QUESTION 110: Do you agree with a policy to support the continued allocation for the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam along its original route?

I support Option A retaining the policy to support the re-instatement of the Railway. This will improve public transport links to the area with minimal environmental impact supporting rural tourism.
Progress made in the development so far demonstrates the commitment made by both the RVR and K&ESR.

I fully support Option A.The Rother Valley Railway have carried out a considerable amount of work on reinstating the sections between Robertsbridge Station and Northbridge Street, and Junction Road and Bodiam, and should be supported in their efforts to complete the line, given the economic benefits that will come from the increase in tourism as a result, The line will also provide a good alternative to the roads for visitors seeking to enjoy the Rother Valley and its attractions.

I strongly support option A of the DaSA to continue to roll forward policy EM8.
I am a former resident of Kent, retiring to the Cotswolds 5 years ago.
I have been a working member of the K&ESR for over 40 years.
It would be a great setback if the line were to be truncated at Bodiam, without its historical connection to the main line. I believe in the economic and tourism benefits to the area, as well as the facility for people to arrive by train.

I am in support of this policy. The current planning application demonstrates continued progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan, and will result in considerable economic and social benefit for the local community. RVR have shown strong commitment with their progress already made in extending the K&ESR line from Bodiam to Junction Road, and in re-building Robertsbridge Junction Station and the line to Northbridge Street. Absolute cooperation with the K&ESR has already demonstrated the running of passenger trains on the current sections of the extension, and will ensure the profession carriage of passengers once the extension is completed.

I fully support this proposal for the following reasons. Steam Heritage Railways are a growing tourist attraction. The number of visitors to the Bluebell Railway has dramatically increased after reinstating the connection to the main line railway at East Grinstead.The RVR proposal has the same potential to increase tourist numbers via public transport. This will ease road traffic and their associated environmental impact. The weekend events planned by the railway will also increase the demand for overnight accommodation with their positive impact on the local economy.

I support option A. RVR has made considerable progress with the infrastructure in line with the policy EM8. That progress is set to continue with the current planning application implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan. Co-operation between RVR and KESR has been demonstrated particularly as KESR have the responsibility for operating passenger carrying trains on the sections of track already completed and for future passenger operations. Clearly there will be economic benefits to the local community from operation of the railway between Robertsbridge and Tenterden.

RVR strongly supports the proposal to roll forward Policy EM8 as now set out in Policy RVR1: Rother Valley Railway. RVR asks that Figure 146 is amended to show the historic route of the railway, in accordance with the submissions in planning application RR/2014/1608.
Significant progress has already been made in progressing the scheme and meeting the three criteria laid down for continuing support.
In respect of (i)
The design of the railway has been developed in close consultation with the Environment Agency (EA), with very detailed modelling and flood risk assessments for all levels of flooding, up to and including a 100yr+cc event. The modelling has shown that as now designed, the reinstatement of the railway will have no effect on the flooding of properties in Robertsbridge and no significant effect elsewhere. The EA has confirmed in writing to RDC that it is content and has no objection to the Planning Application.
In respect of (ii)
The High Weald AONB Unit has confirmed in writing to RDC that it has no objection to the Reinstatement of RVR.
In respect of (iii)
Outline designs for level crossings on the A21, the B2244 and Northbridge Street have been agreed with The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR), Highways England, and the ESCC Highways Department. They have all confirmed in writing to RDC that they do not object to the construction of the proposed level crossings.
Responses have been received from all the other affected Authorities and Organisations with no objections.
In respect of Figure 146, since the issue of the Rother District Local Plan in 2006 RVR has secured the trackbed from Bodiam Station up to Junction Road. Rother DC was advised by letter 17 June 2009 that "In these circumstances we will no longer require the deviation route to the North of the property and the associated additional crossings of the River Rother. The reconnection from Bodiam back to the main line at Robertsbridge will now be along the historic route of the original railway". After RVR rebuilt this section of the railway, Kent & East Sussex Railway was able to start running passenger trains in 2011.
At the Robertsbridge end of the line RVR has purchased further land since 2006 and is building a heritage style terminus station for Kent & East Sussex Railway allowing it to run passenger trains in 2013. The reconnection between Rother Valley Railway and the Network Rail main line was formally opened by Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail on 6 December 2016.
RVR has met with the three remaining landowners and made financial offers to them for the purchase of the track bed, which are well above the present economic value of land in the area, and we continue to engage with them.
All of this work is financed by private benefactors, with recourse to public funds. Independent studies have shown that the reinstatement of RVR will bring economic benefits in excess of £2m p.a. to the area. To-date RVR has spent over £3million in implementing Rother District Council's Policy EM8 and RVR looks forward to the Council's continuing support to complete the project.
Gardner Crawley BSc(Eng) FICE
Chairman Rother Valley Railway

