We acknowledge that large gardens are actually a feature of Rother's countryside.
Additionally, gardens can have greater biodiversity than the surrounding farmed
countryside. However, the character of most applications for extension would have a
negative effect on the appearance of the High Weald especially. We do not wish to see the working countryside i.e. agricultural and forestry environment gently eroded by these extensions of domesticity into our countryside.

Therefore, we favour Option B with a clear restriction on garden extensions into the
countryside unless:

* The extension adds substantially to the biodiversity of the area.
* If a garden extension is agreed, then the following restrictions should apply.
* No extensions in to areas of ancient woodland - to prevent the deterioration of
* this important habitat.
* That any gardens created cannot subsequently be split; and
* There is a limit on the area of hard-landscaping and buildings that are allowed.
* If an extension to a residential garden is granted, in that permission, all permitted
development rights are removed, so that if the owner wanted to install anything in
that new area later, they would have to apply for planning.