South St Leonards, East Hastings and North St Leonards – further details are included in chapter 2 of the strategy.

Central Area

Hastings Town Centre – major regeneration centred around office, education and retail development to secure a vibrant, safe and thriving town centre.

South St Leonards

Central St Leonards – economic and social regeneration to support housing renewal, the viability of the district shopping centre and a more sustainable community in one of the most deprived areas of the town.

Pebsham Countryside Park - a joint project with Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to provide a major, managed greenspace between Hastings and Bexhill, with opportunities for informal recreation, nature conservation and employment.

East Hastings

Ore Valley Millennium Community – positive change in one of the most deprived parts of the town. The Millennium Communities project will make good use of brownfield land to bring new high quality, eco friendly housing, a new college, improvements to Ore Station and rail services and a new green park to an area of high unemployment and poor infrastructure.

North St Leonards

The Queensway Enviro Corridor – economic regeneration opportunity on greenfield sites in the northwest of the town. To be marketed to attract environmental technology businesses. 40 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Seafront – Covering South St Leonards, Central and East Hastings Area Co-ordination Zones

Cutting across three of these areas – South St Leonards, Central and East Hastings is the seafront. This is identified as an area vital to the future of the town and our consultations have shown that for many local people it is ‘the face’ of Hastings.

The strategy here is to enhance its tourism and economic role through identifying potential development and redevelopment sites, to support the successful Grotbusters campaign to maintain seafront buildings in a smart condition, and to improve access and environment through extending the National Cycleway route and harmonising design of the promenade and its features.

Wilting

A greenfield site, mostly in Rother District, on the town’s western boundary. Opportunities exist for housing and hi-tech employment development, but the future of the area is dependent on decisions to be made by Rother District Council. The feasibility of providing a rail station is an important element of this.

Managing and Implementing Change

6.28 The strategy is about achieving improvements in quality of life, and this means we need clear policies to manage and implement change. Policy areas covered in this section are summarised below and spelled out in more detail in chapter 3.

Housing

6.29 Land Supply – the Council must identify a fifteen year supply of housing land, with a five year supply being available at all times. This will comprise a mixture of greenfield and previously developed land. The location of individual housing sites will be the subject of a site allocations development plan document.

6.30 Affordable housing – a clear policy on the provision of affordable housing backed up by evidence from a housing needs survey, a housing market assessment and a viability study.

6.31 Gypsies and travellers – a criteria based policy detailing issues to be considered when dealing with planning applications for gypsy and traveller sites.

6.32 Housing stock – policies to encourage the reuse of vacant dwellings and to provide a mix of housing types and sizes, including meeting the needs of the growing population of older people.

6.33 Housing density – higher density developments to be located in areas with good public transport access. Consultation Version - May 2008 41

The Local Economy

6.34 Land Supply - ensuring the future prosperity of existing employment/industrial estates through greater flexibility over uses and identification of opportunities for renovation/ redevelopment and refurbishment

6.35 Protection of existing sites for employment uses, unless it can be proved they are no longer viable

6.36 Raising economic activity levels – providing land for a range of employment uses and for education and training facilities

Transport and Accessibility

6.37 The County Council is the responsible authority for local transportation and have a Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the county. They will also prepare a Local Area Transport Strategy (LATS) which will identify key local transport problems and issues and provide a framework for transport planning which takes into account the longer term strategy for Hastings and Bexhill.

6.38 The Council and its partners will continue to lobby national and regional government for improvements to the strategic road and rail networks linking the town to London, the wider south east and the continent.

6.39 Sustainable transport measures such as “Travel Plans”, provision of pedestrian and cycling facilities and linkages to established public transport networks are required for all major new development.

6.40 The majority of new development is planned close to public transport interchanges, such as in the town centre.

6.41 The Hastings and Bexhill link road will serve new business developments along Queensway, and will also permit measures to ease traffic congestion on Bexhill road – such as the introduction of bus priority lanes.

Community infrastructure

6.42 The Core Strategy will contain a schedule of community and infrastructure needs arising directly from the development proposals in the Strategy together with the agency responsible for the timescale of their provision.

6.43 The Core Strategy will contain an up-dated policy on developer contributions towards community and other infrastructure, which will be supported by the development of a detailed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 42 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Greenspace and Leisure

6.44 A network of greenspaces throughout the town is identified, along with a pedestrian/ cycle network to provide improved access to these areas. This provides opportunities for recreation, exercise and relaxation and supports the health improvement aims of the Primary Care Trust.

6.45 Biodiversity conservation, mitigation and enhancement of our greenspaces.

6.46 Policy on the provision of children’s play areas.

Environmental Sustainability and Design

6.47 We are planning for climate change: the construction of environmentally sustainable housing designed to a high standard will be encouraged on all sites, and the flood risk associated with all new development will taken into account at all stages in the planning process including the preparation of future DPDs and SPDs.

6.48 All new commercial development above a threshold of 1000m2, or residential development of 10 or more dwellings, will be expected to provide at least 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation, unless it can be demonstrated that the development will be unviable in terms of development type, location, design or economics. This approach will be subject to further evidence gathering to determine its viability

6.49 We already protect and enhance the built heritage through designations such as Conservation areas, Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments and Sites of Archaeological Interest. The upkeep of historic buildings is aided in certain areas through grant funding schemes such as Townscape Heritage Funding. Consultation Version - May 2008 43

Chapter 1: Location, Scale and Type of Major Development

Location of New Housing

7.1 The Government sets 3 main tasks for local authorities when planning for housing land supply. In Hastings, we need to:

a) Demonstrate how we can accommodate 4200 additional homes in the period 2006 – 2026 as set out in the draft South East Plan; b) Identify broad locations and specific sites that will enable continuous delivery of housing for at least 15 years from the date of adoption of the Local Development Framework and c) Show how we will manage housing land supply to ensure continuous delivery of new housing.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

7.2 55% of respondents supported options that could accommodate to up to 20% more housing than indicated in the South East Plan, 38% did not, and 7% had no opinion.

7.3 There was a lot of support for making best use of previously developed land as a priority. The Home Builders’ Federation supported the greenfield option as this gave more flexibility to viably deliver new market and affordable housing and expressed concerns over the feasibility of developing difficult brownfield sites without some form of subsidy. Several respondents suggested the use of empty buildings for housing although we are not allowed to count the re-use of these in our housing provision figures.

7.4 There was recognition that we need a mix of housing sites and locations to accommodate skilled and professional newcomers to the town, as well as provide affordable housing. The need for close working with Rother District Council was emphasised in relation to Wilting and any developments on the town’s western edge. 44 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Preferred Approach – Location of New Housing

Meeting the Draft South East Plan target and Identification of broad locations/sites:

7.5 Since the publication of the Issues and Options consultation paper in October 2006, the Government has issued new guidance on the calculation of housing provision figures. A major change is that ew are no longer automatically allowed to include in our calculations an allowance for ‘windfall’ provision, i.e. development coming forward on sites not identified in the Plan. These include small sites of 5 units or less, or units resulting from the conversion or subdivision of large properties. We have calculated that windfall provision could contribute up to 1520 new dwellings in the town in the period 2006 – 2026 (36% of the draft South East Plan target).

7.6 However, we can only include this figure if ew can provide very strong evidence that all potential, deliverable housing sites have already been identified in a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. We consider this to be a high risk strategy as it opens up the possibility that the plan may be found ‘unsound’, if the Inspector does not feel that our site identification has been sufficiently rigorous, or disagrees about the delivery potential of more marginal sites.

7.7 In the light of this, we have looked at 4 options for housing delivery, which do not include an allowance for unidentified ‘windfall’ sites.

Option Net number of dwellings 2006 - 2026 1 Development wholly within the boundary of the built up area 3966 2 Development within the built-up area plus green field sites on the urban 4240 periphery 3 Development within the built up area boundary plus release of one 4966 major green field site in the northwest of the town 4 Development within the built up area boundary plus Greenfield sites on 5240 the periphery, plus release of one major green field site in the northwest of the town

7.8 Option 1 has been discounted as it fails to meet the South East Plan target of 4200 dwellings. Option 2 has also been discounted as it only just meets the target, and does not provide enough flexibility if sites do not come forward at the expected rate. Consultation Version - May 2008 45

PREFERRED APPROACH 1: Location of New Housing To meet the draft South East Plan housing requirements of 4,200 net new dwellings between 2006 and 2026, the Council will take forward Option 3, and direct development within the built-up area, plus release of one major Greenfield site at Breadsell Lane in the northwest of the Borough (see map 1). The Sustainability Appraisal has indicated that the development would be more sustainable if it included an element of employment use (up to 10,000m2) and provision of community facilities such as neighbourhood shops and good public transport provision. There is also potential for on-site renewable energy provision and homes to be designed to environmental standards which are higher than the general standards set in Preferred Approach 44: Sustainability and Design. Access to the site would be through land in Rother District and this will be reflected in the Rother LDF. ESCC as the Local Education Authority, has indicated that there may well be the need for a new primary school in the north west of the town after 2021, should this development take place. However, the need for a new school will depend on whether schools in adjoining areas can provide or be expanded to provide accommodation. This in turn, is dependent upon the rate of house building in this and other parts of the town. This position will be carefully monitored and will be kept under review by the Borough Council and the County Council over the plan period. The detailed planning of this area will be guided by a Supplementary Planning Document to be prepared alongside the Site Allocations DPD.

7.9 Sustainability Appraisal has demonstrated that option 3 is preferable to option 4 in terms of providing more opportunity for essential infrastructure to be provided on site, such as improved transport, community and recreational facilities, which would not always be provided on smaller individual sites. A larger single site may also enable us to require higher standards of sustainable design and construction, ensuring increased levels of energy efficiency and on site energy generation, subject to further evidence gathering.

7.10 Options 3 and 4 relate well to the “Country Avenue Concept” proposed in the “Towards a Masterplan Hastings & Bexhill” document. A key aspect of this concept was mixed use development of homes and compatible employment space. Development would avoid ancient woodland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

7.11 In addition, it is important to note that option 4 would result in the town performing worse in meeting the national target for development on brownfield sites. However option 4 should not be ruled out completely at this stage. Until the South East Plan is adopted, final housing numbers orf Hastings will not be confirmed, and option 4 may be required if housing numbers are increased. 46 Hastings L

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7.12 The table below shows the different elements of land supply from 2006 up to 2026, which are included in this Option 3.

Type of land Net number of % on previously % on greenfield dwellings developed land sites Sites identified in 2467 72% 28% Hastings Local Plan Newly identified sites 2499 44% 56% Total 4966 58% 42%

7.13 With the exception of the Ore Valley Millennium Communities site, there are no major opportunities for development of a large site (500 units or more) within the built-up area of the town. The potential housing sites tend to be smaller and are spread across the different wards and Area Co-ordination Zones referred to in the table on page 37.

The Delivery Strategy

7.14 We need to manage housing land supply to achieve continuing delivery of housing up to 2026. The proposed major greenfield housing development area at Breadsell Lane in the north west part of the town will be key to ensuring housing delivery over the long term. This is the only major land area outside the boundary of the built up area that is not subject to landscape or nature conservation protection policies.

7.15 The site is capable of accommodating up to 1000 new dwellings, and has been identified orf release in the period 2021-2026.

7.16 Hastings Borough Council will release this site before 2021 should monitoring show it to be needed, in line with national policy in Planning Policy Statement 3. The trigger for release of this site before 2021 will be when, and if, housing delivery falls more than 15% below the annual target of 210 units per annum for 3 years in a row.

7.17 Traffic modelling to estt the impact of different development scenarios, including this option, on the Link Road is being undertaken.

The Preferred Approach - The Re-Use of Previously Developed Land

7.18 By directing the majority of housing development to sites within the boundary of the built-up area boundary, the Spatial Strategy supports Objective 4 of the Vision – ‘Prioritise the Use of Previously Developed Land’

7.19 The re-use of previously developed land is vital to the physical regeneration of the town, and helps to preserve our existing green spaces within the urban area. 48 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

PREFERRED APPROACH 2: The Re-Use of Previously Developed Land To achieve at least 60% of residential development each year on previously developed land.

7.20 This target will be monitored annually and it must be acknowledged that the target will be difficult to reach in the later years of the plan period (post 2021) if the major Greenfield site needs to be released.

Alternatives and Sustainability Appraisal

7.21 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches and discuss the other alternatives on pages 84 and 85 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links

• Issues and Options stage – Questions 6.1, 6.2 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 4 • Draft South East Plan – SCT 7, H1, H3 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – H1 • Community Strategy targets – 16a, 16b, 16c • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS3

Measuring Success

• Annual net housing completions • Percentage of residential development completed on brownfield land Consultation Version - May 2008 49

Employment Locations

The Issues

8.1 Local authorities are encouraged to provide for a full range of economic development needs, to support the retention of employment, enable expansion and to create opportunities for inward investment and new uses. National guidance states, “planning authorities should aim to ensure that there is sufficient land va ailable which is readily capable of development and well served by infrastructure. They should also ensure that there is a variety of sites available to meet differing needs”.

8.2 The Draft South East Plan defines Hastings as a egionalR Hub; a centre for economic activity and transport services. It defines Hastings as a Secondary egionalR Town Centre, part of a network of Strategic Centres, and a focus for: retail, cultural activities, tourism, employment and large-scale office development.

8.3 It also requires councils to find ways of diversifying the economic base of the coastal resorts, while upgrading facilities to promote higher value activity, and support urban regeneration. The Draft South East Plan’s priority is to pursue and promote sustainable economic growth and regeneration. The aim is to raise the sub-regional economy up to the South East average, and to help regenerate the local economy, the draft Plan in particular requires local authorities to:

• protect existing and allocated employment sites from other uses unless they are demonstrated to be incapable of meeting the needs of business • develop and co-ordinate with other agencies delivery mechanisms to unlock and implement sites with economic development potential. • be prepared to permit mixed use schemes on existing or allocated employment sites in circumstances where this would deliver necessary employment space at the right time on sites which would be unviable for an employment only scheme, and • try to improve and up-grade existing industrial estates and business areas to bring them up to the modern standards required by business. 8.4 The Draft South East Plan also sets out the process for identifying the employment needs of the area based on the needs of the local economy and workforce, and then sets a sequential test for the allocation of sites, with the smarter use of town centres as part of mixed use schemes being the preferred option, then the more effective use of existing sites, and then in certain special circumstances, a limited release of land subject to environmental constraints.

8.5 The South East England Regional Development Agency (SEEDA) has identified Hastings and Bexhill as a key regeneration priority. 50 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

8.6 28% of respondents felt that Hastings has sufficient employment land of the right quality and in the right locations to support employment growth to 2026, 35% disagreed and 37% had no opinion.

The Preferred Approach – Employment Locations

8.7 Employment sites in Hastings either allocated, or with outstanding permissions, have scope to provide a total of 95,200m2 of floorspace.

8.8 The development of a number of these sites form part of a major regeneration programme co-ordinated and implemented by the Task Force. The aim of these projects is to attract new businesses to the town and stimulate growth in under­ represented sectors, by creating a step change in the quality of business space available.

PREFERRED APPROACH 3: Employment Locations In line with the town’s identification as a priority focus for economic regeneration and its role as a regional hub, the Council consider that employment-related development should be concentrated within Hastings Town Centre, within the town’s established industrial estates, on land already identified orf employment related development and as part of mixed employment/housing development on suitable strategic sites.

Main locations and estimated date of development

Hastings Town Centre - Office employment

8.9 The Hastings office market is relatively undeveloped. The town does not have a commercial central core of traditional office space of any significant size.

8.10 The quality of space available in the town centre will change markedly with the completion of Lacuna Place, a Task Force initiative currently underway and due to be completed in 2008. Lacuna Place is a key element in the wider regeneration area known as Priory Quarter.

8.11 Priory Quarter area incorporates University Centre Hastings (UCH) and the Creative Media Centre, as well as Lacuna Place, and will provide a business and education quarter within the Town Centre. The Priory Quarter development is being delivered by The Task Force on behalf of the Task Force as part of its wider business plan for Consultation Version - May 2008 51

regeneration. The development strategy is that the early phases of development will be supported by public funding, with the later phases being achieved through the private sector on the basis of increased investor confidence in the area. Inevitably, delivery of the project will become increasingly dependent on market conditions as it moves into later phases.

8.12 The next phase will be on the site of Queensbury house and is targeted to be completed during 2011/12. The whole of Priory Quarter will take a number of years to complete and will be very much subject to market conditions, however, the currently projected timescale for completion is 2016. The timetable below sets out the anticipated developments:

2008 Lacuna Place phase 1 3,981m2 2008 Lacuna Place phase 2 4,904m2 2011/12 Queensbury House site 4,810m2 2016 Remainder of Priory Quarter 18,150m2

8.13 Total net office floorspace derived from the schemes amounts to 31,845m2.

8.14 The opportunity to provide additional office floorspace, as part of a comprehensive development scheme on the seafront adjacent to Pelham Crescent, will be explored towards the later part of the Plan period.

Existing employment areas

8.15 There are five established industrial estates in Hastings, namely the Castleham, Churchfields, onswood,P Ivyhouse Lane and West Ridge/Ashdown estates. In addition, there are further smaller concentrations of floorspace in employment related uses, located outside of the main five estates at various locations throughout the town. All of these areas play an important role in providing business locations and employment opportunities for local firms and local people. The strategy for these locations will be to maintain them as locations for new businesses and those needing to expand.

8.16 Allocated infill sites in the main employment areas (primarily at Churchfields) have the scope to add some 17,500m2 of new floorspace. This could accommodate a range of higher quality unit development, ranging from small start-up units to larger units. We envisage that these sites will be brought forward by the private sector over the lifetime of the plan.

8.17 There is also scope to provide new floorspace through the redevelopment of outdated industrial premises. To encourage renewal and attract commercial investment (with better returns), a higher density of development (intensification) in employment areas (e.g. 2 or 3 storey) will be encouraged. We will also adopt a more flexible approach to the redevelopment of the older/outmoded industrial areas, encouraging a mix of employment-generating uses. It will be for the forthcoming Site Allocations 52 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Development Plan Document, which will be prepared as part of the LDF, to explore both of these options in detail and to identify locations where this approach will be suitable.

Major development areas

8.18 In addition to the major office development planned for Hastings town centre, and in order to support regeneration initiatives, we want to retain and carry forward the major employment allocations in the existing Local Plan. Combined, these existing allocations have the potential to provide for some 42,000m2 of floorspace for office/ B1, B2 or B8 uses. All of these sites are relatively well located, close to or adjoining existing employment areas, with good road links, potentially well located in terms of public transport links and close to existing areas of population. Three of these site fall within the Enviro Enterprise Corridor, with a further site located at Ivyhouse Lane.

Enviro Enterprise Corridor

8.19 Land at Queensway, known as Queensway South and Queensway North, will be brought forward by The Task Force. Together these sites will form the Enviro21 Innovation Parks. Queensway South with be developed first and current plans include the development of circa 8,835m2 of floorspace for light manufacturing use with office space. Additional ancillary facilities will also be developed at this location. The first phases are expected to be completed in 2009. Later phases including land at Queensway North (9,700m2) are expected to follow during 2011-13.

8.20 It is important to note that the majority of the recent and on-going employment related development schemes have or will benefit romf some type of public subsidy to bring them forward. The success of these early schemes will be critical to the phasing and implementation of the remaining development areas, which are reliant on private sector investment. Options for bringing the remaining sites forward at Queensway/West Ridge and Ivyhouse Lane will be explored through the forthcoming Site Allocations DPD. Development at Queensway/West Ridge will be dependent on the route and timing of the Baldslow Link between Queensway and the A21.