Yes I agree with the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam. I think this will greatly benefit the village of Robertsbridge for both its residents and local businesses. I don't see that the railway will have a negative impact on the environment or disrupt the road network of the A21 or the B2244 Udiam.

I support Oprion A. I think this is an important development to bring many more visitors to the area and provide employment and leisure activity for residents. It is crucial to build on the progress that has already made in implementing Policy EM8 by extending the K&ESR line from Bodiam to Junction Road & Robertsbridge Junction Station to Northbridge Street. The current planning application demonstrating continued progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan.

I fully support the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam. The completed scheme will have substantial environmental, tourist and wider benefits to the whole of the Rother Valley and surrounding areas. The railway will be wholly operated by the K&ESR who have over 40 years experience of operating a heritage railway. Considerable progress has already been made in implementing policy EM8 with the reinstatement of the railway line between Bodiam and Junction Rd also between Robertsbridge and Northbridge St together with new facilities at Robertsbridge Stn including a link to network rail.

I would like to register my SUPPORT of OPTION 'A'. Work in preparation for this option has already developed facilities at Robertsbridge Station and an extension of the line from Bodiam to Junction Road. The K&ESR already run trains from Tenterden to Bodiam and will be able to continue a full service to Robertsbridge under Option A. The new section of railway will provide real economic benefits to the area.

As a resident of Tenterden, a supporter and user of the K&ESR, I strongly support Option A , for the continued allocation for the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam along its original route.

This will build on the progress that has already made in implementing Policy EM8 by extending the K&ESR line from Bodiam to Junction Road & Robertsbridge Junction Station to Northbridge Street. Reinstating the link will make it possible for K&ESR to operate passenger trains on both sections, and the geographic connection to the national rail network at Robertsbridge. This will bring material economic and social benefits to communities along the Rother Valley line, not only in Bodiam, Northiam, Rolvenden and Tenterden but in the adjacent villages. It will also encourage tourism - and hence the local economy - by making it easier for visitors to get to attractions along the line. Bringing the K&ESR route to the national network may also reduce road traffic by enabling rail access.

The current planning application demonstrates the continuing progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan. The policy will maintain cooperation with the K&ESR, which operates the line when passengers are carried.

It is vitally important for this development to proceed to completion. Reinstatement of the Rother Valley Railway link will bring about significant economic and visitor benefits, enabling visitors to reach the existing Kent & East Sussex Railway by public transport. The recently completed link with Network Rail enables construction materials to be brought in by rail, thereby minimising any adverse impact on the local community and environment. Permanent and temporary employment will be generated both during the construction, and for the operation and maintenance thereafter.

I support this in my capacity as a long-standing member of the Rother Valley Railway

No I do not support a specific policy for the re-instatement of this line. This document is supposed to be about what is necessary in the Rother District and not about tourist attractions. If you include one prospective tourist attraction, then you must include all of them.
You make no mention of the, already contentious, issues in the village of Robertsbridge of traffic and parking. This should have no impact on either the amount of traffic in the village or on the number of car parking spaces available. Commuters already line the streets to park free.

