I am pleased to see that the local bus network is to be enhanced to meet the needs of new developments as they occur - TRA 4.

* Trains. Under Policy TRA4, there is a reference to the Council working with companies to enhance the local bus network but no mention of trains. With South-Eastern's franchise up for renewal before long, we believe ABC should also concern itself with the train service which is an essential part of Ashford's infrastructure. Matters such as the coherence of standard services with HS1 (reducing the need to drive to Ashford to catch high-speed trains), maintaining at least partial manning of rural

TR4 p 220 local bus network p220 This policy is supported. It is essential that an efficient bus network on the new estate is provided early on in the development and the roads designed for this use. This will encourage use of the buses and decrease car use.

Please find see attached document, extract copied below: Policy TRA4 – Promoting the Local Bus Network 5.23 Whilst in principle the promotion of sustainable transport measures is supported, contributions must be:  Necessary;  Directly related; and  Fair and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. 5.24 This is a legal requirement of 'The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) Regulation 122' (CIL). As currently worded the policy imposes a blanket d

Policy TRA4 – Promoting the Local Bus Network 3.21 It is a legal requirement of 'The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) Regulation 122' (CIL) that contributions are, reasonable; necessary and directly related. As currently worded the policy requires all new development to contribute to the enhancement of the bus network regardless of whether this requirement meets the tests outlined above. The policy as currently worded consequently fails to be 'Justified' and 'Cons