North East Bexhill relationship

8.21 The regeneration efforts in Hastings also need to be considered in relation to the impact of development outside of the town. Most significant here is the northeast Bexhill proposal in Rother district. This is a major development area aiming to provide some 50,000m2 of commercial development on land to the north of Bexhill to either side of the proposed link road. Timing of development will largely be driven by progress with the Hastings – Bexhill Link Road, due for completion in 2011. As a major land release, development at northeast Bexhill will take place over a number of years and the pace of development will be influenced by market conditions. Consultation Version - May 2008 53

8.22 It has the scope to meet the needs of both local and in-moving occupiers. The regional hub concept promotes large population centres as appropriate locations of strategic growth given their role as employment, service and transport centres. Bexhill plays a complementary role to that of Hastings’ Hub status by providing opportunities for employment development as part of urban extensions on a scale not possible within the constrained urban area of Hastings. North East Bexhill represents the most important new land release within the Hastings - Bexhill area.

Sustainability Appraisal

8.23 No alternative employment locations were considered.

8.24 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 85 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links

• Issues and options stage – Questions 8.1 to 8.5 • Core Strategy objectives – 1, 3, 4 • Draft South East Plan – CC1, TC2, RE2, RE3, TSR1, SCT1, SCT3 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – E1, E4, New policy • Community Strategy targets – 7, 8 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS3, PPS6, PPS12, PPG4

Measuring Success

• Percentage of employment development floorspace completed on brownfield land • Number of VAT registration/deregistrations and net change in stock • Total employment floorspace completions • Vacancy rates in employment areas. • Number of VAT registered businesses 54 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Location of Retail Development

The Issues

9.1 The 2006 Knight Frank study on the retail needs of the town up to 2021 identified a number of issues: a) The vast majority of retail floorspace need will be for comparison goods (clothing, footwear, household and recreational goods). b) In order to retain its market share, Hastings Town centre would need approximately 15,560m2 of net additional comparison goods floorspace in the period 2011 to 2021. This is equivalent to gross 24,000m2 and if allowance is made for related service trade shops (e.g. restaurants, coffee bars, hairdressers, travel agents etc) the figure increases to 30,000m2. This is roughly equivalent to a second Priory Meadow development. c) If this scale of development does not take place in Hastings town centre, its position in the regional shopping hierarchy will deteriorate. Immediate competitors such as Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells will absorb an even greater share of the spending of Hastings and Bexhill residents. d) The need for additional convenience goods floorspace (everyday essential items including food, drink, newspapers, confectionery) will be minimal. e) The need for retail warehouse floorspace (electricals, DIY, furniture etc) between 2011 and 2021 would be approximately 8200m2 net (equivalent to about gross 9050m2). f) There could be up to 1300 jobs from the growth of retailing up to 2021, if all the retail capacity identified in the study is met.

9.2 A central objective of government planning guidance is the promotion of viable and vital town centres – “development should be focused on existing centres thus strengthening them, and if necessary regenerating them”. For Hastings, this would locate the majority of development in Hastings Town Centre.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

9.3 65% of respondents thought that we should seek to accommodate as much as possible of the forecast future needs for retail floorspace in Hastings Town Centre, 20% disagreed with this, and 15% had no opinion. Consultation Version - May 2008 55

The Preferred Approach – Location of Retail Development

9.4 The Council has considered 3 strategic options for the location of new comparison goods floorspace (town centre, edge-of-centre, out-of-centre).

PREFERRED APPROACH 4: Location of Retail Development – Comparison Goods To locate the majority of required 30,000 m2 of additional comparison goods floorspace in Hastings Town Centre, with an element of new provision located in St Leonards District Centre. Site identification for Hastings town centre would be undertaken as part of the Site Allocations DPD. The development would be undertaken by the private sector, and the Council would use its compulsory purchase powers to assist in land assembly where necessary. The development would be phased to occur in the 2016 – 2026 period. If for any reason the retail needs to 2026 cannot be accommodated in the town centre, then the Council will pursue a sequential approach to site selection, looking first orf potential sites on the edge of the town centre, and then at out-of-centre sites

9.5 This is a sustainable approach in that it would support the retail role of the two centres, both locations are more accessible by foot and by public transport than out-of-centre locations, and would generate prime shopping frontage and meet the needs of retailers.

9.6 The Council does not consider town centre locations to be suitable for retail warehousing. Therefore the Council’s preferred approach is as follows:

PREFERRED APPROACH 5: Location of Retail Development – Retail Warehousing To locate 9000m2 of retail warehousing on edge-of-centre sites or out-of-centre sites, which are well served by a choice of means of transport between 2011 and 2026. Suitable sites will be identified through the Sites Allocation Development Plan Document.

The Preferred Approach - Town, District and Local Centres

9.7 It is important the vitality and viability of existing centres in the Borough are safeguarded and enhanced. The network of centres has an important role to play in delivering sustainable and inclusive communities, providing access to shops, offices, community facilities and leisure. 56 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

PREFERRED APPROACH 6: Town, District and Local Centres The following hierarchy of town, district and local centres as identified in the 2006 etR ail Capacity Study will be used in the LDF Town Centre: Hastings The principal centre in the Borough District Centre: St Leonards centre; Ore Village Groups of shops often containing at least a supermarket and a range of non-retail services such as banks, building societies, restaurants, as well as public facilities such as a library Local Centre: The Old Town; Silverhill; Bohemia A range of small shops of a local nature, serving a small catchment – could include a small supermarket, a newsagent, sub post office, laundrette etc. Development proposals for town centre uses will be focused within the town and district centres. The scale and type of development will reflect the centre’s existing and proposed function and its capacity for new development. A proposal for a town centre use will be required to follow the assessment approach set out in PPS6 in terms of need, scale, sequential approach to site selection, impact on other centres, including those beyond the Borough boundary, and accessibility. The vitality and viability of the town and district centres will be maintained and, where appropriate, enhanced. Measures will include: a) Safeguarding the retail character and function of the centre; b) Enhancing the appearance, safety and environmental quality of the centre; c) Encouraging diversity of uses within the centre and the provision of a wide range of retail, leisure, social, education, arts, cultural, office, residential and commercial uses; d) Promoting the reuse of vacant buildings; and e) Maintaining and enhancing access to the centre by sustainable modes of transport, and encouraging multi-purpose trips. In partnership with other agencies, the Council will protect and enhance local centres to better service the local community. If a local centre ceases to function, the Council will consider rationalisation of its role as a centre, or promotion of other uses. Neighbourhood shops located outside the Borough’s centres will be protected where they are important to the day-to-day needs of local communities. Consultation Version - May 2008 57

Sustainability Appraisal

9.8 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 85 and 86 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 8.25, 8.26 • Core Strategy objectives – 3,4,5 • Draft South East Plan policies – TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – S4, S5 • Community Strategy targets – N/A • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS6

Measuring Success • Vacancy Rates in the Town, district and local centres from the Retail Survey • Basic services in local shopping areas • Amount of retail floorspace completed 58 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Chapter 2: Areas of Change

Central Area This includes the four wards of Castle, Braybrooke, Silverhill and St Helens.

Hastings Town Centre

Office and Employment Floorspace

10.1 32,000m2 of additional business floorspace is already planned for in the town centre under the mixed development proposals for Priory Quarter. The Council resolved to grant outline planning permission for the development proposals in March 2007. New offices at acunaL Place fall within the Priory Quarter area and are currently under construction. Phase 1 will be completed by mid 2008 and phase 2 by the end of 2008. The next phase will be on the site of Queensbury House and is targeted to be completed during 2011/12.

10.2 The whole of Priory Quarter will take a number of years to complete and will be very much subject to market conditions, however, the currently projected timescale for completion is 2016. The amount of floorspace to be developed and timing of delivery is shown at paragraph 8.12.

10.3 Priory Quarter is being delivered by Sea Space on behalf of The Task Force as part of its wider business plan for regeneration. The development strategy is based on the early phases of development will be supported by public funding, and the later phases being achieved through the private sector on the basis of increased investor confidence in the area. Inevitably, delivery of the project will become increasingly dependent on market conditions as it moves into its later phases.

10.4 A longer term option also exists at Pelham Place as a possible location for further development towards the end of the Plan period. This mixed use scheme, supported by the Task Force, is expected to incorporate 36,650m2 of floorspace in total, comprising civic space, hotel, offices (3,800m2), shops, homes, cafes and restaurants. The scheme will need significant private investment and The Task Force is monitoring the local economic conditions - factors such as jobs, commercial rents and business growth - to decide when the time is right to start development. Consultation Version - May 2008 59

Retail Floorspace

10.5 The retail capacity study has identified that ew need to provide an additional gross 30,000m2 of additional comparison goods floorspace in the town centre between 2011 and 2021. Key town centre sites with existing planning permission at Station Plaza and Priory Quarter will contribute to this need by providing approximately 6,000m2 of additional retail floorspace before 2011.

10.6 These developments alone will not meet the overall need for retail floorspace in the town over the longer term. Paragraphs 9.1 to 9.7 of this document sets out our choices for retail development and presents the preferred approach to meet this need.

Education Floorspace

10.7 There is currently a lot of action being taken by various partners to significantly increase the amount of educational floorspace available in the town centre. The recently operational University Centre Hastings (UCH) presently provides a range of full and part time courses for 600 students, a figure that is expected to rise to 1,500 by 2011 and 2,000 by 2013.

10.8 The Learning and Skills Council have invested £92 million in a new college development at Station Plaza. This will provide a range of academic and vocational courses for 2500 students, and will help to bring about education- led social and economic regeneration by improving skills levels, addressing inequalities and encouraging partnership working. The new college is sited in an accessible and sustainable location, directly adjacent to the railway station and town centre bus services. Completion of the new college facilities is scheduled for September 2009.

10.9 The Priory Quarter (14,765m2) and Station Plaza (21,120m2) are expected to provide enough floorspace to accommodate the additional demand for education floorspace in the town centre over the plan period amounting to 35,885m2. Station Plaza and phases 1 and 2 of Priory Quarter (including phase 2 of the University Centre), are scheduled to come forward before 2011, with phase 3 Priory Quarter commencing from 2013.

Community Facilities

10.10 Within the Station Plaza development, the Primary Care Trust will be providing a new community health centre, comprising 4,221m2 of floorspace. The development is due for completion and operation by the end of 2009, or early 2010.

10.11 The County Council has identified £6.2m orf a new Town Centre library. The County Council will develop the library in conjunction with Task Force. 60 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Housing

10.12 It is expected that approximately 170 dwellings will be provided in the town centre over the plan period, based on existing commitments and allocations. The majority of this development (103 units) will be provided as part of Station Plaza Millennium Community mixed use development, planned for completion by 2010. Detailed consideration of smaller developments and other available sites will be undertaken as part of the preparation of the Sites Allocation DPD.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

10.13 Many people agreed that the future of the town centre was a priority issue. The need for a new library building was also raised.

The Preferred Approach - Hastings Town Centre

10.14 It is important to maintain and improve the role of the town centre as a pleasant, lively and safe place for shopping, recreation, education, employment, and as a place to live.

10.15 The Hastings & Bexhill Task Force developments in the town centre are already making the area more vibrant, and we now need to think carefully about how we can take this forward in the longer term.

PREFERRED APPROACH 7: Hastings Town Centre – Overall Strategy The overall strategy for the town centre is for it to: • be competitive in terms of the range and type of shops operating in the area • be attractive to visitors • be accessible by local public transport • be accessible by people with disabilities • develop a family-based evening economy • respond to the diverse needs and tastes of the population • be able to cater for the increasing numbers of students studying in the area Consultation Version - May 2008 61

PREFERRED APPROACH 8: Hastings Town Centre Support the delivery of the existing planned employment, retail, education, housing and healthcare developments in the town centre, and to work with residents, businesses and developers to create a more detailed Town Centre Management Plan.

Use Floorspace/numbers Phasing Office/Employment 31,845m2 By 2026 Retail 30,000m2 Between 2011 and 2021 Education 35,885m2 (4500 students) Last phase to commence 2013 Community health centre 4,221m2 By 2010

Sustainability Appraisal

10.16 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 86 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Question 7.1 • Core Strategy objectives – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, and 13 • Draft South East Plan – CC8a, SCT2, SCT4, SCT5, SCT7 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – TC1, TC4 • Community Strategy targets – 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 10, 16a, 16b, 16c • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, 3, 6, PPG4

Measuring success • Net housing completions • Affordable housing completions • % of employment development floorspace completed on brownfield land • Average earnings • Economically active working age population • Retail floorspace completions • Total education floorspace completions 62 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

South St Leonards South St Leonards Area includes the four wards of Central St Leonards, Gensing, Maze Hill and West St Leonards.

Central St Leonards

11.1 Central St Leonards has a complex mix of social, environmental and economic challenges. This is well recognised, and it has been estimated that between 2006-2009 a total of over £23m public and private sector investment is planned to bring about improvements in the area. The sections below set out how spatial planning can contribute to making this a thriving district centre and a good place to live and work. Many of the issues are interrelated, but in order to present them more clearly we have split them into sections on: 1) Key Developments Proposed 2) Improving Housing Choice and Conditions 3) Creating A Sustainable Community 4) Improving The Physical Environment 5) Economic Development

Key Developments Proposed

11.2 Central St Leonards is one of the most deprived areas in England. It contains 3 super output areas in the worst 10% in England, 2 of these being in the worst 5%. In recognition of this fact, we adopted the Central St Leonards Regeneration Framework in 2005. This is a 10-year plan from 2005-2015 focusing on key physical, social and economic interventions to bring about a ‘step change’ in the area. It aims to change peoples’ perception of Central St Leonards, to achieve long-term economic growth, inward investment and a better quality of life for the local community.

11.3 The Core Strategy supports those parts of the framework relevant to spatial planning.

Key Challenges and Opportunities Identified In The egenerR ation Framework • The need for regeneration initiatives to tackle demonstrated social and economic need and build on the agreed Central St Leonards Area Renewal Strategy. • The necessity to stem the rapid annual turnover of the population of Central St Leonards to provide a suitable demographic base for future regeneration • The need to strengthen and improve the district centre, both economically and environmentally, while respecting its historic core and conservation value • To promote the seafront as a major regeneration initiative in line with the Seafront Strategy Consultation Version - May 2008 63

• To build on the ‘green assets’ the Central St Leonards has in promoting further inward investment • To improve the housing stock and living conditions of local residents.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.4 86% of respondents supported the aims of the Central St Leonards Regeneration framework and the Housing Renewal Area in Central St Leonards. Additional suggestions for the area included demolishing and rebuilding areas of poor housing quality (this is not considered viable on a large scale because much of the area is protected by Conservation Areas status), support for incentives to encourage the creative sector to locate in the area and the need for more extensive and rigorous enforcement to improve the appearance of buildings.

The Preferred Approach - Central St Leonards: Key Developments Proposed:

PREFERRED APPROACH 9: Central St Leonards – Key Developments Proposed The following list of key projects and proposals, taken from the Regeneration Framework 2005 and the Renewal Strategy 2004, support the identification of South St Leonards as an area of change. Where appropriate they will be considered in more detail as part of the Site Allocations Development Plan Document: ­ 1. Supporting the Council’s Housing Renewal Investment programme in the area – the renewal programme has been running since 2003 and will hopefully now continue until 2010 (awaiting approval of bid – March 08). The programme primarily focuses on improving the quality of housing available in the private sector (through grants, loans and enforcement actions). 2. Housing and retail development (including affordable housing) at the Alpha Café site (47 residential units, 380 m2 of retail/commercial floorspace) to be developed by Network Rail. Network Rail own the site and would be seeking to progress development on the site by 2009. This would be offered to the market. Housing and Development would follow subject to interest 2009/10. 3. Enhancing the district shopping centre through improvements to Kings Road, including pavement widening, creation of a public square near the station and support for businesses. These improvements should be delivered by 2010. 4. Major housing and retail development in the Crystal Square car park and surrounding area (157 new homes, 2600 m2 of retail/commercial floorspace). The Council will seek to encourage interest and help progress the scheme through a private/public partnership. There is no firm timetable for delivery of the project at present. 64 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

5. Major housing redevelopment at the Hastings College site, which will be delivered by 2011. Over 100 dwellings will be provided, including dwellings for sale and affordable housing.

11.5 Full regard will be taken of the “Central St Leonards Town Centre Design Manual” when considering planning applications and designing street works and public realm improvements. Central St Leonards currently has above average levels of crime relative to the rest of the town, therefore ways of ‘designing out crime’ will also be an important consideration in future development proposals.

Sustainability Appraisal

11.6 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 87 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Improving Housing Choice and Conditions

11.7 Central St Leonards contains areas of high architectural quality, and Warrior Square is particularly imposing. Large parts of the area also have Conservation Area status. However, the extent of the poor housing stock in the area must not be underestimated. It will take a considerable length of time and significant levels of private and public sector investment to bring all up to a satisfactory standard.

11.8 Central St Leonards has some of the worst quality housing in the town. There is a large proportion of privately rented dwellings and houses in multiple occupation, many of which are well below modern standards. This is partly a reflection of the age and type of the housing stock, with a predominance of large Victorian properties, which have been converted to multi-occupancy. A Housing Stock Condition Survey has recently been carried out in the area, and the results (to be published in due course) should enable an analysis of the change in the areas since 2003 when the previous stock condition survey was carried out.

11.9 Since 2003, with funding from the Regional Housing Board, we have been investing £1m per year to improve housing conditions in the area. This has led to a significant improvement of the housing stock and a targeted approach to bringing empty properties back into the housing market has resulted in 127 privately owned properties being brought back into use since 2003. Consultation Version - May 2008 65

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.10 84% of respondents thought we should continue to concentrate resources on improving housing conditions in the area with the worst quality housing stock/living conditions i.e. Central St Leonards, although concerns were expressed that we need to provide resources to improve conditions in other areas of the town too.

The Preferred Approach – Central St Leonards: Improving Housing Choice and Conditions

PREFERRED APPROACH 10: Central St Leonards – Improving Housing Choice and Conditions

To continue to concentrate resources on improving housing conditions in Central St Leonards in recognition of the fact that this is the area with the worst quality housing stock/living conditions in the town.

Sustainability Appraisal

11.11 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 87 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Creating A Sustainable Community

11.12 Work has been undertaken in recent years to create a stronger community in Central St Leonards. It has a commercial focus on Kings Road, London Road, Norman Road and the Marina area. Some new shops and outlets have been attracted to the area. It has creative and enterprising residents including local artists, local independent businesses, and a diverse population.

11.13 At the same time the high level of privately rented properties, combined with short- term tenancies, creates instability in the community. The Public Health Report 2005 shows that Central St Leonards has the highest population inflow and outflow of all areas in the town, with up to 40% of properties changing hands annually. This is made worse by a high concentration of single person households (62%) and social issues such as poor skills levels, high unemployment levels, low levels of household income and problems around street drinking, community safety and anti-social behaviour. Social rented housing in the area only amounts to 2% of the total housing stock (town average is 16%). In 2007/08 a £1.8m housing association/housing corporation scheme provided 20 affordable housing units for long term renting in the area. This illustrates the potential to introduce a mix of housing into the area, but also underlines 66 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

that such investment still needs to be subsidised by the public sector until sufficient private sector confidence returns to the area.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.14 72% of respondents agreed that we should try to create sustainable, mixed communities in Central St Leonards and Hastings Town Centre by refusing permission for conversions resulting in one bedroom dwellings and promoting larger, family sized dwellings where possible – although some people were concerned that families may not choose to live in the more urban town centre areas.

11.15 1066 Housing Association supports the increased provision of owner occupation and social rented accommodation, and mentioned work it had done in regenerating existing properties with Housing Corporation support. The Home Builders’ Federation stated that the mix of tenures and unit sizes should be determined on a site by site basis in consultation with developers. In general, the concept of increased levels of owner occupation seemed more welcome than social rented housing as a way of improving the mix of housing tenures.

11.16 The private rented sector could become an important accommodation provider for the growing student population in the town. East Sussex County Council commented that a higher proportion of family housing is needed to maintain the proportion of children and hence school numbers in future populations.

The Preferred Approach - Central St Leonards: Creating a Sustainable Community

PREFERRED APPROACH 11: Central St Leonards – Creating a Sustainable Community a) To encourage the building of a range of different sized housing units in Central St Leonards by introducing an area based planning policy requiring all residential build, conversions and change of use to provide a mix of dwelling unit sizes within single developments (rather than being limited to a mix of 1 and 2 bed units). b) To work with the Housing Corporation and Housing Associations to achieve greater levels of housing choice in the area by promoting more affordable housing. General needs social rented housing in the area only amounts to 2% of the total housing stock compared with a borough average of 16%. c) To support and encourage planning applications for family sized accommodation in the area, subject to such applications meeting general planning criteria Between 2002/03 and 2006/07, 34% of all unidentified (windfall) housing development took place in Central St Leonards. Future windfall proposals in the area will be expected to help meet the objectives outlined above. Consultation Version - May 2008 67

Improving The Physical Environment

11.17 The Council has been pursuing a policy of improving the physical environment in this Conservation Area over the past 10 years. This is set to continue over the next decade with millions pounds of new investment coming into the area. These initiatives have included improvements to the housing stock; improvements to parks and gardens and the seafront; and finally the ‘streetscape’ of both residential and commercial areas.

11.18 The improvements to the area are set to continue at a similar level over the next few years with the following key projects leading the process: • Housing Renewal Programme 2008 – 2010 • Townscape Heritage Initiative 2007 – 2010 • Kings Road Corridor – retail street investment project • Development of key Brownfield sites in the area • Seafront Strategy Projects in the Central St Leonards area • Consideration of managed parking proposals in the area dependent on economic vitality.

11.19 Traffic congestion in the main shopping streets is a concern, and access could be improved for a choice of transport means, including public transport, walking and cycling. Increased demand for parking is expected, as the area is developed and visitor numbers increase. This should be taken into consideration as new developments are undertaken, as well as measures to reduce reliance on travel by car. A recent parking economic impact study identified that current traffic congestion and parking issues has a detrimental effect on Central St Leonards economy. It also pointed to potential economic risks in establishing a proposed comprehensive controlled parking scheme for the wider St Leonards area in light of the currently fragile state of the local economy. The outcome of this study will inform further consideration of appropriate measures to manage parking supply and meet increasing demand as the area is regenerated.

11.20 The Townscape Heritage Initiative and Conservation Area Partnership Scheme has been particularly successful, having grant aided the restoration and renovation of buildings in Central St Leonards to the tune of over £2.2m between 1998 and 2004, and our ‘Grotbusters’ team have used planning and enforcement powers to ensure 63 premises in the area have been brought up to a satisfactory standard since 2005.

11.21 There are eight Conservation Areas, which cover all, or part of Central St Leonards. Work on a review of these Conservation Areas has been undertaken. This is to help ensure we have up-to-date conservation area appraisals, vital for development control purposes and the long term protection and enhancement of the historic environment. This work, together with a number of other detailed conservation studies, provides valuable base line information on the historic character of Central St Leonards. 68 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.22 This issue was not considered in detail in the 2006 “Issues and Options” consultation. However as it is an important part of the overall strategy for the St Leonards area, we are now clarifying our preferred approach.

The Preferred Approach - Central St Leonards: Improving the Physical Environment

PREFERRED APPROACH 12: Central St Leonards – Improving the Physical Environment Long-term improvements can only be maintained by attracting private sector investment into the area, as public funding for initiatives such as the Housing Renewal Programme and the Townscape Heritage Initiative are unlikely to continue much into the future, therefore: ­ • a targeted approach needs to be adopted for all investment programmes to have the maximum visible impact. • improvements to the ‘streetscape’ should be seen as a key driver for attracting new investment into the area • planning permission will be granted to suitable proposals to tackle key buildings in central St Leonards which are in need of repair. A flexible approach to their future use will be adopted if this assists in securing their future viability. • the Council will actively use its enforcement powers to ensure premises in the area are brought up to a satisfactory standard.

Sustainability Appraisal

11.23 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on pages 87 and 88 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. Consultation Version - May 2008 69

Economic Development

11.24 Central St Leonards has an important role as a district shopping centre, and this will be enhanced by the improvements planned for Kings Road. There is evidence of retail confidence returning to the area as shown yb the recent take up of retail premises, especially on the western part of Norman Road. There may be scope for allowing service uses such as restaurants, cafes, galleries, offices and leisure activities within the shopping area, particularly in fringe shopping locations and in under used upper floors, but this should not be at the expense of the function of Central St Leonards as a district shopping centre. A flexible approach will be taken.

11.25 Central St Leonards has some of the highest unemployment levels and lowest household incomes in the town. At November 2007 7.7% of Central St Leonards residents were unemployed compared to 3.3% for the town as a whole (JSA claimant count ONS). Also, in 2007 average household income within the area was £25,598 in comparison to £29,900 for the town as a whole (source: CACI). Central St Leonards also had the highest percentage of households earning less than 60% of the national median income.

11.26 Therefore, it is vital that commercial and employment space is retained to support the economic regeneration of the area and to provide employment for local people. In particular, there are a number of small workshops and other business premises mixed in with housing in the area. These have the potential to support the economic regeneration of the area by providing affordable and manageable space for small businesses and in particular the culture, community, arts and training sectors. A positive attitude to the development and use of these spaces is essential in order to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurship and skills training. It is important that a range of business premises is available, including affordable and managed space for small businesses and start-ups.

11.27 High quality public spaces will also contribute to the vitality of the area and its attractiveness for investment.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.28 This issue was not considered in detail in the “Issues and Options” consultation. However as it is an important part of the overall strategy for the St Leonards area, we are now clarifying the Council’s preferred approach. 70 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Preferred Approach - Central St Leonards: Economic Development

PREFERRED APPROACH 13: Central St Leonards – Economic Development a) To maintain and enhance the area’s role as a district shopping centre through the protection of a retail core – to be identified in the Site Allocations DPD. b) To identify central St Leonards as a social and economic regeneration area - where we would have policies supporting retention, development and conversion of properties for training and small business, community, arts and cultural sector

Sustainability Appraisal

11.29 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 88 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Pebsham Countryside Park

The Issues

11.30 Hastings Borough Council, Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council have formed a partnership to create a new countryside park at Pebsham, between St Leonards and Bexhill. This will take in the Pebsham landfill site, the fields at Glyne Gap, the Combe Haven Valley and the coast at Glyne Gap. It will be gradually developed over the next 20 years and will provide an important accessible greenspace between the two towns.

11.31 The vision for the countryside park is “To create and manage a high quality, sustainable, attractive, accessible and multi-functional countryside area to serve the recreational and economic needs of residents and visitors”.

11.32 The Development Strategy for the park builds on the “Hastings and Bexhill Task Force 5 Point Plan” and complements the “Seafront Strategy”.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

11.33 There was general agreement to the creation of the Park. Some people thought only the brownfield land in the area should be developed. The Environment Agency have stated that prior to the creation of the Park, issues relating to flood risk, water course conditions, protection of controlled waters and contaminated land will need to be addressed. Consultation Version - May 2008 71

The Preferred Approach - Pebsham Countryside Park

PREFERRED APPROACH 14: Pebsham Countryside Park To identify Pebsham Countryside Park as sustainable multi-functional countryside area, with recreation and employment opportunities

Sustainability Appraisal

11.34 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 88 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 6.3 to 6.8, 6.23, 6.24, 6.27,6.28, 7.1 • Core Strategy objectives – 1,2,3,4, 9,10,11,13 • Draft South East Plan policies – C3, CC8a, CC9, CC10b, CC12, RE1, H3, H6, H7, BE1, BE4, BE7, S1, S3, S7, SCT5 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – L1, L4, SL1, SL2, SL3 • Community Strategy targets – 7, 8, 9a, 9b,10, 16a, 16b, 16c, 20 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS9, PPS17

Measuring Success • Affordable housing completions completed through the planning process • Amount of retail floorspace completed • Number of one person households • Net housing completions • Tenure of Affordable Housing delivered Targets and indicators to measure progress against individual projects will be included in the Pebsham Development Strategy 72 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

East Hastings The East Hastings Area includes the four wards of Baird, Old Hastings, Ore, and Tressell.

Ore Valley Millennium Community

12.1 The Millennium Communities Programme was set up by English Partnerships in 1997 and will create seven pioneering sustainable communities in the UK. The aim is to provide areas of high quality, innovative homes that are environmentally friendly and include green spaces, wildlife areas and recreation facilities as well as having good transport links, shops and community centres.

12.2 One of these exciting new communities is being developed in Ore Valley. A local regeneration company, Task Force, is managing the development. The Millennium Community will breathe new life into Ore Valley with new homes, new office/retail space, a new state-of-the-art college and a new park with wildlife and ecology as the focus of its design. The Task Force, however, are not responsible for the redevelopment of the entire Ore Valley area and there are other sections of the Millennium Community that will be developed by other agencies such as 1066 Housing Association and private developers.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

12.3 As well as housing/landscaping - businesses should be introduced that take away the overall feel of a housing estate e.g. garden centre.

12.4 More should be said about Millennium Communities key aims – high quality design; innovative, sustainable development; and the aim to increase public transport usage.

12.5 Task Force are pleased to see that Millennium Community sites are identified.

12.6 Transport 2000 commented that Millennium Communities sites are at risk from a failure in terms of sustainability as road improvement schemes along with over generous parking in Hastings town centre, will undermine the pubic transport market and discouraging cycling and walking.

The Preferred Approach - Ore Valley Millennium Community

12.7 We support plans for Ore Valley Millennium Community and look forward to a bright future for this area. Consultation Version - May 2008 73

PREFERRED APPROACH 15: Ore Valley Millennium Community

Hastings Borough Council supports the plans for Ore Valley Millennium Community, to include the development of nearly 800 homes up to 2026, a new college, park, retail/ office space, health centre and improvements to accessibility

The entire area will be built to the standards required by the “Ore Valley, Hastings Millennium Community Urban Design Codes”.

12.8 The Task Force will oversee the development of nearly 500 new homes between 2008 and 2014. (Outline permission exists for further 150 dwellings as part of this development). Most of these will be built on previously developed land including the former Mount Pleasant Hospital site off Frederick Road, the former Stills Factory on Fellows Road, the Parker Road Industrial Estate and the old Broomgrove Power Station site. Sites developed by housing associations and private developers will provide approximately 160 new homes. These sites include The Malvern public house and shops on Malvern Way, parts of The Cheviots and Cotswold Close and parts of Farley Bank. The Malvern Way site will be developed by Bankwell Estates in 2011 and the other sites by 1066 Housing Association between 2010 and 2015.

12.9 The entire Millennium Community Area seeks an affordable housing contribution of 30% and all houses will be built to the standard required by the Ore Valley Millennium Community Design Codes, where the standard is stated as Ecohomes ‘excellent’.

12.10 The new college will offer much-needed education opportunities in the area, compared to the few education opportunities at the moment. Headed by Task Force and Hastings College of Arts and Technology, the college will be completed in 2009 by Lang O’Rourke and will have more than 800 full-time places and 500 part-time places for courses including construction, engineering, sports, countryside management and sustainability. An artificial grass sports field, an Internet café and local radio station will also be part of the college.

12.11 A new park to serve the local community will be located within the Ore Valley Millennium Community. Located within the existing Broomgrove Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) the park will preserve and positively enhance the area with ‘green improvements’, such as protecting the wildlife, developing water areas and planting and ‘amenity improvements’, such as cycle routes, footpaths, play areas. It will be completed by 2010.

12.12 The new development will be served by a local shop, which will form part of the 660m2 of retail/office space next to Ore Station and there will be a new 1500m2 health centre. A new road will also make Ore train station accessible by cars and buses for the first time vastly improving access into the area and to the rest of the town and cycling will be further promoted with new greenway cycle routes. 74 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

12.13 The entire area will be built to the standards required by the “Ore Valley, Hastings Millennium Community Urban Design Codes”. Hastings is one of 19 places within the country chosen to pilot the Design Codes. The codes strive for the best in sustainability, design and efficiency and apply to all new buildings and open spaces in the area.

Sustainability Appraisal

12.14 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on pages 88 and 89 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Question 7.1 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, • Draft South East Plan – CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4, CC5, CC8a, RE4, H1, H3, H4, H5, EN1, SCT1, SCT5 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 – B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, H1, H6, E1, • Community Strategy targets – 2, 9a, 9b, 16a, 16b, 16c, 19, 20, 21 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS3, PPS12, PPG17, PPG13

Measuring Success • Total employment floorspace completed • Total education floorspace completed • Total retail floorspace completed • Affordable housing completions completed through the planning process • Number of residential developments over 10 dwellings providing at 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation • Number (or %) of new homes built to Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 • Net housing completions Consultation Version - May 2008 75

North St Leonards This area includes the four wards of Ashdown, Conquest, Hollington and Wishing Tree.

Major New Housing Proposal

13.1 See Preferred Approach 1: Location of New Housing (page 45) for details of a proposed new housing area at Breadsell Lane in the northwest of the Borough.

Enviro Enterprise Corridor (New Proposal)

13.2 The Task Force identified this ‘area of change’ in response to the oreC Strategy Issues and Options consultation.

13.3 The area extends from Bexhill Town Centre, through the proposed new business development at north east Bexhill, along the forthcoming link road between Hastings and Bexhill stretching along Queensway towards the A21.

13.4 The intention is to create a core area of employment development opportunities of sub-regional significance. This identification of land for business use, close to road and potentially other improved transport links, will help in underpinning the economic regeneration strategy for Hastings and Bexhill. It would not necessarily involve the identification of new areas of land for employment development in Hastings, but would represent a more coordinated and strategically significant way of presenting and delivering economic development opportunities in this area.

13.5 Queensway is already home to the successful employment areas of Churchfields and Castleham. The Enviro Enterprise Corridor could help attract new employers to the area, to complement the existing businesses and create a wider range of jobs. The core focus for the Corridor is environmental innovation.

The Preferred Approach - Enviro Enterprise Corridor

PREFERRED APPROACH 16: Enviro Enterprise Corridor To identify and support the Enviro Enterprise Corridor along Queensway towards the A21. 76 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

13.6 In support of the Enviro Enterprise Corridor concept, The Task Force will bring forward developments on two major development sites on existing Local Plan (2004) employment allocations on land at Queensway. These sites are known as Queensway South and Queensway North. Together these sites will form the Enviro21 Innovation Parks’.

Site Floorspace Phasing Queensway South 8,835m2 2009 Queensway North 9,700m2 By 2013

13.7 Queensway South will be developed first and current plans include the development of circa 8,835m2 of floorspace for light manufacturing with inclusive office space. Additional ancillary facilities will also be developed at this location. The first phases are expected to be completed in 2009. Later phases including land at Queensway North (circa 9,700m2) are expected to follow at during 2011-13. Both sites will be developed using private investment, as well as public subsidy. The precise phasing and pace of development will, to some extent be influenced by market factors and the delivery of the Hastings – Bexhill Link Road.

13.8 Central to the Enviro21 Innovation Parks’ concept is the desire to attract companies from all around the UK from the growing environmental technologies and services sector, as well as others who place importance on environmentally sustainable business.

13.9 There is also the potential to bring forward a further existing employment allocation with the Corridor area on land at Queensway/West Ridge. Options for bringing this site forward will be explored through the forthcoming Site Allocations DPD. Development at Queensway/West Ridge will be dependent on the route and timing of the Baldslow Link between Queensway and the A21, which could affect some of the land potentially available. Consultation Version - May 2008 77

Sustainability Appraisal

13.10 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 89 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – n/a • Core Strategy objectives – 1, 3, 4 • Draft South East Plan – CC1, TC2, RE2, RE3, TSR1, SCT1, SCT3 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – E1, E4, New policy • Community Strategy targets – 7, 8 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS3, PPS6, PPS12, PPG4

Measuring Success • Net housing completions • Affordable housing completions through the planning process • Total employment floorspace completed 78 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Seafront – South St Leonards, Central & East Hastings

The Issues

14.1 The Core Strategy will take forward the spatial planning aspects of The Seafront Strategy 2005, which has been prepared under the direction of The Task Force, Tourism South East, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council. It identifies a number of zones of change along the Hastings and Bexhill seafront. It’s an economic development strategy to regenerate Hastings and Bexhill by using the seafront as the area’s best asset. Its aim is to develop a co-ordinated plan for the coastline that runs from Rock-a-Nore in Hastings to Herbrands Walk in Bexhill.

14.2 The seafront is very much the ‘public face’ of the town and we need to plan change in the area to make more of economic and leisure opportunities associated with a seafront location. At the same time, we also need to make the beach and promenade accessible to all sectors of the community and continue to encourage owners of seafront properties to invest in the upkeep and repair of their buildings, achieving a better image of the town.

14.3 The only formal flood defences are located along the Bulverhythe area of the the Seafront. These defences are deemed to be in good condition, and provide a 1 in 200 year standard of protection. The South Foreland to Beachy Head Shoreline Management Plan also states that the long term policy is to “hold the line” in providing protection for the frontage, which means that coastal defences in the Borough are likely to be maintained in good working order for the foreseeable future.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

14.4 There was some concern about over-development of the seafront, particularly in relation to office developments. Plans for the seafront should consider the effects of climate change; Bottle Alley should be included in any plans; and many people mentioned the importance of securing the future of the Pier. Consultation Version - May 2008 79

The Preferred Approach – The Seafront

PREFERRED APPROACH 17: The Seafront To support the delivery of key projects and proposals taken from the Seafront Strategy, and to identify the Seafront as an area of change. Where appropriate, key projects and proposals will be considered in more detail as part of subsequent development plan documents. We are not asking for comments on these individual projects at this stage, but would like to know whether you support the identification of the seafront as a strategic area of change.

South St Leonards

14.5 Schemes at Glyne Gap include a park entrance and associated amenities for Pebsham Countryside Park, a new train station and enhanced pedestrian/cycle connections towards Galley Hill and West Marina/Bulverhythe.

14.6 West Marina/Bulverhythe - West Marina is a Millennium Community site. A Masterplanning exercise has been undertaken to develop a mixed use scheme comprising mainly residential and leisures uses. The project will now be taken forward in partnership with a private sector developer. We may prepare a supplementary planning document for the site. Subject to further investigation, there maybe opportunities at Bulverhythe area for a mix of housing and employment development.

14.7 The East Sussex Economic Partnership has commissioned a study into the commercial viability of development of land in the Bulverhythe area between the sea and Bexhill Road. This has the potential to be a strategic regeneration area in the later part of the plan period (post 2021) and to provide opportunties for mixed employment/housing uses. Subject to the outcome of the study, the Bulverhythe Area may be identified as a strategic development area in the submission version of the Core Strategy.

The Preferred Approach - Bulverhythe Area

PREFERRED APPROACH 18: Bulverhythe Area To identify the Bulverhythe area as a strategic regeneration location subject to the outcome of studies into the commercial viability of mixed housing/employment uses in the area for the post 2021 period. 80 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

14.8 St Leonards Seafront - Warrior Square landscape and townscape improvements and better connections to the seafront - This scheme is now underway and is currently programmed for completion in Summer 2009

14.9 Bexhill To Hastings Cycle Link - The National Cycleway Network (NCN) Route 2 currently runs along the promenade from the end of Robertson Street to Grosvenor Gardens and then the A259 to Galley Hill.

14.10 The County Council, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council were part of the successful £50m Sustrans bid for Lottery funding to enable the construction of a dedicated footway/cycleway route from Cinque Ports Way in St Leonards to Glyne Gap near Bexhill – a distance of over 2 km. This will link with existing routes to provide a seafront traffic reef route for walkers and cyclists extending for a total length of 5 km between Hastings and Bexhill, and will provide access to the southern fringe of the proposed Pebsham Countryside Park. Futher design work, seeking planning permission and consultation will be required during 2008/09 and 2009/10 to enable construction of the scheme in 2010/11.