I wish to support the adoption of Option A: To roll forward Policy EM8
for reason of:
The ongoing commitment & outlay of RVR Ltd towards EM8 through the planning decisions already obtained (Robertsbridge to Northbridge St and Bodiam to Junction Rd) & the high standard of implementation thereof (both completed & in progress) together with the attention to detail in the consultation for the planning application currently before RDC [RR/2014/1608/P]
The co-operation of K&ESR & its members in the track work construction & maintenance and commitments in operating the passenger service on completion.
Leading to:
The economic benefit to the commercial businesses of Salehurst & Robertsbridge through the additional footfall from tourism.
The protecting / enhancing of the status of (& therefore service to) Robertsbridge Station, on the main line, to the benefit of residents.

I would like to express my strong support for the reinstatement
of Option A to reinstate the railway Bodiam / Robertsbridge
as it makes public transport S/Eastern / K&ESR a genuine
alternative to the car when visiting Bodiam Castle / Tenterden and a lot of walking and fishing options.
There is also the boost for local businesses that increased
tourist footfall brings.

I would like to emphasise my support for Policy EM8. I have been watching the progress of development of infrastructure at Robertsbridge station with the new station building and track layout, fencing etc, which seems to be going well to plan.

The extension of the railway to Bodiam should in my opinion open up tourism in the surrounding area which in turn should be fiscally beneficial to the local community and all its stakeholders. Opening the link will make it viable for railway travellers to use the train to Bodiam Castle, the picturesque towns of Rolvendon and Tenterden and the beauty of the land of this part of Kent & East Sussex.

The option of using rail transport rather than road to access these areas should be more environmentally friendly and of course should lessen the danger of driving along small country roads to access these places. I hope this email has been of interest to you.

I am writing to ask that support is given to the above railway's application to progress their extension to the railway to link up with the Kent and East Sussex Railway (option A). This would benefit the whole community both in terms of tourism, business and bring revenue to the local economy. It would also enable a train service to link up with Bodiam Castle and Tenterden and enable people to visit the area by public transport instead of by car as is the case now and also enhance the benefit of linking up with the main line rail connection at Robertsbridge (South Eastern Railway). The Rother Valley Railway have made huge progress in recent months and years with the site, please allow them to complete the scheme for everyone's benefit.

With reference to the proposal to reinstate the railway from Robertsbridge to Bodiam I wish to affirm my support for Option A as outlined, highlighting the principle points as follows:

Considerable progress has already been achieved implanting Policy EM8 extending the Kent & East Sussex Line back from Bodiam to Junction Road. With generous funding the station and associated trackwork at Robertsbridge is proceeding apace to a high standing of construction and aesthetic appearance.

The K&ESR will be running passenger trains on both sections - Tenterden to Bodiam, Bodiam to Robertsbridge.

There will be a really good economic benefit to the local area, linking as it will a main line station and town at Robertsbridge, the special heritage value of Bodiam Castle, the ancient town of Tenterden, and various hostelries and local rural business en route.

It will be continuing to implement Rother District Council's Local Plan

The Rother Valley Railway will cooperate fully with the highly successful K&ESR who will operate the line.

On a personal note, one cannot fail to see how heritage railways in Britain have become very big news, with countless lines either now operating, extending or being reinstated, providing in many cases a public transport link but always a popular recreational pastime, for people from all ages and backgrounds. It has been shown time and time again that the most successful are those which are able to reconnect their heritage line with a main line station, reducing motor traffic and bringing people from all over the country to the line and all its associated attractions.

This is to say I strongly support Option A of the Rother District Councils Development and Site Allocations Local Plan (DaSA) "to roll forward Policy EM8 in a similar form but acknowledging that the responsibility for the work is now in the name of the Rother Valley Railway with the line seen as extending from Robertsbridge to Bodiam"

for the following reasons:

* The progress that has already made in implementing Policy EM8 by extending the K&ESR line from Bodiam to Junction Road & Robertsbridge Junction Station to Northbridge Street
* K&ESR operation of passenger trains on both sections
* Economic benefits
* Current planning application demonstrating continued progress in implementing Rother District Council's Local Plan
* Cooperation with the K&ESR, who operates the line when passengers are carried.

I write in support of 'Option A' of the DaSA.

