Battle's draft 20 year plan on display
Draft plans for the future of Battle over the next 20 years will be unveiled to residents at a one-off exhibition on Monday.
The Local Development Framework, which is being prepared by Rother District Council, focuses on how the town and surrounding villages should develop over the next two decades.
The draft plan includes how many new homes should be built, how Battle's roads should be developed and changes to the town's infrastructure.
In the wake of Blackfriars, the issue of how many new homes should be earmarked for the town is likely to stir strong feelings amongst townsfolk.
The report suggests between 80 and 130 new homes should be built in Battle by 2026 and identifies five possible areas for development.
Much of the proposed development would take place at the southern end of the town heading towards Hastings, according to the LDF.
Extra parking would be made available at that end of the town, but no new school in the south of Battle is currently listed in the plans.
But Battle Town Council chairman, Cllr Ron Harris, was critical of the proposals to create so many parking spaces at that side of the town.
Speaking at this week's town council meeting, Cllr Harris said: "Visitors come here for the dentists and banking and Post Office from villages such as Ticehurst and Sedlescombe and surrounding villages, and tourist visits.
"Only about 30 per cent come up from the south from Hastings.
"Up to 70 per cent come from the other directions, the north, east and west, so why on earth would we want to put a car park at the other end of the town?"
The draft LDF also includes plans for a swimming pool, but not the hoped-for community centre.
Cllr Harris said: "What we have to do is draw the attention of the town's people and find out their views."
The Local Development Framework plans will be on show at Battle Memorial Hall at an exhibition on Monday.
The exhibition, organised by Rother District Council, will be open between 2.30-7.30pm.
And residents will get the chance to have their say on the plans at a public meeting, organised by Battle Town Council, on December 10 at Battle Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm.
Cllr Harris added: "This consultation is important to the future of the town and I hope everyone will take an opportunity to express their views."
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Weather for St Leonards-on-Sea
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -7 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
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Wind direction: North east