Central

14.11 Hastings Town Centre/ Pelham Place - A flagship development at Pelham Place, A Task Force scheme comprised of offices, hotel, residential and retail and leisure/civic space. The scheme will need significant private investment. The Task Force is monitoring the local economic conditions - factors such as jobs, commercial rents and business growth - to decide when the time is right to start development.

14.12 Pier to Carlisle Parade/ Robertson Street - development of the evening economy.

14.13 The Seafront Strategy identified the potential for commercial investment and redevelopment in the Denmark Place/Castle Street/Pelham Street area. This is however a longer term possibility and requires careful investigation. It will therefore be considered in the first review of the LDF.

14.14 White Rock Baths – investigate potential car park/leisure/commercial uses.

14.15 Pelham pavement widening/Restoration Pelham Crescent – we plan to begin work on this in 2008 and complete work in 2009.

14.16 The Pier – we will try to secure a sustainable future for the structure. Consultation Version - May 2008 81

East Hastings

14.17 The Stade/Rock-a-Nore - Removal of lorry/coach parking facilities and replacement with a coach drop-off area. A study is underway in conjunction with East Sussex County Council.

14.18 Improvements to lighting and interpretation to provide stronger connections to the Old Town, Rock-a-Nore beach and Hastings Country Park – a study, involving the County Council, is underway.

14.19 The Seafront Strategy identified the potential for the transformation of the existing amusements area into a ‘Seaport Village’ in the longer term. This would be a mixed use scheme potentially incorporating specialist retailing, leisure facilities and residential and visitor accommodation. This raises a number of land-use, townscape and environmental issues, which require careful investigation. In view of its longer term nature, the potential for development will be considered in the first review of the LDF.

14.20 More generally, the seafront remains a priority for the Grotbusters scheme, but there are other areas where concentrated effort on particular concerns will be dealt with.

Sustainability Appraisal

14.21 The seafront was identified as a potential area of change in the 2006 Issues and Options document and all of these areas have been taken forward as preferred options.

14.22 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 89 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Question 7.1 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 3, 4, 9, 10,11,13 • Draft South East Plan policies – CC12 RE5, T5, BE1, BE7, TSR1, TSR4,S3, SCT1, SCT6 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – SS1, SS2, T12, TR4, NC1, C5 • Community Strategy targets – 2, 7, 8, 16a, 16b, 16c, 20 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS6

Measuring Success • Targets and indicators to measure progress against individual projects will be monitored through the Seafront Strategy. 82 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Wilting

The Issues

15.1 This area is on the Hastings western urban fringe, and involves land largely in Rother District. A long-term proposal for a new mixed use development on the hill at Wilting was proposed by The South East England Development Agency in the Hastings & Bexhill Masterplan, commissioned in 2002 and also in “New homes for East Sussex 2006-2026” a document prepared by the County Council in 2005 to help inform the South East Plan”. This proposal included a new station on the hill at Wilting, looking over Pebsham Countryside Park and through Glyne Gap to the sea. This would be at the point where the Hastings and Bexhill Link Road would cross the railway and join Queensway.

15.2 The new station is listed in the South East Plan Implementation Plan (October 2006). Task Force are currently carrying out a feasibility study in relation to this proposal, which is due for completion in 2008.

15.3 The Highways Agency requires a Transport Impact Assessment for strategic housing sites such as Wilting. These assessments will help inform which sites or areas are selected as preferred options, and as such, is key to whether this site is taken forward.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

15.4 The consultation resulted in comments both for and against development at Wilting. Concern was raised that the area could be in danger of becoming a satellite and an example of urban sprawl, and that the development would extend the town beyond its boundaries. It was also thought that the area was the only true countryside and to remember that it is next to the Combe Haven SSSI. Additionally, the site is considered too remote and would generate extra traffic orf the link road.

15.5 On the other hand, it was also thought that development is essential to provide extra employment. Suggestions included making Wilting a transport hub, and including a visitor centre, specialist shopping, or a virtual 1066 centre. Consultation Version - May 2008 83

The Preferred Approach – Wilting

PREFERRED APPROACH 19: Wilting We support the inclusion of this development as a preferred option for Rother, to provide quality housing and jobs for residents of both Hastings and Bexhill. The area surrounding a new station could be the focus for housing and hi-tech industry. The development would need to fund the rail and road infrastructure needed to support the development. The railway station will be key to the sustainability of such a proposal, and further work is required to assess its feasibility. At this stage we are seeking your views on the concept, rather than the detail of development in this location.

15.6 This option is subject to appraisal by Rother District Council, and a decision will be made on whether it will be included in their Local Development Framework during Spring 2008.

Sustainability Appraisal

15.7 Wilting was identified as a potential area of change in the Issues and Options document and all of these areas have been taken forward as preferred options. No alternatives to this site were considered.

15.8 It will be for Rother District Council to undertake Sustainability Appraisal as part of their Core Strategy preparations. However, a broad appraisal has been carried out on page 90 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Question 7.1 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 3, 7, 12 • Draft South East Plan – H1, H3, SCT1, SCT2, SCT4 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – New policy • Community Strategy targets – 7, 8, 16a, 16b, 16c • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS3, PPS9, PPG13, PPS 25

Measuring success • Total employment floorspace completed • Net housing completions • Affordable housing completions completed through the planning process 84 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Chapter 3: Managing Change

Housing Housing Mix

The Issues

16.1 The Core Strategy needs to reflect latest Government policy and guidance and support the development of mixed and sustainable communities. A good mix of housing types and tenures is therefore paramount.

16.2 The Housing Market Assessment (2006) has shown that across Hastings and the wider sub region of Hastings and Rother, single and elderly households are likely to be the dominant drivers of household growth in the future. In addition, the Housing and Support Strategy for Older People and Carers in Hastings and Rother (2007) aims to ensure the needs of older people are suitable catered for in terms of new housing. We therefore need to consider the provision of lifetime homes to cater for these needs.

16.3 We also want to encourage family housing in the town to attract a wider range of skilled workers, and to give existing residents further opportunities to get larger premises. Providing this mix of dwelling types will help to achieve the wider economic and social objectives of the strategy and ensure we contribute to the creation of sustainable communities.

16.4 Finally, developers need to be encouraged to build good quality housing that is environmentally friendly, using sustainable construction methods. Further information on this issue can be found in the Environment and Sustainability Issues section.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

16.5 67% of respondents agreed that we should be seeking a proportion of lifetime homes in new developments, and to consider meeting the needs of older people and those with disabilities. 53% of respondents also agreed that we should seek to diversify existing housing tenure in both Hastings Town Centre and Central St Leonards.

16.6 The Home Builders’ Federation stated that the mix of tenure and sizes should be decided on a site-by-site basis, whereas 1066 Housing Association stated that they would welcome the private rented sector being displaced by other tenures.

16.7 83% of respondents agreed to the promotion of larger dwellings and more innovatively designed housing schemes. Consultation Version - May 2008 85

The Preferred Approach – Housing Mix

PREFERRED APPROACH 20: Housing Mix In response to the needs of the town, and in light of the responses received, it is proposed to promote a mix of dwelling types and sizes and housing tenures in all development. In particular, families, the elderly and those with disabilities will be suitably catered for. Specifically, we will seek to: • Ensure the lifetime homes standard is applied to all suitable housing sites. This approach will be developed through the Site Allocations DPD • Achieve a more even mix of housing tenure in Hastings Town Centre and Central St Leonards • Encourage the provision of larger dwellings (3 or more bedrooms), and innovative housing schemes that might help to change the perception of the town, particularly in Central St Leonards • Ensure that in suitable and accessible locations, residential schemes of 50 or more dwellings include at least 2% fully adapted for wheelchair users.

Sustainability Appraisal

16.8 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 90 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Density

The Issues

16.9 Density is a measure of the number of dwellings that can be accommodated on a site or in an area. Higher residential densities are required in the interests of achieving more sustainable forms of development, and reducing the use of Greenfield land. National policy requires a minimum of 30 dwellings per hectare in new development, although the draft South East Plan sets an overall regional target of 40 dwellings per hectare. 86 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

16.10 In general, respondents considered that a residential density of 35-40 dwellings per hectare was appropriate for the town, with higher levels of between 70 and 75 dwellings per hectare in specific areas such as Silverhill, Ore and Old Town.

16.11 It was also thought that we should emphasise the need to provide mixed use developments, and that density decisions should require appraisal of topographical situation. 92% of respondents agreed that all high-density schemes should be subject to a design statement.

16.12 However, respondents also argued that higher density should not be at the expense of existing green spaces or established and valued urban character.

The Preferred Approach – Density

16.13 With good design, there is no reason why higher densities should compromise the quality of new development. As such, it is the Council’s preferred approach to include a policy that makes sure appropriate densities are delivered in new developments.

PREFERRED APPROACH 21: Density Residential developments should make best use of land by achieving densities of at least 30 dwellings per hectare unless there are very special local circumstances that require a different treatment. Higher densities of at least 40 dwellings per hectare should be achieved in more sustainable locations close to a good range of existing or potential services and facilities and where there is, or there is potential for good public transport. This includes Hastings & St Leonard’s town centres, and the district centres of Hastings Old Town, Silverhill and Ore. Guidance on internal space standards and the relationship of the development to the surrounding area may be developed later in the Plan period.

Sustainability Appraisal

16.14 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 90 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. Consultation Version - May 2008 87

Gypsies and Travellers

The Issues

16.15 It is important for us to address the needs of this community. The legislation makes it clear that the Core Strategy should set out criteria for the location of Gypsy and Traveller sites, which will be used to guide the allocation of sites in the relevant DPD.

16.16 East Sussex County Council, working jointly with the other district councils and Brighton and Hove City Council, has recently submitted advice to the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) on the need for gypsy and traveller site provision in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

16.17 Two assessment options have been submitted. Option A, which is based on the existing distribution of gypsy and traveller sites, identifies a need to provide 3 permanent pitches in Hastings. Option B, which is based more on environmental considerations and the locational requirements of gypsies and travellers, identifies a need for 1 permanent pitch in Hastings. The advice to SEERA also identifies the need for a transit site in the eastern part of the County. SEERA is now preparing pitch provision requirements for the whole of the South East. These will be subject to public consultation. An additional option, option C has been introduced which is a simplified version of option B. It explicitly seeks to transfer a proportion of the pitch requirements from the highest concentration and growth to areas with less provision. Two variants are proposed, C(i) reapportions 50% of pitch requirements, and C(ii) 25%. Under option C a need for either 5 or 3 permanent pitches is identified orf Hastings.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

16.18 No options were put forward in the 2006 Issues and Options consultation.

The Preferred Approach - Gypsies and Travellers

16.19 Within Hastings, opportunities for permanent site provision are limited because of environmental constraints, and in any event the small scale of provision required is unlikely to make public site provision a viable option, but this will be given further consideration.

PREFERRED APPROACH 22: Gypsies and Travellers

To include locational criteria for gypsy and traveller site provision in the Core Strategy, as a basis for considering individual proposals brought forward. The Council does however, recognise the national imperative to identify new sites for the gypsy and traveller community and will in the meantime continue to work with our neighbours in Rother District Council to identify potential sites, particularly to meet the need for transit facilities in the eastern part of the County. 88 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Sustainability Appraisal

16.20 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 90 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 6.3 to 6.10, 6.21 to 6.34 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 4, 8, 12, and 13 • Draft South East Plan – H5, H6, H7 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – H4 • Community Strategy targets – 1, 2, 10, 16a, 16b, 16c, 17 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS3

Measuring success • Affordable housing completions completed through the planning process. • Net housing completions • Housing density – percentage of new homes completed at less than 30 dwellings per hectare, 30-50 dwellings per hectare, above 50 dwellings per hectare. • Percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and secondary school, employment and a major retail centre • % of residential development completed on brownfield land. • Number of empty homes brought back into use. • The number of gypsy and travellers pitches will be monitoring through the site allocations development plan document. Consultation Version - May 2008 89

Affordable Housing

The Issues

16.21 This is defined as housing va ailable to those who are unable to access accommodation suitable for their families’ needs, at a price that they can reasonably afford on the open market, whether for rent or home ownership. Affordable Housing should be available at a cost low enough to be afforded by eligible households, and is determined with regards to local incomes and house prices.

16.22 There is an assumption within the definitionthat the housing will be subsidised in some way so as to make it affordable, either through public funding (Housing Corporation) or through private sector contributions via the planning system. More often than not a mixture of both is required to make homes affordable. Planning guidance states that homes should remain at an affordable price for future eligible households, or if these restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision.

16.23 There are a number of different types of affordable housing, including social rented housing and intermediate housing. The latter includes intermediate rented schemes (homes available at a sub market rent between social rented and privately rented housing) and shared equity home ownership including that for key workers e.g. nurses or teachers. Low cost market housing is specifically excluded from the definition of affordable housing.

16.24 Property values in Hastings remain below the regional average, despite rapid growth in recent years. In spite of lower property values, affordability remains a key issue. Many households who are unable to buy are dependent upon benefits or have income levels that are not sufficient orf them to obtain a mortgage. In 2006 property affordability in Hastings was over 7 times the average male salary.

16.25 We need to promote a choice of housing by making sure a range of house and tenure types are available across a given area and avoid high concentration of any one particular type of tenure or property type. Our approach should aim to support the development of mixed and sustainable communities, reflecting latest government guidance.

16.26 In framing our approach to affordable housing provision we need to pay careful attention to land supply, market conditions, viability and the likely level of public subsidy available to help meet affordable housing needs. 90 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

16.27 Key findings romf the Housing Needs Assessment (2005) include the following: • average prices for flats and houses have escalated in the past 5 years and, because incomes are low affordability is an issue, particularly for newly forming households • annually 1,049 affordable housing units are needed, 596 more than the re-let supply at 2005. • the need for affordable homes is resulting in a supply requirement many times over current delivery levels

16.28 The Housing Market Assessment (June 2006) makes a number of recommendations in respect of affordable housing provision. This includes a proposal to secure 25% affordable housing on new development sites. It also recommends that we consider the characteristics of the neighbourhood in determining whether this provision should be made on site, or a commuted payment made to permit off-site provision elsewhere in the town. The size and type of affordable housing provided in connection with new development should take account of analysis of the characteristics of those households that the local authority has a duty to house and the existing pattern of available re-lets. This evidence should be regularly monitored and the implications fed into discussions with developers.

16.29 The Housing Sites Viability Study (July 2007) recommends that affordable housing policy should continue to be applied to sites of 15 dwellings or more. Lowering of this threshold is not recommended at present, though as with all policy positions, this should be kept under constant review. The study recommends that the proportion of affordable homes sought on qualifying sites should be 25% on brownfield sites and, bearing in mind the level of affordable housing needed in the town, 40% on Greenfield sites.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

16.30 43% of respondents agreed that developers should be required to pay a commuted sum so that affordable homes could be built on sites elsewhere in the town, 38% disagreed.

16.31 62% of respondents agreed that a developer should be required to ‘pepperpot’ affordable housing throughout a development, 23% disagreed.

16.32 Additional comments around this issue suggested that this approach would make for more integrated communities. The Home Builders’ Federation agreed that this is a reasonable approach to the delivery of affordable housing, and English Partnerships stated that this was their preferred approach.

16.33 75% of respondents agreed that developers should provide different forms of affordable housing, such as shared ownership or key worker housing - providing that they can prove that there is a market for such housing in the locality. Consultation Version - May 2008 91

16.34 Additional comments around this issue were diverse. The Home Builders’ Federation stated that this was their preferred approach. Others stated that the provision of key worker housing was critical to maintaining key services including education. Others expressed concern that this approach may be used to avoid providing social housing for rent.

The Preferred Approach - Overall Target for Affordable Housing

16.35 Although the Council can influence the number of affordable homes delivered through the planning system, it cannot control the overall output of affordable housing. The number of affordable homes provided over the coming years, will largely be determined by the level of market housing developed – and whether planning permissions are submitted or built is dependant on the private sector and the funding for schemes by registered social landlords.

16.36 Sites suitable for an element of affordable housing will subsequently be identified in the Site Allocations Development Plan Document, but additional unidentified sites suitable for an element of affordable housing, are likely to become available during the lifetime of the Core Strategy.

PREFERRED APPROACH 23: Overall Target for Affordable Housing Based on the findings of both the Housing Needs Survey (2005) and the Housing Market Assessment (2006), and taking into account the findings of Housing Sites Viability Study (2007), the Council will secure 25% affordable housing on previously developed sites of 15 or more dwellings and 40% affordable housing on Greenfield sites of 15 or more dwellings. Additional unidentified sites will also be subject to this policy The Core Strategy affordable housing policy will be supported by a supplementary planning document giving further information together with details of section 106 requirements.

Sustainability Appraisal

16.37 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on pages 90 and 91 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. 92 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Preferred Approach - Types of Affordable Housing Needed

16.38 Evidence strongly supports an affordable housing policy that plans for a continuing high level of demand for social rented housing.

16.39 However, demand for other forms of affordable housing, such as shared ownership that might be suitable for key workers, has grown in recent years as the gap between local incomes and house prices has widened. This will need to be monitored carefully over the life of the development plan.

PREFERRED APPROACH 24: Types of Affordable Housing Needed The Council’s preferred approach is for the greater part of affordable housing to be for social rent, although we would wish to retain a degree of flexibility in terms of widening housing choice. This will enable the provision of different forms of affordable housing where necessary, avoiding the over concentration of social rented housing and improving the economics of provision on marginal sites. This will be relevant where high levels of social rented homes already exist and a degree of tenure diversification is sought.

Sustainability Appraisal

16.40 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 91 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

The Preferred Approach - Specifying the size and form of affordable housing

16.41 The size and form of affordable housing provided in connection with new development will take account of analysis of the characteristics of those households in housing need, and include those that the local authority has a duty to house and the existing pattern of re-lets. This evidence will be regularly monitored and the implications fed into discussions with developers and housing associations Consultation Version - May 2008 93

PREFERRED APPROACH 25: Specifying the Size and Form of Affordable housing The size and form of affordable housing that is likely to be needed in particular locations will be determined in the forthcoming Site Allocations Development Plan Document. Affordable housing will be provided on the application site. However, where the Council determines that off-site provision would be beneficial, off-site provision or a financial contribution in lieu of on-site provision (of at least equivalent value) may be accepted so long as the agreed approach contributes to the creation of mixed communities elsewhere in Hastings. Affordable homes must be well integrated within the development scheme and indistinguishable from those homes for outright sale in terms of style, location and build quality. ‘Pepperpotting’ or small clusters of affordable housing rather than blocks of a single tenure will be required.

Sustainability Appraisal

16.42 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 91 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 6.11 to 6.20 • Core Strategy objectives – 2, 8, 12 • Draft South East Plan – H4, SCT8 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – new policy • Community Strategy targets – 1, 16c, 18a, 18b • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS3

Measuring success • The number of affordable housing units delivered through the planning system as a percentage of those capable of being delivered • Tenure of affordable housing delivered • Affordable housing completions completed through the planning process 94 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Local Economy

The Issues

17.1 Hastings is the 29th most deprived local authority area in England (IMD 2007). The Town has significantly higher levels of unemployment and economic inactivity than the regional average, and relatively poor health and qualification levels. There are relatively few businesses per head of population, and business start-up rates are significantly behind the national and regional average. There is a recognised need in Hastings to diversify the economic base to raise local economic performance and address poverty. Indeed, the South East England Economic Development Agency (SEEDA) has identified Hastings as a regeneration priority and the Hastings Community Strategy includes as a priority “creating an economically successful town” with reducing unemployment as a key target.

17.2 The Draft South East Plan defines Hastings as a regional hub orf economic activity and transport services. The draft Plan, seeks as a priority, to pro-actively pursue and promote sustainable economic growth and regeneration. The aim is to raise the sub­ regional economy nearer to the South East average. The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) includes a target of achieving an economic activity rate of 85% across the region by 2016.