I feel it is important to build on the progress made so far in implementing policy EM8 by extending the KESR from Bodiam to Junction Road and from Robertsbridge station to Northbridge Street. Solid commitment has already been made in restoration work hitherto and studies that have already been conducted which show the economic benefits such a project will bring to the area. When future investment is married to the experience of the operator KESR this will fully vindicate the successful completion of this undertaking.

As a member, albeit non-working, of the Kent & East Sussex Railway, my attention has been drawn to your Development & Site Allocations local plan. It mentions two options on Page 357 - either "to roll forward Policy EM8" (Option A) or "to cease to show any positive commitment to the scheme" (option B).

I would ask you to support Option A and continue to support the RVR, which has really gone the extra mile to address the various objections and concerns.

RVR strongly supports the proposal to roll forward Policy EM8 as now set out in Policy RVR1: Rother Valley Railway. RVR asks that Figure 146 is amended to show the historic route of the railway, in accordance with the submissions in planning application RR/2014/1608.

Significant progress has already been made in progressing the scheme and meeting the three criteria laid down for continuing support.

In respect of (i)

The design of the railway has been developed in close consultation with the Environment Agency (EA), with very detailed modelling and flood risk assessments for all levels of flooding, up to and including a 100yr+cc event. The modelling has shown that as now designed, the reinstatement of the railway will have no effect on the flooding of properties in Robertsbridge and no significant effect elsewhere. The EA has confirmed in writing to RDC that it is content and has no objection to the Planning Application.

In respect of (ii)
The High Weald AONB Unit has confirmed in writing to RDC that it has no objection to the Reinstatement of RVR.

In respect of (iii)

Outline designs for level crossings on the A21, the B2244 and Northbridge Street have been agreed with The Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR), Highways England, and the ESCC Highways Department. They have all confirmed in writing to RDC that they do not object to the construction of the proposed level crossings.
Responses have been received from all the other affected Authorities and Organisations with no objections.

In respect of Figure 146, since the issue of the Rother District Local Plan in 2006 RVR has secured the trackbed from Bodiam Station up to Junction Road. Rother DC was advised by letter 17 June 2009 that "In these circumstances we will no longer require the deviation route to the North of the property and the associated additional crossings of the River Rother.

The reconnection from Bodiam back to the main line at Robertsbridge will now be along the historic route of the original railway". After RVR rebuilt this section of the railway, Kent & East Sussex Railway was able to start running passenger trains in 2011.

At the Robertsbridge end of the line RVR has purchased further land since 2006 and is building a heritage style terminus station for Kent & East Sussex Railway allowing it to run passenger trains in 2013. The reconnection between Rother Valley Railway and the Network Rail main line was formally opened by Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail on 6 December 2016.

RVR has met with the three remaining landowners and made financial offers to them for the purchase of the track bed, which are well above the present economic value of land in the area, and we continue to engage with them.

All of this work is financed by private benefactors, without recourse to public funds. Independent studies have shown that the reinstatement of RVR will bring economic benefits in excess of £2m p.a. to the area. To-date RVR has spent over £3million in implementing Rother District Council's Policy EM8 and RVR looks forward to the Council's continuing support to complete the project.

Gardner Crawley BSc(Eng) FICE
Chairman Rother Valley Railway

SUMMARY

RVR strongly supports the proposal to roll forward Policy EM8 as now set out in Policy RVR1: Rother Valley Railway. RVR asks that Figure 146 is amended to show the historic route of the railway, in accordance with the submissions in planning application RR/2014/1608.

Significant progress has already been made in progressing the scheme and meeting the three criteria laid down for continuing support.

Summary of Comment: RVR strongly supports the proposal to roll forward Policy EM8 as now set out in Policy RVR1: Rother Valley Railway. RVR asks that Figure 146 is amended to show the historic route of the railway, in accordance with the submissions in planning application RR/2014/1608.

Significant progress has already been made in progressing the scheme and meeting the three criteria laid down for continuing support.

I Agree with the policy to support the re-instatement of the railway link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam along its original route.

As a long time supporter of the 'