Cookson's Promise - Empty Words?

In 2007, The Burtons' St Leonards Society voiced their concerns about the future of the Archery Ground with our then MP, Michael Foster, who in turn wrote to Tim Cookson, head of Hastings Planning, asking for assurances regarding the development of the site. Below is Tim Cookson's reply :

15 August 2007

Dear Mr. Foster,

Hastings College, Archery Road Site:
BurtonSt Leonards Society

Thank you for your letter dated 7th August concerning the above matter. Simon Hubbard is on leave at present and I am responding on his behalf.

The Council have been working closely with the site owner, prospective developer and relevant agents in order to achieve an acceptable form of development on the site. I can assure you that we will be seeking a development of high quality architecture within this designated conservation area.
The Council will expect the development to meet the relevant policies set out in the adopted Hastings Local Plan (2004). In particular, Policy C1 concerning development within conservation areas which sets out our requirements as follows:-
Planning permission for development proposals within and adjacent to conservationareas will not be granted unless:-
The proposal would preserve or enhance the buildings, related spaces, the streetscene and other features that contribute to the character or appearance of the area;

1. There is a high standard of design and detailing which reflects the surrounding architectural style, scale, massing, boundary treatment and site coverage;
2. Trees, gardens  spaces between buildings and other open spaces (and particularly parks and gardens in conservation areas) which contribute to the character of the area should not be lost;
3. High quality traditional materials and finishes that are sensitive to neighbouring properties must be employed;
4. The layout and arrangements of the building(s) should follow the pattern of existing development and plot widths; and
5. The character and amenity of the area would be safeguarded following the accordance of the development with suitable car parking and access requirements.

The Council will expect all planning applications to be accompanied by sufficient information to allow a full assessment of the proposal to be made and will refuse planning permission if such information is not provided.
I hope you are reassured with the approach we intend to adopt but do not hesitate to contact me if you require further guidance on the matter.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Cookson
Borough Planning Officer (see full correspondence chain)

Now read Stephen Gray's assessment of the planning application produced two years later (Stephen Gray was formerly chief architect at the Department of Environment)