17.3 In the absence of regeneration activity and major intervention, total employment in Hastings is forecast to grow by very modest amounts. This will be insufficient to make any significant impact on local employment prospects and runs counter to our objective of significantly raising economic performance.

17.4 The Regional Economic Strategy identifies three objectives for the SE Region: • global competitiveness, through international operations and investment, innovation building on the knowledge base, and infrastructure • ‘smart growth’, through new businesses, skills development, inclusion, reducing road congestion, improving travel choice and promoting public transport, providing housing and employment space, improving workforce productivity and increasing economic activity. • sustainable prosperity through reducing CO2 emissions, increasing renewable energy use, reducing water consumption, improving waste efficiency, improving biodiversity and the quality of open space, and reducing polarisation between communities.

17.5 A draft regional coastal strategy aims to build a creative, inclusive, connected, competitive and sustainable coast. These objectives overlap with the Five Point Plan developed by the Hastings & Bexhill Regeneration Task Force, which focuses on urban renaissance, business development, excellence in education, broadband connectivity, and transport improvements. Consultation Version - May 2008 95

17.6 In parallel with the Five Point Plan, the draft Economic Development, Inclusion and Sustainability Strategy for Hastings & Bexhill has three objectives: • To increase business activity, and create employment, providing a range of local job opportunities • To enable local people, particularly those who are disadvantaged, to raise their skills, aspirations and ability to get jobs offering stable employment and a ‘living’ wage • To improve the environmental sustainability of the local economy

17.7 The Local Area Agreement has several key local targets within the Economic Development and Enterprise block: • Increasing economic activity in the worst performing wards • Improving skills development • Improving economic performance, measured by reduced unemployment, more employment space, higher average earnings, and greater numbers of businesses • Improving employment rates within the worst performing wards, reducing the gap between their employment rate and the rate for England • Increasing entrepreneurial activity • Supporting the growth, and reducing failure, of locally-owned busineses

17.8 The Core Strategy must support these regional and local objectives, especially in the area of regeneration. Without active intervention, enabling and support, the economy will be unable to support people’s employment prospects, and the gap between Hastings and East Sussex and the South East region is likely to widen.

Land supply

17.9 The employment land study has identified a need orf more new, or refurbished, higher quality floorspace in most size ranges to accommodate pent-up demand and attract new businesses to Hastings. An immediate need for affordable space to support business start-ups, and move on space for small businesses is also indicated.

17.10 However, Hastings’ office, industrial and warehouse stock has seen little development in recent years. Much of the space within the major employment areas was developed during, or before, the 1980s. The town centre has similarly seen little office development. A lack of high quality start-up and managed space, and affordable general space, has been identified as a ek y barrier to the growth of economic activity. Yet low rents have resulted in little new commercial development in recent years, returns and investor confidence will need to rise considerably to bring forward such investment. 96 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

17.11 Our research has identified a eryv low level of vacant stock throughout the employment areas. The emphasis must therefore be on bringing forward significant amounts of new employment floorspace both in Hastings town centre and elsewhere in the town.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

17.12 35% of respondents believe that the town has insufficient land of the right quality and in the right location to allow growth to 2026, 28% of respondents believe there is sufficient land whilst 37% had no opinion.

17.13 72% of respondents agreed that new sites for employment should be identified.

17.14 56% of respondents agreed that existing plan policies to protect employment land and premises should be strengthened.

17.15 78% of respondents thought that a mix of employment generating uses should be encouraged on employment sites.

17.16 51% of respondents agreed that we should encourage the intensification of employment areas, 29% disagreed.

17.17 90% of respondents agreed that ‘start-up’ and ‘grow on’ space is required.

The Preferred Approach – Land Supply

17.18 Ensuring that a sufficient supply of land is va ailable and likely to be developed over the lifetime of the plan is critical to the success of current regeneration efforts.

PREFERRED APPROACH 26: Land Supply Local economic growth and diversification will be met through: • the development of some 41,825m2 of floorspace on allocated employment land identified in the existing Hastings ocL al Plan 2004. This includes the development of the Enviro21 Innovation Parks’ adjacent to Queensway. • the development of new office based employment opportunities in Hastings Town Centre (31,845m2), • encouraging the redevelopment of the existing out-moded stock and denser development within the primary employment areas, at Ponswood, Ivyhouse Lane, Castleham, The Ridge West and Churchfields • the protection of existing employment locations – we will seek to protect all viable employment land/premises and produce a supplementary planning document to support this approach Consultation Version - May 2008 97

• mixed employment/housing development on suitable strategic sites and also as a tool for regeneration in town, district and local centres. • Encouraging the provision of live/work units within housing developments.

17.19 Opportunities for mixed employment/housing development will be pursued at the strategic sites identified at Breadsell ane,L in the North West of the Borough (Preferred Approach 1) and at Bulverhythe (Preferred Approach 18)

17.20 Between 2009–2013 some 19,065 m2 of employment floorspace will be developed at the Enviro21 Innovation Parks’ as part of the major regeneration programme co­ ordinated and implemented by the Task force. The aim of Task Force projects is to attract new businesses to the town and stimulate growth in under-represented sectors, by creating a step change in the quality of business space available.

17.21 The success of these early schemes will be critical to the phasing and implementation of the remaining development areas which are capable of providing a further circa 41,638 m2 of employment floorspace, including land at Ivyhouse Lane – a major development site and on infill opportunities within the primary employment areas.

17.22 Live/work accommodation represents one of the most recent and innovative approaches to workspace development. This is because it is designed for dual use, offering a combination of residential and employment space. Live/work units are different from traditional home working in that the buildings or units are specifically designed to have a higher proportion of business use. Alternatively, the work element may be designed to accommodate more workers than just the resident

17.23 Live/work accommodation can play an important role in creating sustainable communities and mixed areas, reducing the need to travel by car, aiding the development of small businesses and providing local investment

Sustainability Appraisal

17.24 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 91 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

North Bexhill

17.25 The regeneration efforts in Hastings also need to be considered in the context of the impact of development outside of the town. Most significant here is the North East Bexhill proposal in Rother district. This is a major development area aiming to provide some 50,000m2 of commercial development. It has the scope to meet the needs of both local and in-moving occupiers. Bexhill plays a complementary role to that of Hastings’ Hub status by providing opportunities for employment development as part of an urban extension on a scale not possible within the constrained urban area of Hastings. 98 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

17.26 North East Bexhill represents one of the most important new land releases within the Hastings travel to work area. However its implementation is dependent on the completion of the proposed Hastings–Bexhill Link Road. Whilst the identified employment land commitments in Hastings are not dependent on the implementation of the road scheme per se, any delay or indeed uncertainty over the road scheme’s completion will greatly reduce the impact of regeneration efforts in terms of the scale of change needed.

Bodiam Northiam Robertsbridge Iden A28 Peasmarsh A21

Brightling Broadoak Rye Sedlescombe Brede Winchelsea Camber

Battle A259 Westfield Catsfield Pett Ninfield Crowhurst HASTINGS Hooe BEXHILL

A259

Hastings Travel to Work area.

17.27 The implementation of the link road is also critical to business confidence. A direct link between Bexhill Town Centre, the new business development planned for northeast Bexhill and the existing business locations in Hastings at Churchfields and astlehamC and the planned Enviro21 Innovation Parks, will cause a major shift in the perception of the wider regeneration area as a place in which to invest and do business.

Strategy linked to office development

17.28 New office based employment opportunities will be created in Hastings Town Centre. The Hastings office market is relatively undeveloped. The Town does not have a commercial central core of traditional office space of any significant size. The quality of office space va ailable in the Town Centre will change markedly with the completion of Lacuna Place, a Task Force development of 8,885m2 due for completion in 2008. Consultation Version - May 2008 99

17.29 In addition to Lacuna Place, a further 23,000m2 amount of office floorspace will be developed. This is a Task Force initiative that will be phased over the period 2011–2016. Public funding will support the early phases of development and the later phases will be achieved through the private sector on the basis of increased investor confidence in the area. Inevitably, delivery of the project will be become increasingly dependent on market conditions as it moves into later phases.

Protection of employment locations and land

17.30 The town’s primary employment areas in Hastings, namely the Castleham, Churchfields, onswood,P Ivyhouse Lane and West Ridge/Ashdown estates, together with other smaller concentrations of employment related activities, play an important role in providing business locations for local firms and employment opportunities for local people. The strategy for these areas will be to maintain them as locations for new businesses and those needing to expand. Accordingly, we will seek to protect all viable employment land/premises and produce a supplementary planning document to support this approach.

17.31 Allocated infill sites in the main employment areas (primarily at Churchfields) have scope to add some 19,878m2 of new floorspace. This could accommodate a range of higher quality unit development, ranging from small start-up units to larger units. It is envisaged that these sites will be brought forward by the private sector over the lifetime of the plan.

Skills and training

The Issues

17.32 12.3% or 6,100 of Hastings’ residents have no recognised skills (for example National Vocational Qualifications) in comparison to an East Sussex average of 11.8% and the South East at 10.1% with no skills. At the higher skills levels, Hastings has only 16.8% qualified to above level 4, against the South East at 29.5%. The level of local skills is rightly recognised as an issue for Hastings residents as this adversely affects the local population’s ability to compete for jobs. The need for skills development has been recognised within sub-regional and local policies and a number of initiatives are underway with specific objectives to increase the number and level of qualifications within the workforce.

17.33 These include the development of two new campuses for Hastings College, work-based learning and work-experience initiatives, vocational training and school diplomas, community-based learning, and University Centre Hastings.

17.34 Reforms are also underway to transform secondary and tertiary education so that all young people achieve and continue in learning to at least 18. 100 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

17.35 The success or otherwise of attracting new employers and retaining existing ones, will in part be dependent on how well matched local skills are to the needs of employers. A failure to tackle these barriers could result in recruitment difficulties, skills gaps, or increased commuting into Hastings. Hastings is responding to the Leitch Report into skills through a new emphasis on responding to employer demand through such frameworks at “Train to Gain”, and the College’s Services to Businesses work.

17.36 The Government is seeking to get more people back into work, particularly those who are on out of work benefits such as incapacity benefit. Hastings will benefit romf the Government’s Working Neighbourhoods Fund, established to provide resources for local authorities to tackle worklessness and low levels of skills and enterprise in their most deprived areas. Activities undertaken will help to increase economic activity rates.

You Told Us – Results Of Issues And Options Consultation

17.37 In terms of how the Core Strategy can help support improving the skills base and educational attainments of the workforce, you told us: • 82% of respondents agreed that we need to actively support the provision of child care services. • 80% of respondents agreed that the potential for live/work units should be explored.

The Preferred Approach – Skills and Training

17.38 Improving local provision and attainment is critical to the success of the regeneration programme. Efforts to significantly increase the amount of training floorspace in the town are underway. The first of these to be delivered is the recently operational University Centre Hastings (UCH), managed by the University of Brighton. UCH currently provides a range of full and part time courses for 1,800 students, a figure which is expected to rise to 3,200 by 2011. UCH courses are commercially focused, designed in partnership with local employers to cover subjects from computing to business management, accounting, broadcast media and a range of adult education and Open University programmes.

PREFERRED APPROACH 27: Skills and Training To support the development of training and education floorspace in the town, through the new Hastings College developments at Ore Valley and Station Plaza, and the further expansion of University Centre Hastings in the town centre. The Council will support proposals that improve, protect and, where needed, make new provision for childcare services. Consultation Version - May 2008 101

17.39 Hastings College is moving to two new sites, Station Plaza and Ore Valley. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have invested £92 million in the new college development at Station Plaza, a sixth form and further education college being developed by the Hastings and Rother New College team. This is the result of a major review of post-16 education by the LSC. The college will provide a range of academic and vocational courses for 2500 students, and will help to bring about education-led social and economic regeneration by improving skills levels, addressing inequalities and encouraging partnership working. The college is due to be completed in September 2009. The site of the new construction skills college will be at Parker Road in the Ore Valley; this will also be completed in September 2009.

17.40 This student economy will have an impact on the town, attracting new residents and increasing demand for accommodation, shopping, leisure, entertainment, recreation, transport and other services.

17.41 The College is engaged with over 700 local businesses that either receive training or feed their ideas and experience into curriculum development. The College is working with industry to extend its current range of relevant and effective training provision.

17.42 Regeneration in Hastings & Bexhill will bring an unprecedented amount of construction activity over the next few years. We are working with developers, businesses, skilled trades people and new generations of trainees to ensure local people and firms benefit from the increase in training and employment opportunities this activity will bring, through a Construction Training & Employment Charter. This provides a model for engagement between employers, trainers, trainees and the local labour force, that could be applied in other sectors such as retail and hospitality, and could be included within planning agreements.

17.43 It is recognised that skills development is not something that only happens between the ages of 14 and 21. The process starts at pre-school age, and continues throughout an individual’s life, with work-based training, professional development, and lifelong learning. It also takes place in the home and community, as well as formal educational institutions. Physical accessibility is a key concern, as is overcoming social barriers to learning such as childcare or other caring responsibilities, disability, health, and timing.

Sustainability Appraisal

17.44 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 91 and 92 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. 102 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Tourism

The Issues

17.45 The tourism sector in Hastings has stagnated in terms of the number of staying visitors, and there is a lack of quality visitor accommodation. The town currently has 1000 serviced visitor bed spaces, which are not all good quality, compared to a total of 8000 in 1951 (excluding camping and caravans). The lack of accommodation has precluded major events being held in the town.

17.46 However, some very good quality boutique hotels have developed in the past 5 years, which have been pump primed through the “Space To Stay Scheme”, but also significant private sector investment. Hotels at the top end of the market are doing very well, whereas poorer quality accommodation is not doing so well.

17.47 Hastings is also heavily dependent on summer day visitors, and spend per head is low compared with some of our south coast competitors.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

17.48 Responses received in relation to the town’s role as a tourist destination indicated a general support for tourism and the need to enhance our tourist offer.

The Preferred Approach – Tourism

17.49 Hastings’ aim is to extend the tourist season and to encourage more short-stay visitors with a higher spending power. In order to achieve this, The Council will:

PREFERRED APPROACH 28: Tourism Encourage the provision of new hotels in the area, and the upgrading of existing facilities. There will be a presumption against the loss of bedspaces in the key tourist areas of the Old Town, the Town Centre, the Seafront and Warrior Square, unless the facility is no longer viable or is incapable of improvement to a good standard. A Visitor Accommodation Supplementary Planning Document, to be prepared during 2008, will support this policy approach.

17.50 Tourism provides a range of ‘entry-level jobs’ supported by a smaller number of professionals, and will remain important to the local economy. However, it must be recognised that it is unlikely to generate sufficient of the higher alue-addedv jobs that, combined with a higher skilled workforce, will bring about sustainable regeneration on its own. Consultation Version - May 2008 103

Sustainability Appraisal

17.51 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 92 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Language Schools

17.52 These play a largely unrecognised role in the local economy - £35m visitor spend annually by 35,000 students in 26 registered schools – a figure approaching the aluev of the entire day trip market. It also helps keep attractions open in the winter months as well as providing permanent year round employment. Hastings is one of the biggest destinations for language students in the whole country. Accommodating students provides an important source of income to many local families.

The Preferred Approach – Language Schools

PREFERRED APPROACH 29: Language Schools In recognition of their importance to the local economy, the Council will support proposals that improve, protect or make new provision for language schools.

Sustainability Appraisal

17.53 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 92 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 8.1 to 8.7 • Core Strategy objectives – 1, 3, 4, 12 • Draft South East Plan – CC1, TC2, RE2, RE3, TSR1, SCT1, SCT3 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – E1, E4, New policy • Community Strategy targets – 1, 7, 8, 9a, 9b • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPS1, PPS3, PPS6, PPS12, PPG4 104 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Measuring Success • Number of new hotels provided • Average distance travelled to work by residents • Average earnings – Workplace based & Residence based • Economically active working age population • Business survival rates after 3 years • Business start-ups and closures • Changes of use from hotels to other uses • Losses of employment land • Number and size of language schools Consultation Version - May 2008 105

Transport and Accessibility

Strategic Road and Rail Schemes

The Issues

18.1 For many years Hastings has suffered from a lack of investment in strategic transport infrastructure, both road and rail, which has lead to the town becoming peripheral in regional, national and international terms. Improved accessibility to the town by road and rail is essential to reduce this relative peripherality if the regeneration objectives of the town are to be achieved.

18.2 The draft South East Plan has now identified Hastings as a regional hub. egionalR Hubs should be the focus for investment in the transport system that leads to an increase in their overall level of accessibility. Regional Hubs should also aspire to accommodate higher density development and provide a highly accessible focus for employment, community, retail, leisure and cultural services. This role is supported in the South East Plan, which identifies the A27, the A259 and the A21 routes as movement corridors (spokes) that should provide a level of service that supports the role of Hastings as a Regional Hub and a focus of economic activity. Clearly, none of these spokes perform this role adequately at the present time, key strategic transport infrastructure improvements will need to be secured. Improving accessibility within the urban area and promoting sustainable alternatives to car usage by cycling, walking and public transport is also very important.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

18.3 Many respondents emphasised the need to improve accessibility to Hastings both by road and rail to reduce its relative peripherality, if the regeneration objectives of the town are to be achieved. 80% of respondents supported the measures in the Issues and Options document, which aimed to improve accessibility to reduce the need to travel. 106 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Preferred Approach – Strategic Road and Rail Schemes

18.4 The South East Plan’s Implementation Plan identifies the ollowingf strategic schemes of importance to Hastings which are needed to facilitate the delivery of the level of growth set out in the Plan: • Bexhill to Hastings Link Road – East Sussex County Council responsibility. Planning application submitted. • A21 Baldslow Junction – Highways Agency (HA) responsibility. • A21 Tonbridge to Pembury and A21 Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst – HA responsibility. • A21 Flimwell to Robertsbridge – HA responsibility. • A259 Pevensey to Brenzett Improvements – improved safety measures under investigation. HA responsibility. • Ashford – Hastings Line Capacity Improvements – Rail industry Responsibility. Under investigation. • Willingdon Rail Chord – Rail Industry responsibility. Further appraisal work required. Possible developer funding. • Upgrading of Ore Station together with improved services, and new stations at Glyne Gap and Wilting – Feasibility study of Wilting option is to be undertaken. Possible funding from developers, rail industry and ESCC.

18.5 All of these schemes would improve the accessibility of Hastings, reduce its peripherality in transport terms, and support regeneration of the town. They would also make an important contribution towards Hastings performing its function as a regional hub. Some would have other benefits. The Bexhill to Hastings Link oad,R for example, would reduce traffic congestion along Bexhill oad,R improve air quality and allow the introduction of bus priority lanes.

PREFERRED APPROACH 30: Strategic Road and Rail Schemes To support the delivery of strategic road and rail schemes identified in the draft South East Plan Implementation Plan. The Council will continue to lobby to secure their timely provision.

18.6 The delivery of these schemes is the responsibility of a variety of agencies, including the County Council, the Highways Agency, the Rail Industry and private developers. Consultation Version - May 2008 107

Sustainability Appraisal

18.7 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 92 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Local Road Improvements

18.8 The County Highways Authority wishes to safeguard the route of the proposed Hastings Spur Road Phase 2 Scheme until the Bexhill and Hastings Link Road has been operational for at least one year in order to retain flexibility to deal with any local traffic impacts.

The Preferred Approach – Local Road Improvements

PREFERRED APPROACH 31: Local Road Improvements To retain saved policy TR1, until the impact of the Bexhill/Hastings Link Road can be assessed. ‘Land between Wishing Tree Road and Sedlescombe Road South is safeguarded for the construction of the County Council’s Hastings Spur Road Phase 2 Scheme’

More Sustainable Transport Options

The Issues

18.9 In a medium sized town like Hastings, it has to be recognised that the private car is likely to remain the primary means of transport for the foreseeable future. There is also a concern that too draconian measures to limit their use could damage the regeneration of the town. Nevertheless, the LDF should aim to provide a policy framework that will encourage a modal shift and move Hastings towards a more sustainable future in transport terms. It will therefore be important for the LDF not only to consider strategic transport infrastructure but also to address other transport infrastructure needs (bus and cycle lanes, train stations and car parking management) both within Hastings and between Hastings and Bexhill.

