Pre-submission
(Reg 14)
Version
October
2020
Executive
Summary
This pre-submission consultation plan has been
prepared by a Steering Group of volunteer parish councillors and residents for
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council on behalf of those who live and work
within the parish.
The plan comprises a vision statement for the
future and a set of objectives that encapsulate the views expressed by the
community through extensive consultations since March 2017, in accordance with
the neighbourhood planning regulations. The vision and objectives are the
touchstone for all future development in the parish. These are supported by a
set of planning policies and a series of projects to realise the vision and
objectives. The plan has been informed by the strategic policies in the
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Local Plan, against which it needs to be in
general conformity.
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish is faced with
a period of rapid residential growth, the level of which has not been seen here
for over 60 years. Under the TWBC New Local Plan the residential built form of
the parish is likely to see an approximate 33% increase.
The policies and projects in this plan aim to
ensure that the distinctive heritage and rural nature of the parish is
preserved, whilst securing the community and economic benefits that growth can
bring.
Policies and projects are focused on the
following key areas:
–
Landscape & the Natural
Environment
–
Design & Heritage
–
Access & Movement
–
Business & Employment
–
Housing
–
Culture & Community
–
Infrastructure
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish is an
historic, vibrant, and beautiful corner of Kent, and one which is much admired.
It is the intention of the policies and projects in this document to support
the community through the enormous changes during the next fifteen years.
As the previous community consultations took
place before the pandemic, we are especially interested to hear your views
about possible future changes and concerns which the current health crisis and
ongoing climate crisis has brought to light, for instance:
· changes
to working and shopping patterns
· changes
in traffic levels, travel, and modes of transport
· adaptations
in shops, schools, arts, music, sports, and other public venues
· the
heightened importance of living space at home
· greater
appreciation of neighbours and community
· access
to nature and green space outside
· future
opportunities in green and technological economies
· access
to locally-grown food.
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