Bexhill Town Profile - Rother District Council

7.6 It also suggests that the construction of the Link Road, coupled with
complementary measures, will create sufficient capacity to accommodate
the strategic allocation currently contained in the Local Plan, as well as
some further expansion. (The location of growth is considered further
below).
7.7 Transport consultants recognise that the network modelling presents a
broad overview of the operation of local roads, but is not so refined as to
make full allowance for alternative routes that may be taken in the light of a
build-up of traffic at particular junctions; nor does it model the impact of
specific improvements that may be made to ease congestion, such as
variations in signal timings, junction widening, right hand turn lanes, etc.
The location of new development, and its form, will also have a bearing on
both traffic generation and flow patterns.
7.8 Therefore, further work is envisaged in relation to potential allocations for
specific sites. However, it is evident that the capacity of the network is very
limited without the Link Road, which suggests consideration of a preconstruction
and a post-construction development target.
The Link Road and Economic Growth
7.9 There is a recognised need for economic growth to support the
regeneration of the Bexhill and Hastings area, which is a specific priority
locally and regionally. (South East Plan policy SCT2 refers).
7.10 The Employment Strategy and Land Review (ESLR) highlighted the limited
supply of available business land or premises in Bexhill, especially of
higher quality and modern accommodation.
7.11 There are existing Local Plan allocations which have the potential to make
some 2,000 jobs, and hence represent the most significant element of
employment land supply. This cannot be realised without the Link Road, as
it provides the necessary access to the sites.
7.12 Evidence provided by the local regeneration company, Sea Space, to the
Link Road CPO Inquiry also identified that delay in road construction would
have the effect of slowing down employment development projects in the
area.
7.13 Therefore, in order to improve the balance between employment
development and housing development, it is important to ensure that they
move forward together. Large scale housing in advance of significant
employment development would be unlikely to contribute to the Vision for
the town.
7.14 In practice, the current economic climate is reducing pressure for housing
development; hence, a low short-term housing growth rate is in line with the
market.
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