18.10 The County Council is the responsible authority for local transportation. It has recently published an Accessibility Strategy Local Assessment of Hastings and Bexhill and is at present preparing the Hastings and Bexhill Local Area Transport Strategy (LATS). 108 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The purpose of the LATS is to identify key local transport problems and issues within the Hastings and Bexhill Area and provide a local framework for transport planning which takes into account the long term development strategy for the area. The County Council is at present working on the LATS and anticipates going to public consultation on a draft at the same time as consultation is undertaken on preferred options for the LDF. The LATS will be an important input into the LDF Core Strategy and the timetable proposed should enable the LATS to inform the transport policies to be incorporated in the Core Strategy.

The Preferred Approach – More Sustainable Transport Options

18.11 A draft strategic framework for the LATS produced by the County Council in October 2006 identified five strategic objectives - maximising accessibility, improving air quality and environment, safety, tackling congestion and promoting regeneration. The 2006 Issues and Options paper set out a number of possible measures to improve accessibility within Hastings and to promote other forms of transport as an alternative to the private car. They were well received by respondents, and generally meet the strategic objectives of the LATS set out above. It will be for the LATS to test the feasibility of these measures and to come forward with proposals and policies that can, if appropriate, be incorporated in the Core Strategy.

PREFERRED APPROACH 32: More Sustainable Transport Options To support the draft Hastings and Bexhill Local Area Transport Strategy (LATS) produced by the County Council in October 2006. In particular, support the 5 strategic objectives of maximising accessibility, improving air quality and environment, safety, tackling congestion and promoting regeneration.

Sustainability Appraisal

18.12 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 92 and 93 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. Consultation Version - May 2008 109

Car Parking

The Issues

18.13 There are two aspects of transportation where we have a measure of direct control. This is in relation to off-street car parking and location of development.

18.13 Car parking provision is one of the demand management tools, which can be used to achieve a shift towards more sustainable transport modes. It is however a crude tool and the reality is that in towns the size of Hastings the shift from car usage to other forms of transport will take some considerable time to achieve. It is also important that parking is not reduced to a level where the regeneration of the town could be prejudiced. The town centre is particularly sensitive in this respect and the implications for Hastings’ competitiveness with other south coast centres would need to be carefully considered.

The Preferred Approach – Parking

PREFERRED APPROACH 33: Car Parking To fully exploit opportunities to improve access to the town centre by means other than the car, before consideration is given to limiting parking provision. One option that will be further considered is park and ride. A facility at Wilting Farm associated with the Link Road could not only cater for vehicles accessing Hastings town centre but could also serve a future station at this location. Another option worthy of consideration is Baldslow near the A21/A28 junction. Either of these options could be in Rother District, and it will be necessary for both Hastings and Rother Councils to work together to explore the feasibility of this approach.

PREFERRED APPROACH 34: Residential Parking Require provision at, at least one parking space per dwelling, except in the most exceptional circumstances. On street parking problems are already evident in large areas of the town, and experience suggests that to reduce off street provision below this minimal level would merely exacerbate parking problems.

Sustainability Appraisal

18.14 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 93 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. 110 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Location of Development

The Issues

18.15 High-density developments, developments generating significant amounts of traffic and those of sub-regional importance will need to be directed to areas accessible by a range of transport services.

18.16 The majority of significant residential and commercial development options being considered in the LDF are close to public transport interchanges. All options are being tested for their impact on the highway network and the opportunities for improving accessibility by non-car means.

The Preferred Approach – Location of Development

PREFERRED APPROACH 35: Location of Development Major* developments will be required to produce a travel plan, in line with forthcoming guidance from East Sussex County Council, and will be expected to contribute to improved transport infrastructure, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. There will be a presumption against development generating significant amounts of traffic on sites, which are not well related to a range of transport modes unless, through improvements to public transport or travel plans, this can be mitigated. *major development is that which falls within the thresholds set out in the East Sussex County Council draft ‘Guidance on Travel Plans for New Developments’. These thresholds reflect national guidance in Appendix B of Guidance on Transport Assessments (CLG/DfT, March 2007). The final ersionv of the ESCC document is due June/July 2008.

Sustainability Appraisal

18.17 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 93 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. Consultation Version - May 2008 111

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 9.1 to 9.3 • Core Strategy objectives – 7, 8 • Draft South East Plan policies – CC8b, T1, T3, T7, T8 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – TR3, TR4, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, TR9, DG2, DG25. • Community Strategy targets – 19 • PPGs/PPSs/ Circulars – PPG13

Measuring Success • Percentage of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and secondary school, employment and a major retail centre. • Bus passenger journeys • Compliance for travel plans to be provided on commercial schemes over gross 1,000m2 • Compliance of car parking standards in residential completions (Annual 10% random sample) 112 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Community Infrastructure and Quality of Life Community Infrastructure

The Issues

19.1 The health and social well being of the town’s residents and their educational attainment levels are vitally important to the regeneration of the town. Spatial planning policies need to reflect the complementary role of planning in supporting other strategies and initiatives that seek to provide essential services and facilities in the town, and ensuring that new developments provide the infrastructure necessary to meet local community needs they generate.

19.2 Hastings must be a town for everyone and it is important that everyone feels they are included and can access the opportunities the town has to offer.

19.3 Planning needs to take account of all the community, including particular requirements relating to age, sex, ethnic background, religion, disability or income.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

19.4 92% of respondents to the 2006 Issues and Options consultation supported the approach set out below:

“Development proposals must contribute to improving the education attainment, health, safety, quality of life and well-being of local residents and visitors to Hastings”.

The Preferred Approach – Community Infrastructure

19.5 The consultations undertaken with infrastructure providers have identifiedthe following needs: • East Sussex Hospitals Trust has indicated that there is no requirement for additional land to serve the Conquest Hospital. • The Hastings and Rother PCT advises that Hastings is currently undersupplied in terms of GP services, but that a planned network of 3 new primary care centres to be located at Station Plaza, Broomgrove Millennium Community and Upper St Leonards and one existing centre, linked to the secondary care Acute hospital, would overcome this shortfall and provide some additional capacity for future population growth. • ESCC Education Department has identified a possible need for a new primary school in the north west of the town. • ESCC Library Service has a commitment to £6.2m in its capital programme for a new library in Hastings Town Centre. The need for satellite, branch or individually Consultation Version - May 2008 113

tailored library services will be considered depending on the demand arising from new development and on the funding available. • Southern Water has identified no requirements for strategic infrastructure in the plan period. Local infrastructure would be the responsibility of individual developers. • The Hastings/Bexhill Waste Water Treatment works has sufficient consents headroom to accommodate most of the 4200 housing provision, but an increased consent may be required towards the end of the plan period. The Environment Agency has not identified any constraints to prevent this. • Hastings is served by the Darwell and Bewl reservoirs. 4200 extra dwellings does not cause concern from a water supply viewpoint. It is likely that there will be a need to increase the capacity of Bewl reservoir by 2015, although this only one of a number of options being considered. • The Mobile Operators Association advise that the industry is demand led, on the basis of annual roll-out plans rather than anything longer-term. • The Fire Service has indicated that its services could accommodate 4200 additional dwellings, but it would need to assess the impact of the specific locations proposed for the new housing on response times, to determine whether additional facilities are required.

19.6 It is intended that, where they can be identified, the oreC Strategy will contain a schedule of community and infrastructure needs arising directly from the development proposals in the strategy together with the agency responsible for the timescale of their provision.

19.7 Community facilities and essential infrastructure can be achieved through the planning system by making developers meet the needs arising from their development. We currently secure ‘developer contributions’ through a policy in the Hastings Local Plan 2004 and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) Note 7. One of the problems Hastings faces is that land values are relatively low and the amount that individual developments can contribute is low compared with other parts of the south east, particularly when the need to provide affordable housing is taken into account. The SPG therefore sets out a priority order for contributions: • Essential on-site infrastructure • Essential off-site infrastructure or mitigation • Sustainable transport • Education • Off-site community facilities, youth, public art, libraries, social services, waste, countryside management and economic development 1 In considering planning proposals regard will be had to the East Sussex County Council Supplementary Planning Document “Construction & Demolition Waste”.

114 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

19.8 The Council’s preferred approach is therefore:

PREFERRED APPROACH 36: Community Infrastructure Provide an up-dated policy on community infrastructure - developer contributions towards community and other infrastructure, which will be supported by the development of a detailed Supplementary Planning Document.

19.9 A review of priorities will be undertaken but these are unlikely to change significantly, for example the provision of affordable housing will remain a high priority. New requirements such as renewable energy will need to be included. The Police have asked that contributions on policing should be added to the list of priorities, but whilst this will be considered, it is unlikely that we will be able to meet this request, given the present housing market situation in Hastings. Sport England would like to see policies for securing contributions for open space, sport and recreation. Whilst open space and recreational provision directly related to new development would be a normal planning requirement, the securing of contributions to wider recreational provision will require careful consideration, in the light of the above.

19.10 In any event, the whole basis on which developer contributions are secured may change prior to the submission of the Core Strategy. Having recently abandoned proposals for a Planning Gain Supplement, the Government has recently introduced proposals for a Community Infrastructure Levy into its Planning Reform Bill at present before parliament. This would replace, in whole or part, the existing mechanisms for securing developer contributions. The Core Strategy will be amended to take account of any new system.

Sustainability Appraisal

19.11 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 93 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Neighbourhood Planning - Area Co-ordination

The Issues

19.12 Area Co-ordination is about working at a local level to improve quality of life. In Hastings service provision is being organised around four areas, each containing four wards. In each of these areas service providers, residents and local councillors work together so services meet the needs of individual neighbourhoods. We have organised the LDF Core Strategy to clearly show what change is planned in these geographic areas. Consultation Version - May 2008 115

19.13 Co-ordinated by our Neighbourhood Renewal Team, this system aims to tackle crime and raise levels of education, health, employment, housing and environmental standards across the town, whilst maintaining the focus on the neighbourhoods in need of most improvement according to the latest data. We have organised the LDF Core Strategy to clearly show what change is planned in these geographic areas.

19.14 It is important the Local Development Framework supports the spatial aspects of each of the four area delivery plans, and vice versa, and that Area Co-ordination is used to gain greater involvement in, and understanding of, planning issues affecting local neighbourhoods and the town as a whole.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

19.15 70% of respondents agreed that area co-ordination should be recognised as a key way of putting planning policies into practice;

19.16 78% agreed it was an important way to involve local communities in planning issues relevant to their neighbourhood/local area;

19.17 71% agreed it should be recognised as a mechanism for ensuring continual improvement in services provided by the council.

19.18 The detailed comments revealed mixed feelings about neighbourhood planning – some feeling it was another layer of bureaucracy and that there was too much consultation already, others thought that the areas were too big, and wanted more localised neighbourhood working.

The Preferred Approach – Area Co-ordination

PREFERRED APPROACH 37: Area Co-ordination The role of area co-ordination will be recognised in the Local Development Framework by clearly identifying in planning documents where it can have a positive impact in policy implementation. In particular the Council will talk to local people about development of new planning policies.

Sustainability Appraisal

19.19 It is not possible to appraise this approach, as this is a process not an outcome in itself. 116 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 10.1 to 10.10 • Core Strategy objectives – 7, 11 • Draft South East Plan policies – S1, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – CN1, CN3, CN6, CN7, CN9, CN12 • Community Strategy targets – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 • PPGs/PPSs/ Circulars – PPS1

Measuring Success • An indicator for monitoring community infrastructure will be developed when the community infrastructure levy has been introduced. Consultation Version - May 2008 117

Green Space, Landscape and Leisure

20.1 The town’s natural and historic environment is a key asset to our regeneration plans – it makes Hastings an attractive place to live and work in, and is of vital importance to the tourism industry locally.

Nature Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity

The Issues

20.2 Government guidance now requires enhancement as well as protection of our most important wildlife sites and habitats and promotion of biodiversity. Our strategy is set out in Hastings Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2006.

20.3 The draft South East Plan says that unavoidable damage to wildlife interest should be minimised through mitigation; that any damage should be compensated for, and that such measures are monitored.

20.4 For a small urban area we have a very comprehensive range of wildlife and habitat protection designations already protected through existing Local Plan Policies: • International importance – Hastings Cliffs Special Area Of Conservation • National importance – 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest • Local importance – 7 Local Nature Reserves and 30 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance

20.5 It is very important that these areas are protected from unwarranted development. Government guidance requires us to make it clear that priorities for protection are higher for international and national sites than for local designations.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

20.6 The strategy for biodiversity was supported by 94% of the respondents to the Issues and Options consultation. The Forestry Commission maintain that Ancient Woodland should have the same level of protection as SSSIs. 118 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

The Preferred Approach - Nature Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity

20.7 The strategy for biodiversity follows that of the draft South East Plan. The section below sets out the strategy along with information on how this will be put into practice.

PREFERRED APPROACH 38: Nature Conservation and Improvement of Biodiversity a) Provide the highest level of protection for nationally and internationally designated sites. The legal protection for the Hastings Cliff SAC is set out in Government Circulars 06/2005 and 01/2005. Paragraph 8 of PPS9 sets out the Government’s policies for developments likely to have an adverse effect on SSSIs. The Council will apply the principles set out in these documents when considering planning applications, which affect nationally and internationally designated sites. b) Avoid damage to locally important wildlife and geological sites wherever possible. The Council has identified 30 Sites Of Nature Conservation Importance and these are protected through saved policy NC6 of the Hastings Local Plan 2004. The biodiversity value of these sites and other areas of previously developed land will be reviewed in 2008 and will inform a new policy to be included in the Site Specific Allocations DPD. Ancient woodland is protected through saved policy NC10 of the Hastings Local Plan 2004. c) Ensure that unavoidable damage to biodiversity is minimised through mitigation, that any damage is compensated for, and that such measures are monitored. This will be achieved through saved policies NC8 and NC9 of the 2004 Local Plan. These policies will be reviewed as part of a future development control DPD. d) Make sure areas of wildlife importance are accessible and well promoted, identifying areas of opportunity for biodiversity importance and setting local targets to contribute to regional biodiversity targets and quality of life. In October 2006 the Council adopted The Hastings Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This identifies all of the town’s national priority habitats, including a description of the habitat and its location along with national targets and objectives relating to the habitat. The BAP shows that the majority of areas of high biodiversity importance in the Borough occur in designated sites – that is the 7 Local Natures Reserves, 3 Sites Of Special Scientific Interest and the Hastings Cliffs Special Area of Conservation. The Council’s BAP strategy is to enhance biodiversity by focusing on the Consultation Version - May 2008 119

management and protection of this green network of designated sites, which are in themselves ecologically diverse and contain priority species and habitats. e) Influence and apply agri-environment schemes, forestry, flood defence and other land management practices to deliver biodiversity targets. Each of the SSSIs and LNRs has an approved management plan and the Council works with partners such as the Sussex Wildlife Trust and the St Helen’s Park Preservation Society to carry out practical management for the improvement of access, education and biodiversity in these areas. The Council aims to achieve National Nature Reserve status for the Hastings Country Park area by 2015, in conjunction with the biodiversity improvements being undertaken through agri­ environment grant aid. f) Maintain and establish accessible green networks and open green space in urban areas. Saved policy NC7 of the 2004 Local Plan identifies a green network of wildlife corridors, SSSIs, LNRs and SNCIs. This policy will be taken forward in the Site Allocations DPD.

Alternatives and Sustainability Appraisal

20.8 This policy approach has already been appraised as part of the SE Plan process. However, a broad appraisal has been carried out on page 93 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal report.

Landscape Protection

20.9 This was an omission from the Issues and Options Consultation. The Council’s preferred approach is to continue the protection set out in the 2004 Local Plan.

20.10 The overall strategic approach will be supported by more detailed policies in following DPDs and SPDs.

The Preferred Approach – Landscape Protection

PREFERRED APPROACH 39: Landscape Protection The overall approach will be to protect and enhance the Borough’s landscape including: • The distinctive landscape setting of the town, particularly the structure of gills, woodlands and open spaces and the relationship and clear division between the unspoilt coastline of Hastings Country Park and surrounding countryside and the built- up area 120 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

• The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • The strategic gap between the built-up edge of St Leonards and the western boundary of the Borough • The undeveloped coast The Council will work with Rother District Council to improve access to and management of urban fringe areas.

Open Spaces

The Issues

20.9 We need to make best use of our open spaces to promote healthy recreation, community safety, accessibility, urban regeneration and adapting to climate change.

20.10 The 2006 Parks and Open Spaces Strategy specifies that the ocusf for the future will be to improve the quality and value of existing open spaces, rather than establish new ones.

The Preferred Approach – Open Spaces - Enhancement, Provision and Protection

PREFERRED APPROACH 40: Open Spaces - Enhancement, Provision and Protection The Parks and Open Spaces Strategy sets out the strategic policy direction for the provision and management of the town’s open spaces. Our consultations revealed very high levels of support for the Core Strategy to help implement the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy by: a) The progressive enhancement of existing open space provision rather than the creation of new provision, with priority for sites within or adjacent to the most deprived neighbourhoods. The development process will be one means of funding this enhancement through the pro-active use of planning agreements. In particular this could be used to support the proposals for the Broomgrove Millennium Community, the Central St Leonards Master Plan, play provision and the open space network. However, where major new development is proposed in areas with no access to open space, we’ll try to make sure demand generated by the development is met through new provision. Consultation Version - May 2008 121

b) The Site Allocations Development Plan Document will identify development sites where the provision of new, or enhancement of existing open space will be a requirement. The open space contribution from ‘windfall’ development sites will be assessed in relation to need identified through the open spaces audit of 2006 and its subsequent updates. All provision will need to be in accordance with the Council’s Quality Standard For Open Spaces. c) The protection and enhancement of open spaces. The following spaces have been identified in the arksP and Open Spaces Strategy as being of town-wide significance, and the Core Strategy will develop policies to protect, manage and enhance them. These are: Alexandra Park, BOS Field, Church Wood, Gensing Gardens, Hastings Cemetery, Hastings Country Park, Old Roar Ghyll (part of Alexandra Park), Ponds Wood, St Leonards Gardens, St Helen’s Wood, Warrior Square, West Hill, Ore Valley, Summerfields oods,W pedestrian-only streets in the Town Centre, the Seafront, Bexhill Recreation Ground (football), Horntye Park, White Rock Gardens, William Parker Sports College, Sandhurst Recreation Ground (cricket). Currently two Borough wide Open Spaces are subject to further review. With regard to other open spaces including private open space and allotments, these will be identified in the Site Allocation Development Plan Document and will be protected from development which would lead to loss of their open character, biodiversity or accessibility. Planning permission will only be granted for small scale development which directly contributes to or enhances their value to the community. Where this does occur, compensatory provision or a contribution towards further off-site provision will be sought.

Developing a Network of Accessible, Safe, Green Pedestrian and Cycle Routes

20.11 Following the 2006 Issues and Options consultation we have been working to develop a strategic network of cycle and pedestrian routes which will link communities to the town-wide open spaces, the seafront, the town centre, community facilities such as schools and the hospital and nature conservation areas. We feel this network is achievable in the plan period, up to 2026 and provides a clear focus and priority for directing public and private sector investment and developer contributions. The network is to be developed in accordance with our Quality Standards for Open Spaces.

