Rother District Council

Rother's Local Development Framework is based on thorough investigations of the needs, opportunities and constraints within the district. Studies have been undertaken on the key aspects of the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the area. A number of background papers have been prepared.

The Affordable Housing background paper details the evidence base which supports the affordable housing policies in the Local Housing Needs chapter of the Proposed Submission Core Strategy. It looks at thresholds, percentages and tenures of affordable housing, along with the methodology for affordable housing targets.

The Battle Town Study is part of the evidence base to inform Rother District Council's Core Strategy Development Plan Document. The study includes a profile of the town (in terms of population, economy, services, housing and environment) and investigates some of the key issues facing the town in a planning context. The associated appendices can be found here.

The Bexhill Town Study forms part of the evidence base to refine the strategic policy direction of Bexhill. The study focuses on the challenges facing the town and contributed to the development of a framework to support coordinated growth of the town, in a way that makes it a stronger centre for jobs, community and services, with a clear independent identity. The associated appendices can be found here.

The Consultation Statement prepared for the Proposed Submission Core Strategy sets out what stakeholder engagement there has been to date and specifically highlights comments made in earlier consultations, and the council's responses. The Interim Consultation Statement which was prepared for the 'Strategy Directions' can be found here.  

A 'District-wide Shopping Assessment' prepared by GL Hearn, is available. The purpose of this assessment is to inform and guide retail planning in the District.

The Equalities Impact Assessment details the results of the Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) of the Rother District Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy. The main purpose of the EqIA is to assess whether the Proposed Submission Core Strategy affects different groups of people in different ways. It considers the likely impact on these different groups and how the needs of such groups have been taken into account in relation to the development of the Core Strategy and the policies contained within it.

The Green Infrastructure Study is a background evidence study for the LDF. Its purpose is to draw on relevant sources to identify spaces that contribute to green infrastructure in the district and to identify potential opportunities for future green infrastructure provision.

The Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople background paper details the evidence base and methodology for the provision of sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. It outlines the appropriate level of provision for Gypsy and Traveller pitches within the District based on local need.

The Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) on the Dungeness SAC, Dungeness to Pett Level SPA and SPA extension and Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay proposed Ramsar site was undertaken jointly with Shepway District Council. The purpose of a HRA is to assess the impacts of a land-use plan, in combination with the effects of other plans and projects, against the conservation objectives of a European nature conservation site, also known as the Natura 2000 network; and to ascertain whether that plan would adversely affect the protection or integrity of such a site.

A Screening Report for all international nature conservation sites likely to be affected by development plans for Rother district was published in 2008. An updated Screening Report on the Hastings Cliffs SAC is available.

The Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) for the Pevensey Levels Ramsar site, including separate reports in relation to hydrology and air quality.

The Hastings Fringes background paper provides the evidence base supporting the Hastings Fringes chapter of the Proposed Submission Core Strategy. The paper focuses on urban fringe management of the Hastings Fringe area, improving accessibility in the Hastings and Bexhill area, and looking at sustainable urban expansion that supports the shared vision for Hastings and Bexhill and is consistent with traffic and environmental constraints.

The Hastings & Rother Employment Strategy Review (incorporating Employment Land Review) has been prepared jointly with Hastings Borough Council. It provides the evidence base for the development of spatial economic strategies in the Authorities' respective LDFs. The Hastings & Rother Employment Strategy Review Update (incorporating Employment Land Review) has been prepared jointly with Hastings Borough Council.  It updates the evidence base for the development of spatial economic strategies in the Authorities' respective LDFs.

The Hastings & Rother Housing Market Assessment 2006 was undertaken jointly with Hastings Borough Council. It established a strategic vision of housing supply and demand over the next 10 years.

The Hastings and Rother Strategic Housing Market Assessment Update 2009/10 was undertaken jointly with Hastings Borough Council. The Update addresses the gaps in the original 2006 HMA report to ensure it complies with the Communities and Local Government Guidance (2007) and considers the effects of the housing market downturn.

The Housing Needs Study 2005 was carried out by David Couttie Associates (DCA) on behalf of the Council. The purpose of the study was to examine the housing requirements needs, aspirations and demands for the communities and household of the District.

The Housing Strategy 2007 to 2012 is produced by the Council's Housing Division. It includes valuable research into the housing needs of Rother's residents.

There are a number of relevant Housing studies on issues such as affordable housing, homelessness and gypsies and travellers.

The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) identifies key pieces of infrastructure needed to achieve the objectives and policies in the Core Strategy, and identifies broad locations where the infrastructure will be located. The IDP is a 'live' document and will be periodically reviewed and updated as infrastructure providers assess their investment plans.

Landscape Assessments have been carried out for strategic development areas around Bexhill and the Hastings Fringes and for the Market Towns and Villages in order to assist consideration of the development strategy.

A 'Low Carbon & Renewable Potential Study' has been prepared for the Council by Scott Wilson in association with Drivers Jonas and Thameswey Energy to help in the development of policies for a low-carbon future.

An Open Space, Sport & Recreation Audit and Assessment has been completed with the assistance of PMP consultants and in accordance with national planning guidance (PPG17).

The Overall Housing Provision in Rother District background paper reviews the national policy guidance, as well as the basis of, and assumptions behind, the housing provisions for Rother in the South East Plan. It considers their currency in terms of providing a strategic direction for the wider area as well as for Rother. The main body of the Paper concerns itself with determining the appropriate level of housing growth by looking in turn at the various factors that need to be carefully balanced.

The Rother District Affordable Housing Viability Assessment 2010 tests the District Council's proposed affordable housing policies and ensures that they are consistent with securing the delivery of new houses within Rother.

The Rother in Profile Document identifies the main spatial characteristics of the District, and sets the scene for the consideration of future development and change in Rother.

The Rye and Rye Harbour Study forms part of the evidence base to inform Rother District Council's Core Strategy Development Plan Document. The paper focuses on Rye and Rye Harbour village and contributed towards refining the 'place-shaping' framework for one of Rother's most distinctive settlements. The associated appendices can be found here.

A Rural Settlements Study aims to contribute towards the 'Place-Shaping' of individual villages. It has helped inform the Core Strategy by defining villages in terms of their service role, and need/suitability for development.

A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has been prepared by the council, together with its consultants, Scott Wilson and in consultation with the Environment Agency.

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) identifies sites with housing potential, both those that accord with current planning policy and further ones that would require a change in policies if they are to be pursued.

The Urban Options Background Paper, which elaborates on the context for the strategies for Bexhill, Battle and Rye, and on their respective strategic options for future development and change.

All of the above are available to buy as hard copy. Please contact the Strategy and Environment Section for more information.
Tel: 01424 787655
Fax: 01434 787657

Email: planning-strategy@rother.gov.uk

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