Spatial Development Option
At paragraph 12.15 the Core Strategy confirms that the preferred spatial development option for the villages remains 'to primarily focus on the service centres', whilst taking into account other factors such as local needs, accessibility, environmental factors, local opportunities and whether growth levels are proportionate to settlement size over the course of the plan period.

In so far as this would provide support for new development in Ticehurst the approach is supported.

At paragraph 12.73 the Core Strategy recognises that opportunities to secure sensitive infilling and redevelopment within the development boundaries of Villages is limited and confirms that sites for development in and around villages will be identified through the Site Allocations DPD, which we have already made extensive representations on with regard to Banky Field. This approach is also supported and this element of the policy justified.

Housing Distribution
In order to meet housing needs and ensure the continued vitality of villages, Policy RA1 sets a housing provision of 950-1,000 additional dwellings (comprising both existing commitments and new allocations) in the villages of the district across the plan period.

Of this requirement, housing provision is specifically apportioned to Ticehurst as a rural service centre and a target of 35-55 new dwellings to help meet the overall target for the village area of the district. The planned provision for additional housing development in Ticehurst over the plan period is firmly supported, however Ticehurst is identified in the SHLAA as providing a deliverable supply of housing above the level set out in the policy. Banky Field itself is capable of providing at least 60 residential units. Ticehurst is well located in terms of transport networks and presents a range of services which denote its designation as a rural service centre. It is therefore considered that the village is fully capable of sustaining a higher level of housing development without prejudicing any environmental characteristics or amenity. An increase in supply at appropriate locations such as this would directly accord with the presumption in favour of sustainable development set out by Central Government and would contribute to the much needed sustainable economic growth for the district.

Employment Provision
Paragraph 12.22 refers to employment development in rural areas and states that the occupancy rate of business space in the rural areas is comparatively high. The Strategy and Land Review (ELR) compiled as background evidence to the Core Strategy suggests there is a need for new employment floorspace within Rother's rural areas with at least 10,000 sqm additional business floorspace required in rural localities, preferably within or at least well related to existing village development boundaries. New employment provision is identified as being most appropriately delivered in the form of sensitive expansion of existing area or as part of new mixed development sites.

Ticehurst is identified at Paragraph 12.24 as being a village in particular need of employment opportunities and as such, the need for appropriate levels of new housing as addressed above is clear in order to deliver sustainable growth to compliment employment growth.

Open Space and Sports Facilities Provision.
At Paragraph 12.33 the Core strategy refers to Open Space needs in rural areas and particularly refers to the Open Space, Sport & Recreation Study (2007) which suggests that in rural areas there is a shortage of children's play areas and amenity green space. In the west of the district's rural areas there is said to be a more localised deficit of outdoor sports facilities and allotments. Furthermore the Rural Settlements Strategy identifies Ticehurst specifically as requiring more outdoor sports facilities.

In order to address the needs of rural villages in this respect, Policy RA1 provides specific support for community, recreational and educational facilities that provide social and community benefits to villages.

The scale of land at Banky Field which is within one ownership provides significant scope for open space and play area provision alongside housing development whilst its proximity to Ticehurst Primary school provides the opportunity to secure improved open space provision for the school in the form of an additional sports pitch or similar as an extension to the school grounds. In short the site provides significant potential to secuire improved recreation and sports facilities that would be of benefit to the entire community in the village.