PREFERRED APPROACH 41: Open Spaces – Strategic Network To develop a strategic network of cycle and pedestrian routes as shown on the diagrammatic network on page 133. 122 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Sustainability Appraisal

20.12 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 94 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Sports and Leisure Facilities

The Issues

20.13 Existing facilities are in need of refurbishment and renewal to meet modern aspirations and requirements for high quality multi purpose facilities, meeting a range of leisure needs. This should be provided through centrally located, accessible main facilities with provision for casual recreation, such as multi-use games areas locally based within communities.

20.14 The Summerfields eisureL Centre and the White Rock area are in need of renewal and refurbishment to meet modern aspirations, a range of leisure needs and to provide high quality multi-purpose facilities. Options for the future of these areas are being explored through a study - the results of which will inform the Site Allocations DPD.

The Preferred Approach - Sports and Leisure Facilities

PREFERRED APPROACH 42: Sports and Leisure Facilities Major sports and leisure facilities should be centrally located and be accessible to all of the community. Provision for casual recreation, such as multi-use games areas should be locally based within communities. Given the importance of accessible sports and leisure facilities to improving health and fitness, the ouncilC will continue to protect and support playing fields, sports pitches and sports and recreational facilities through saved policies SP1 and SP2 of the 2004 Local Plan.

Sustainability Appraisal

20.15 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 94 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. Consultation Version - May 2008 123

Childrens’ Play Provision

The Issues

20.16 The 2005 Open Spaces Audit found that the current policy of providing fully equipped formal children’s play areas is not working well, as the play spaces are often underused and expensive to maintain and manage.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

20.17 86% of respondents to the consultation on the Issues and Options paper supported a new approach to play provision as set out in the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

The Preferred Approach - Childrens’ Play Provision

PREFERRED APPROACH 43: Childrens’ Play Provision Local green spaces should be designed in a way that maximises their informal play value. That there should be a relatively small number of large equipped play spaces at key locations around the town that are accessible to all. The Council will require developers to design housing environments in which children have space to play informally and safely and where they have priority over vehicles, and where such spaces contribute to the provision of open space. These are to be developed in accordance with the Council’s Quality Standard For Open Spaces.

Sustainability Appraisal

20.18 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 94 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 11.1 to 11.10 • Core Strategy objectives – 11.13 • Draft South East Plan policies – C2, C3, C4 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – NC6, NC7, NC8, NC9, NC10, L1, L2, L2, L4, L7, DG13, OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4, OS5 • Community Strategy targets – 13a, 20 • PPGs/PPSs/ Circulars – PPS1, PPS9, PPG17 124 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Measuring Success • Access to open space - Increase the % if households within 300 metres of an accessible open space that meets the Councils Quality standards • Condition of SSSI’s (PSA set by Govt requires that 95% of SSSI’s be in a favourable (unfavourable recovering) condition by 2010 • % of open spaces managed to green flag award standard • Change in areas and populations of biodiversity importance: Priority habitats & species and the change in areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value including sites of international, national, regional, sub-regional or local importance • Planning permissions granted contrary to advice of the Environment Agency on either flood defence grounds or water quality • Numbers of participations engaged and registered on Active Hastings interventions Numbers of participations engaged and registered on Active Hastings interventions within 20% most deprived SOAs • Childrens’ Play Provision indicators will be introduced when the Childrens’ Play Provision Supplementary Planning Document is written. • Extent of multi functional Green network Consultation Version - May 2008 125

Environmental Sustainability and Design Overall approach

The Issues

21.1 To support the development of sustainable communities, as part of the town’s regeneration there is a significant need to reduce the effects of and adapt to, climate change. This will involve taking a pro-active approach in reducing the town’s carbon emissions.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

21.2 The “Issues and Options” presented ideas for a strategic policy, and asked whether any other issues needed to be considered. There was general agreement that the issues put forward were all relevant, but further emphasis needed to be placed on the risk of sea flooding in the LDF, and encouraging sustainable modes of transport. Transport issues are considered in the Transport section in chapter 3. Designing out crime and encouraging better accessibility to developments were suggested as additional areas to be included.

The Preferred Approach – Sustainability and Design

PREFERRED APPROACH 44: Sustainability and Design Incorporate a strategic policy that: • Promotes development that will minimise energy use and consumption through the appropriate layout and orientation, building form and design, and design to take account of the micro-climate • Promotes development that incorporates renewable energy production facilities into new developments to minimise carbon dioxide production • Manages and reduces the threat of flooding through the consideration of planning applications using the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and the incorporation of appropriate Sustainable Drainage Systems in new development • Reduces consumption of natural and non-renewable resources • Protects against light, air, land, noise and water pollution • Promotes development that incorporates recycling facilities, and uses waste as a resource4 • Meets high water efficiency standards • Promotes safe, ‘Secure By Design’ and community safety features

4In considering planning proposals regard will be had to the East Sussex County Council Supplementary Planning Document “Construction & Demolition Waste”. 126 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

• Encourages equality of access to developments for the whole community • Require all developments of 10 or more dwellings to be constructed to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes or its equivalent, subject to viability. Require all business and commercial development above a threshold of 1000m2 to meet the BREEAM standards subject to viability. Viability testing of a selection of sites in Hastings will be undertaken as part of the preparation of the evidence base for a detailed policy.

Sustainability Appraisal

21.4 The strategic policy was not presented alongside any other alternative options, but as the only preferred policy direction. As such, sustainability appraisal did not compare it to other options.

21.5 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on pages 94 and 95 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Sustainable Design

The Issues

21.6 Sustainable design plays an important role in addressing climate change and the long term sustainability of the town. Affordable homes are already being built to high sustainability standards in line with the Code for Sustainable homes, which leaves a gap in the private sector where the issue of low carbon building needs to be further developed.

21.7 Part L of the Building Regulations sets standards and targets for reducing the carbon emissions of new homes, progressing towards zero carbon by 2016. The overall strategic approach above also covers many sustainable design elements contributing to the Code for Sustainable Homes.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

21.8 The majority of respondents (93%) agreed that all new developments should meet the minimum level of sustainable construction, for example, using the BREEAM and Eco-Homes standards (which have now been replaced by the Code for Sustainable Homes). Mixed views were received as to the actual level of sustainability that should be achieved, as it was recognised that requiring the highest levels could be too onerous on developers in a town where viability is an issue. Consultation Version - May 2008 127

Renewable Energy

The Issues

21.9 We can progress towards low carbon building by maximising the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing consumption, and making sure energy demand is met from new renewable energy capacity. Although design and build costs are usually higher for energy efficient buildings, lower running costs, health benefits and increased comfort of the occupants, compensate for such costs.

Renewable Energy - Standalone Schemes

21.10 The Council takes a positive attitude to the development of renewable energy provision. There is an opportunity to reword the existing criteria based Local Plan policy to reflect this. Following new Government guidelines (March 2008), we will investigate the potential for identifying specific sites for renewable energy schemes.

The Preferred Approach – Renewable Energy

PREFERRED APPROACH 45: Renewable Energy – Standalone Schemes Proposals for renewable energy developments, including any ancillary infrastructure or building will be favourably considered if: 1) Their scale, form, design, materials and cumulative impacts can be satisfactorily assimilated into the landscape or built environment and would not harm the appearance of these areas; and 2) They would not impact adversely on the local community, economy, biodiversity or historical interests. The Council will investigate the area’s potential for accommodating renewable and low carbon energy sources and supporting infrastructure. Suitable sites will be identified through the forthcoming Sites Allocation Development Plan Document. 128 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Renewable Energy - On Site Provision

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

21.11 The majority of respondents (80%) were in favour of requiring developers to submit an assessment of a developments’ energy demand, and that we require at least 10% of this demand to be supplied from on site renewable energy. Mixed views were received as to whether we should only ‘encourage’ developers to do this, or whether the requirement should relate to all developments as opposed to larger schemes over a certain threshold.

PREFERRED APPROACH 46: Renewable Energy - On Site Provision We are developing a flexible policy for on site renewable energy provision. This policy will encourage developers to consider a range of renewable energy technologies on their sites, some of which may be more appropriate in different locations. The policy targets may increase during later reviews of the plan, in order to reflect the need to address climate change. Subject to further evidence base work (prior to the submission of this Core Strategy), all new commercial development above a threshold of 1000m2, or residential development of 10 or more dwellings, will be expected to provide at least 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation, unless it can be demonstrated that the development will be unviable in terms of development type, location, design or economics.

Sustainability Appraisal

21.12 We consider the sustainability effects of this approach on page 95 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report.

Flood Risk and Water Quality

The Issues

21.13 The risk of coastal and river flooding in the town will increase in the future as a result of the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Coastal and fluvial flooding is particularly relevant towards the western end of the town, with surface water flooding being prominent in the lower Combe Haven Catchment around Bulverhythe. Housing development in the wrong locations could also adversely affect water quality in the town’s rivers and streams. Consultation Version - May 2008 129

21.14 We need to respond appropriately to these issues, and ensure that new development is directed to areas of where there is the lowest possible risk, and incorporate mitigation measures such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs), to minimise the impacts of new development.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

21.15 The issues and options document presented one option, which was to accord with the draft South East Plan policy in relation to Sustainable Flood Risk Management. 47% of respondents agreed that this covered all the flood risk issues in Hastings, with 35% disagreeing.

The Preferred Approach – Flood Risk

21.16 Since the publication of the Core Strategy Issues and Options, a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken in line with government guidance, which has been used in the identification of development proposals in the Core Strategy. However, more detailed assessments will be necessary when planning applications are submitted.

PREFERRED APPROACH 47: Flood Risk In accordance with PPS25 The flood risk associated with new development will be taken into account at all stages of the planning process – this includes in the preparation of future DPDs and SPDs and at the planning application stage. Developments will be directed away from flood risk areas in accordance with principles set out in PPS25 and informed by the Council’s Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Positive adaptation of developments to reduce the risk of flooding will be sought through a variety of suitable measures, including the appropriate use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs).

Sustainability Appraisal

21.17 The option presented at the issues and options stage was not appraised during the sustainability appraisal process due to it having already been appraised as part of the South East Plan. The revised approach is still in keeping with national and regional guidance, and again, has not been appraised in the Sustainability Appraisal report. 130 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Sense of Place and Local Identity

The Issues

21.18 Sense of place and local identity are important characteristics of our town. The future planning policies must make sure that future developments retain the best of the existing heritage and townscape so they add to local character and distinctiveness. Public art and lighting schemes have had a very positive impact on the image of the town in recent years

21.19 We already have a set of development control policies relating to the design and appearance of new development, but the LDF gives us the opportunity to consider whether we should be more proactive in requiring new buildings and spaces to be innovative and complementary to local urban form and building styles and more accessible to everyone.

You Told Us – Results of Issues and Options Consultation

21.20 Our consultations showed that there was a lot of support for the proposal to prepare urban design guides for those parts of the town where new development is likely to impact on features of local identity, and to prepare site specific design briefs for major development sites.

21.21 Our consultations also showed that there was overall support for a policy encouraging developers to invest in public art in the development and surrounding area

The Preferred Approach - Sense of Place and Local Identity

PREFERRED APPROACH 48: Sense Of Place and Local Identity To assess design quality in planning proposals for new homes, the Council will require all major planning proposals involving residential development to address the 20 questions that make up the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE) and the Home Builders Federation Buildings for Life standard. This information will need to be submitted with planning applications involving ten or more dwellings. Place specific design briefs may also be appropriate, depending on circumstances, suitability and timing. Consultation Version - May 2008 131

Built and Historic Environment

21.22 The town has a rich historic heritage and this plays a key part in promoting economic prosperity by fostering tourism and providing attractive living and working conditions which encourage inward investment. We already have a set of planning policies controlling development in relation to listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeological sites and ancient monuments. The Council is committed to using its planning powers to preserve and enhance the town’s unique heritage and conservation area appraisals are a major way of assessing and managing the historic built environment.

The Preferred Approach – Built and Historic Environment

PREFERRED APPROACH 49: Built and Historic Environment Development proposals will be expected to contribute positively to the character of the built and historic environment of the Borough. The character of the built and historic environment will be protected, preserved or enhanced. Particular protection will be given to the character and special features of: a) Conservation areas; b) Listed buildings; c) Historic parks and gardens; and d) Archaeological sites Development which preserves or, where appropriate, enhances the character of important historic buildings and sites and their settings will be encouraged.

21.23 This policy approach will be supported by more detailed policies in the Development Control DPD.

Sustainability Appraisal

21.24 We consider the sustainability effects of these approaches on page 95 of the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report. 132 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Links • Issues and options stage – Questions 12.2 – 12.12 • Core Strategy objectives – 4, 12, 13 • Draft South East Plan – CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4, NRM3 • Hastings Local Plan 2004 policies – DG23, DG24, DG26, DG27 • Community Strategy targets – 21 • PPGs/PPSs/Circulars – PPG15, PPG16, PPS1, PPS10, PPS22, PPS25, Circular 04/06

Measuring Success • Renewable energy capacity (Megawatts) installed by type • Number of commercial developments over 1000m2 providing at 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation • Number of residential developments over 10 dwellings over 1000m2 providing at 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation • Number of qualifying developments/properties installing SUDs • All major housing developments (10 or more dwellings) to be appraised against Council for Architecture and The Built Environment guidance • Planning permissions granted contrary to advice of the Environment Agency on either flood defence grounds or water quality Strategic Planning for Accessible, Safe & Green Pedestrian / Cycle Routes

CONQUEST HOSPIT AL THE RIDGE

LITTLE RIDGE AVENUE ORE VILLAGE

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ORE V ALLEY CORONA TION PEBSHAM WOOD COUNTR YSIDE PARK SILVERHILL

HASTINGS SHORNDEN ALEXANDRA COUNTR Y

PARK PARK C onsult

SUMMERFIELDS WOODS RAILWAY STATION ation V ( BRISCO’S W ALK )

BEXHILL ersion -May2008 BOUNDAR Y TOWN CENTRE ROCK-A-NORE

(DIAGRAMA TIC - PRIORITY NETWORK) 133 134 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Chapter 4: Delivery Mechanisms and Monitoring Framework

In order to achieve the strategic objectives a number of critical success factors were devised (see pages 28-32). Below are the mechanisms and monitoring framework under which these will be achieved, delivery will be either through a specific stand-alone critical success factor for the scheme or an indicator, which will be monitored over the life of the plan.

Delivery of the spatial strategy

Critical Success Factors include: • The Hastings/Bexhill Link road open by 2011. • The Baldslow link between Queensway and The Ridge/A21 to be open by 2011. • Expand the national cycleway route along the seafront to join up Grosvenor Gardens and Galley Hill in Rother. • Work with Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to develop the new Pebsham Countryside Park by 2016. • Establish a strategic network of multifunctional greenspace and cycle and pedestrian routes giving access to greenspace and connecting communities. • £1.7m of Townscape Heritage Initiative funding spent on building restoration by 2011. Consultation Version - May 2008 135

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Location, Scale and Type of Major Development - Housing 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements (210 – Forward per annum). Planning, HBC 4 % of residential At least 60% of residential Annual development development each year. Monitoring completed on Report, brownfield land – Forward 86% in 2006/07 Planning, HBC Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Location, Scale and Type of Major Development - Employment 1, 3, 4 % of employment Provide for at least 60,500m2 New Indicator development of modern, purpose-built floorspace completed industrial and warehouse on brownfield land floorspace on land outside of the town centre. 3, 12 • Number of Increase in business activity NOMIS – VAT VAT registrations/ (measured by an increase in Data deregistrations and VAT registrations). net change in stock - 2006 • VAT registrations - 190 • VAT deregistrations - 135 Net Change - 55 3, 4 Total floorspace Provide for at least 60,500m2 Annual completed in 2006/07 of modern, purpose-built Monitoring within use classes industrial and warehouse Report – B1 (a): 6806.8m2 floorspace on land outside of Forward the town centre. Planning, HBC B1 (b): 148m2 B1 (c): up to 4497.2m2 B2: 11,093m2 B8: up to 2211m2 136 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Location, Scale and Type of Major Development - Employment continued... 1,3, 4 Vacancy rates in Annual employment areas. Industrial 2005 – 3.96% Survey – 2007 – 5.04% Forward Planning, HBC 1, 3, 4 Number of VAT • Increase in business activity NOMIS – VAT registered businesses (measured by an increase in Data – 1,995 in 2006 VAT registrations). Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Location, Scale and Type of Major Development - Retail 1, 3, 4 Vacancy Rates from Vacancy rates maintained at Annual the retail survey less than 15% in district and Retail Survey 2006 – 11.23% local shopping areas. – Forward Planning, HBC 6 Basic services in local Local shopping areas to retain New Indicator shopping areas basic services such as a small supermarket, a sub-post office, pharmacy, bank and newsagent. 3, 4, 5, 7 Amount of retail A gross increase of 30,000m2 Annual floorspace completed comparison goods retail Monitoring 2004/05 – 0m2 floorspace in the town centre Report – 2005/06 - 360.05m2 by 2016. Forward Planning, HBC 2006/07 - 238.93m2 An increase of 2,600m2 of purpose-built retail/commercial floorspace in St Leonards District centre from the Crystal Square development. Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – Central Area 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 Consultation Version - May 2008 137

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – Central Area continued... 1, 3, 4 % of employment New Indicator development floorspace completed on brownfield land 1, 3 Average earnings Improve our relative position ONS – Annual 2006– on (workplace-based) wage Survey of Workplace based - rates in Hastings by closing Hours and £369 the gap between Hastings and Earnings Residence based - East Sussex median average. (ASHE) £377 1, 3, 11 Economically ONS – Annual active working age Population population – 77.9% in Survey/Labour December 2006 Force Survey 3, 4, 5, 7 Amount of retail A gross increase of 30,000m2 Annual floorspace completed comparison goods retail Monitoring 2004/05 – 0m2 floorspace in the town centre Report – 2005/06 - 360.05m2 by 2016. Forward Planning, HBC 2006/07 - 238.93m2 1, 3, 4, 8 Total education Expansion of the education New Indicator floorspace completed sector requiring 35,885m2 of floorspace by delivering the college sites at Station Plaza, Ore Valley and Phase 2 UCH by 2011. Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – South St Leonards 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 3, 4, 5, 7 Amount of retail An increase of 2,600m2 of Annual floorspace completed purpose-built retail/commercial Monitoring 2004/05 – 0m2 floorspace in St Leonards Report – 2005/06 - 360.05m2 District centre from the Crystal Forward Square development. Planning, HBC 2006/07 - 238.93m2 138 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – South St Leonards continued... 2 Household Type – One Reducing the proportion of Census 2001 person households single person households in 13,720 (36.5%) - Central St Leonards to below Hastings 50% by 2021. 2,156 (62.1%) - Central St Leonards 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 2 Tenure of Affordable Widen the range of housing New Indicator Housing delivered available in Central St Leonards, particularly by increasing the amount of social rented housing. Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – East Hastings 3, 4 Total floorspace Provide for at least 60,500m2 Annual completed within use of modern, purpose-built Monitoring classes - 2006/07 industrial and warehouse Report – B1 (a): 6806.8m2 floorspace on land outside of Forward B1 (b): 148m2 the town centre. Planning, HBC B1 (c): up to 4497.2m2 B2: 11,093m2 B8: up to 2211m2 1, 3, 4, 8 Total education Expansion of the education New Indicator floorspace completed sector requiring 35,885m2 of floorspace by delivering the college sites at Station Plaza, Ore Valley and Phase 2 UCH by 2011. Consultation Version - May 2008 139

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – East Hastings continued... 3, 4, 5, 7 Amount of retail • A net increase of 15,560m2 Annual floorspace completed in purpose-built town centre Monitoring 2004/05 – 0m2 comparison goods retail Report – 2005/06 - 360.05m2 floorspace to address a Forward 2 shortfall in scale and quality Planning, HBC 2006/07 - 238.93m identified yb retail studies (consisting of gross 30,000m2 including related service trade shops). • An increase of 2,600m2 of purpose-built retail/commercial floorspace in St Leonards District centre from the Crystal Square development. 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 3, 12 Number of residential New indicator developments over 10 dwellings providing at 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation 2, 3, 12 Number (or %) of new New Indicator homes built to Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 140 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Areas of Change – North St Leonards 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 3, 4 Total floorspace Provide for at least 60,500m2 Annual completed within use of modern, purpose-built Monitoring classes - 2006/07 industrial and warehouse Report – B1 (a): 6806.8m2 floorspace on land outside of Forward B1 (b): 148m2 the town centre. Planning, HBC B1 (c): up to 4497.2m2 B2: 11,093m2 B8: up to 2211m2 Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Managing Change – Wilting 3, 4 Total floorspace Provide for at least 60,500m2 Annual completed in within of modern, purpose-built Monitoring use classes - 2006/07 industrial and warehouse Report – B1 (a): 6806.8m2 floorspace on land outside of Forward B1 (b): 148m2 the town centre. Planning, HBC B1 (c): up to 4497.2m2 B2: 11,093m2 B8: up to 2211m2 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 Consultation Version - May 2008 141

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Managing Change – Housing 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 2 Net housing Provide for at least 4200 new Annual completions – 203 dwellings between 2006 and Monitoring completions in 2026 in line with Draft South Report/ L159 2006/07 East Plan requirements. – Forward (210 per annum) Planning, HBC 2, 13 Housing density – Will be monitored via a traffic Annual percentage of new light system Monitoring homes completed at Report – less than 30 dwellings Forward per hectare (5.6% Planning, HBC in 2006/07), 30-50 dwellings per hectare (38% in 2006/07), above 50 dwellings per hectare (56.4% in 2006/07). 8 Percentage of Will be monitored via a traffic Annual new residential light system Monitoring development within Report – 30 minutes public Forward transport time of a Planning, HBC GP, hospital, primary and secondary school, employment and a major retail centre. 4 % of residential At least 60% of residential Annual development development each year. Monitoring completed on Report, brownfield land – Forward 86% in 2006/07 Planning, HBC 2, 13 Number of empty BVPI 64 - homes brought back Empty Homes into use. Officer - HBC 142 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Managing Change - Affordable Housing 2 The number of new Affordable housing provided LAA Indicator affordable homes on all suitable sites of 15 delivered through the dwellings or more planning system as a percentage of those capable of being delivered. 10/10 – 100% in 2006/07 2 Tenure of Affordable Widen the range of housing New Indicator Housing delivered available in Central St Leonards, particularly by increasing the amount of social rented housing. 2 Affordable housing Affordable housing provided Annual completions on all suitable sites of 15 Monitoring completed through dwellings or more Report – the planning process. Forward 2004/05 - 27 Planning, HBC 2005/06 - 52 2006/07 - 72 Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Managing Change - The Local Economy 3, 6, 9, 10, 13 Number of new hotels Provision of additional good New Indicator provided quality hotel bedspaces through the provision of new facilities and the upgrading of existing ones. 3, 7, 8 Average distance Will be monitored via a traffic ONS – Census travelled to work by light system Statistics - residents - 13.33km in 2001 2001 1, 3 Average earnings Improve our relative position ONS – Annual 2006– on (workplace-based) wage Survey of Workplace based - rates in Hastings by closing Hours and £369 the gap between Hastings and Earnings Residence based - East Sussex median average. (ASHE) £377 1, 3, 11 Economically Increase economic activity to ONS – Annual active working age South East average Population population – 77.9% in Survey/Labour December 2006 Force Survey Consultation Version - May 2008 143

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Managing Change - The Local Economy continued... 1, 3, 5, 6 Business survival rates Will be monitored via a traffic Neighbour­ after 3 years – 1380 in light system hood Statistics 2007 1, 3, 5, 6 Business start ups and Will be monitored via a traffic Small Business closures – 2005 light system Service - Registrations – 175 NOMIS De-registrations - 170 3, 6, 9, 10, 13 Change of use from New Indicator hotel to other uses 1, 3 Losses of employment Annual land in local authority Monitoring area – 1.9ha Report – (2006/07), 0.13ha Forward (2005/06), 0.86ha Planning, HBC (2004/05) 3, 10, 13 Number and size of New Indicator language schools Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Managing Change - Transport and Accessibility 8 Percentage of Will be monitored via a traffic Annual new residential light system Monitoring development within Report – 30 minutes public Forward transport time of a Planning, HBC GP, hospital, primary and secondary school, employment and a major retail centre– 100% in 2006/07. 6, 7, 8, 11, 12 Bus passenger Increase the total number of Community journeys – 18% in bus passenger journeys – 9% Strategy – 19 2006/07 in 2008/09 8 Compliance for travel Require travel plans for New Indicator plans to be provided commercial development on commercial schemes of over gross schemes over gross 1,000m2. 1,000m2 8 Compliance of car New Indicator parking standards in residential completions (Annual 10% random sample) 144 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Managing Change - Greenspace and Leisure 10, 11, 12, 13 Access to open Increase the percentage of Community space - Increase households within 300m of a Strategy - 20 the percentage of multifunctional greenspace, households within which meet the Councils’ 300m of an accessible quality standard in all relevant open space that respects by not less than 4% in meets the Councils each of the next five years and Quality standards – to at least 90% by 2013. 66% in 2006/07 10, 11, 13 Condition of SSSI’s – PSA set by Govt requires English Nature 100% in a favourable that 95% of SSSI’s be in a (unfavourable favourable (unfavourable recovering) condition recovering) condition by 2010 in 2006/07 10, 11, 13 Percentage of open 1% increase year on year Annual spaces managed Monitoring to green flag award Report – standard – 38.4% in Forward 2006/07 Planning, HBC 10, 11, 13 Change in areas • Manage Hastings Country Annual and populations Park Local Nature Reserve Monitoring of biodiversity to enhance biodiversity and Report – importance: improve opportunities for Forward -Priority habitats informal recreation. Planning, HBC & species by type - • Carry out a review of Sites 729.29 Hectares & of Nature Conservation 20 different types of Interest in 2008 to identify Priority Species – No those areas of most value to change local communities and for -Change in areas biodiversity. designated for their intrinsic environmental value including sites of international, national, regional, sub-regional or local significance - 1178.71 Hectares – No Change Consultation Version - May 2008 145

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches - Managing Change - Greenspace and Leisure continued... 12 Planning permissions 0 planning permissions Annual granted contrary contrary to advice of the Monitoring to advice of the Environment Agency on either Report – Environment Agency flood defence grounds or water Forward on either flood quality Planning, HBC defence grounds or water quality – 0 for flood defence, 0 for water quality in 2006/07 9, 10, 11 Numbers of Under 16 – 800 per annum Sports participations Over 16 – 1450 per annum Development engaged and Team – HBC registered on Active Hastings interventions- Under 16 – 2,927 Over 16 – 1,511 9, 10, 11 Numbers of Under 16 – 400 per annum Sports participations Over 16 – 725 per annum Development engaged and Team – HBC registered on Active Hastings interventions within 20% most deprived SOAs – Under 16 – 831 Over 16 – 478 146 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Strategic Indicator Critical Success Factors Data Source Objectives Core Strategy Preferred Approaches – Managing Change - Environmental Sustainability and Design 12 Renewable energy Annual capacity (MW) Monitoring installed by type – Report – 0 completions in Forward 2006/07 Planning, HBC 12 Number of 10% of energy used in new New Indicator commercial buildings major sites to come from on- over 1000m2 site renewables providing at 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation 3, 12 Number of residential 10% of energy used in new New indicator developments over 10 major sites to come from on- dwellings providing at site renewables 10% of their energy requirements from onsite renewable energy generation 3, 12 Number of qualifying New Indicator developments/ properties installing SUDs 12 All major housing All major housing New Indicator developments (10 developments (10 or more or more dwellings) dwellings) to be appraised to be appraised against Council for Architecture against Council for and The Built Environment Architecture and The guidance by 2010 Built Environment guidance 12 Planning permissions 0 planning permissions Annual granted contrary contrary to advice of the Monitoring to advice of the Environment Agency on either Report – Environment Agency flood defence grounds or water Forward on either flood quality Planning, HBC defence grounds or water quality – 2004/05, 2005/06 & 2006/07 - 0 on Flood Defence Grounds, 0 on Water Quality Grounds Consultation Version - May 2008 147

Jargon Buster Note about the Jargon Buster Documents that were part of the old planning system (the Local Plan) are marked with an asterisk (*).

Affordable housing This can take many forms - social rented, low cost home ownership, key worker housing. Most of the demand in Hastings is for social rented housing, but we could look at having a more flexible policy to provide a greater choice and mix of affordable housing types – reflecting the marginal economics of developing some sites in Hastings.

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) We have to produce an Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) to show progress of the Local Development Scheme, and how well the planning policies are working, as well as identifying new issues to be addressed.

Area Action Plan (AAP) These help make sure development is of an appropriate scale, mix and quality for key areas in the town.

Area Coordination Zones The town has been broken down into four distinct areas: North St Leonards, South St Leonards, Central and East Hastings. Each area has four wards, matching the pairing of County Council constituencies, and each has a population of around 21,000. Four Area Management Boards across the town bring together local people, elected members and senior managers from service providers. They aim to shape services to respond effectively by overseeing the performance of Area Delivery Plans, sharing information about major area developments and providing local and specialist knowledge to better understand the needs of these specific communities and neighbourhoods.

BAP – Biodiversity Action Plan These plans are produced at National, Regional and Local levels. Their main aim is to “focus resources to conserve and enhance biodiversity by means of local partnerships, taking account of both national and local priorities” (Guidance for Local Biodiversity Action Plans, 1997).

Biodiversity This encompasses the whole variety of life on earth. Not only does it include all species of plants and animals, but also their genetic variation, and the complex ecosystems of which they are part. It is not restricted to rare or threatened species but includes the whole of the natural world from the commonplace to the critically endangered. It includes the plants and animals familiar to all of us in the places where we live or work, wherever that may be.’ UK Biodiversity Group, Guidance for Local Biodiversity Action Plans: Guidance Note 1, An introduction, 1997. 148 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

BREEAM This stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It assesses buildings against a range of criteria (i.e. energy efficiency, renewable energy production, construction materials) and rates them as PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD or EXCELLENT. There are different standards for different buildings including schools, ices, retail, etc.

Brownfield sites A broad term to describe land which is or has been developed e.g. a factory site which could be cleared and redeveloped, as opposed to land which has never been developed e.g. greenfield land.

Code for Sustainable Homes Due to replace the EcoHomes standards that relate to homes. However it is similar and assesses buildings on a range of criteria including energy efficiency, accessibility, construction materials.

Community Strategy A strategy produced in partnership with various organisations working together to achieve a ten-year vision to improve Hastings & St Leonards.

Core Srrategy This will contain a vision for what kind of place we want the town to be in 10-15 years, will make sure all development is consistent with our Community Strategy, and will give an analysis of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the town.

Country Avenue The Country Avenue concept was proposed in the “Towards a Masterplan for Hastings and Bexhill” document prepared in 2002. The Country Avenue would enable people to connect more easily with each other around the outskirts of the town. It also provides a framework to cater for the new development needed in the area in the long term.

Development Plan Document (DPD) This is the name given to any one Local Development Framework documents that are part of the statutory development plan. The following parts of the Hastings LDF will be known as Development Plan Documents or DPDs: • Core strategy • Site specific allocations of land • Area action plans (where needed) • Proposals map (with inset maps, where necessary)

District Centre This usually comprises of groups of shops often containing at least one supermarket and a range of non-retail services such as banks, building societies, restaurants, as well as local public facilities such as a library. In the retail hierarchy of the Town, the district centres are St Leonards Town Centre and Ore Village. Consultation Version - May 2008 149

DPD - Development Plan Document Any part of the Local Development Framework that forms part of the statutory development plan. A Development Plan Document can include any of the following: • Core strategy • Site specific allocations of land • Area action plans (where needed); and • Proposals map (with inset maps, where necessary)

Economically Active Are those people who are in employment plus the unemployed.

Economic Activity Rate This is an indication of the employment opportunities offered by the local labour market. It measures the number of people who are in employment or unemployed expressed as a percentage of the working age population.

Economically Inactive People who are neither in employment or unemployment. This includes those looking after a home or retired or permanently unable to work.

Economic Inactivity Rate The number of people who are economically inactive expressed as a percentage of the working age population.

Energy Efficiency Making the best or most efficient use of energy in order to achieve a given output of goods or service, and of comfort and convienience.

ESCC – East Sussex County Council County Authority for East Sussex

Examination in Public (EIP) An examination chaired by an independent inspector into objections to the LDDs and the overall “soundness” of the LDD.

GCSE – General Certificate of Secondary Education Certificate of qualification

GOSE – Government Office orf the South East The Government Office orf the South East works with organisations and local authorities across the South East to deliver the Government’s policies and programmes in the region.

Greenfield sites These are sites which have never been developed or used for an urban use, or are on land that has been brought into active or beneficial use orf agriculture or forestry i.e. fully restored derelict land. 150 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Grotbusters This was set up as a direct response to the wishes of local people. It is a hardline, zero tolerance approach to combat run down and derelict buildings in the town. It utilises to the fullest extent enforcement powers conferred by Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Since July 2000 it has turned around 360 former eyesores, transforming the town’s built environment.

High-tech The latest and new development of technology in a specific field, at a particular moment in time.

HNS – Housing Needs Survey A study examining housing requirement needs aspirations and demands of the community and households of the Borough.

ICT – Information Communication Technology The use of hardware, software, data and communications technology.

IMD – Index of Multiple Deprivation The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) combines information relating to income, employment, education, health, skills and training, barriers to housing and services, and crime into an overall measure of deprivation.

Lifetime homes A home built with design features that create a flexible blueprint for accessible and adaptable housing in any setting. Designs incorporate features that allow for flexible living over the lifetime of the occupants and the property. For example in addition to the normal ground and first floors, a house could be provided with full basement, and accessible useable roof space. These areas of the house may be fully furnished and divided or left to be fitted out as and when needed or finances arise.

Local Area Agreement (LAA) Local Area Agreements set out the priorities for a local area agreed between central government and a local area (the local authority and Local Strategic Partnership) and other key partners at the local level. LAAs simplify some central funding, help join up public services more effectively and allow greater flexibility for local solutions to local circumstances.

Local Centre This usually comprises of a small range of shops of a local nature, serving a small catchment – could include a small one supermarket, a newsagents, a sub-post office, laundrette etc). In the retail hierarchy of the Town, the local centres are the Old Town, Silverhill, and Bohemia.

Local Development Document (LDD) This is the name given to any one of the LDF documents that set out policies for specific topics and for named geographical areas. Consultation Version - May 2008 151

Local Development Framework (LDF) The collective name given to all policies and documents forming the planning framework for the town.

Local Development Scheme (LDS) A project management document setting out what the LDF will contain, a timetable for its production, proposals for monitoring and review.

Local Plan * Under the old planning system, a statutory document prepared by the Council which sets out land use policies and proposals for the whole of the town. The current Hastings Local Plan (link to existing Local Plan was published in 2004 and will be replaced by the LDF under the new planning system.

Mixed use This term describes development which includes a range of different facilities, which might include for example shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, offices, homes, hotels, cinemas, clubs and other leisure facilities. Mixed use developments have many benefits, particularly in a town centre. The range of activities can help to attract people at different times of the day and night which helps make the area feel alive and therefore safer. This in turn helps to attract custom and helps the area to thrive both economically and socially.

NOMIS – National Official Labour Market Statistics A web-based database of labour market statistics. It houses an extensive range of government statistical information on the UK labour market including Employment, Unemployment, Earnings, Labour Force Survey and Jobcentre Plus vacancies, (NOMIS, 2005).

ONS – Office of National Statistics Responsible for producing a wide range of economic and social statistics.

Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) * Under the old planning system, these provided statements of Government planning policy on a range of issues. Now being replaced over time by Planning Policy Statements.

Planning Policy Statement (PPS) Government statements of national planning policy, being phased in to supersede Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs).

Principal Centre In the retail hierarchy of the Town, the Town Centre area is the Principal Centre

Proposals Map A map showing site allocations and geographical areas where policies apply.

Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) * Non-statutory guidance under the old system, that were approved by central Government and setting out regional planning policy. Now to be replaced by the Regional Spatial Strategy. 152 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) A statutory document setting out regional spatial strategy and policies, that replaces Regional Planning Guidance. In Hastings this will be known as ‘The South East Plan’. Local Development Documents will have to be in accordance with it.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Includes energy for heating and cooling as well as generating electricity. Renewable energy covers those energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment – from the wind, the fall of water, the movement of the oceans, from the sun and also from biomass. Low carbon energy technologies are those that can help reduce carbon emissions.

RSL – Registered Social Landlord Affordable housing in a Hastings context generally means social housing to rent, which traditionally has been developed by Housing Associations known as RSLs.

SEERA – South East England Regional Assembly The South East England Regional Assembly is the representative voice of the region. It comprises 112 members, including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities. The Assembly has three key areas of work: • promoting the interests of the South East to Central Governnment • making sure regional organisations work to meet the region’s needs • advising Government on regional planning, transport and housing priorities for the South East and important topics such as sustainable development, social inclusion, health and education

South East Plan The South East Plan is produced by the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), and sets out a vision for the future of the South East region to 2026, outlining how challenges facing the region such as housing, the economy, transport and protecting the environment should be responded to. The South East Plan is currently in draft format, and is scheduled to be finalised in early 2008. As it covers a larger geographical area, the South East Plan will influence and shape the Hastings Local Development Framework.

Spatial Planning Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning of considering pieces of land. It seeks to bring together land-use policies with other policies, programmes and strategies (e.g. the Hastings & St Leonards Community Strategy) which can influence the nature of places and how they function.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) This document sets out how Hastings Borough Council will involve the community in the preparation, alteration and review of the Hastings LDF and in the consideration of planning applications.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental assessment of policies, plans and programmes required under the European SEA Directive 2001/42/EC. Consultation Version - May 2008 153

Structure Plan* Under the old planning system, a statutory document prepared by county councils and strategic planning authorities setting out a broad strategy and land use policies for county areas. They will cease to exist under the new system.

SUDs – Sustainable Drainage Systems Alternatives to traditional ways of managing runoff from buildings and hardstandings. They are designed to improve the rate and manner of absorption by water of hard and soft surfaces, in order to reduce the total amount, flow and rate of surface water that runs directly to rivers through stormwater drains.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Non-statutory documents within the LDF, the purpose of which is to expand upon policies or proposals in Development Plan Documents. These replace Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)* Non-statutory guidance prepared under the old planning system to expand upon policies and proposals in a Local Plan. Have been replaced by SPDs under the new system.

Sustainable Development Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable living Sustainable living is a lifestyle that meets the needs of the present day without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable travel / sustainable transport Often meaning walking, cycling and public use of transport (and in some circumstances “car sharing”), which is considered to be less damaging to the environment and which contributes less to traffic congestion than one-person arc journeys.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Assessment of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the polices and proposals contained within the LDF.

The Task Force The Task Force is a partnership of public sector organisations that came together in September 2001 to improve the economy of the Hastings and Bexhill areas. Sea Space is the development company set up in 2003 by The Task Force to put its economic development programme into action.

UCO - Use Classes Order The Use Classes Order 2005 classifies uses of property, such as A1: Shops, A2: Financial and Professional Services, A3: Restaurants and Cafes etc. It also identifies the changes between these classes that would, or would not require planning permission. 154 Hastings Local Development Framework - Preferred Approaches

Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) Working Neighbourhoods Funding (WNF) replaces neighbourhood renewal funding and incorporates the Department of Work and Pensions Deprived Areas Fund. The WNF provides resources for local authorities to tackle worklessness and low levels of skills and enterprise in their most deprived areas. WNF is part of local authorities’ area based funding and is not ring fenced for a particular purpose. However the Government does expect local authorities to set and meet related national indicator targets through their LAA (East Sussex LAA for Hastings and Rother) and there will be reward funding for those that succeed.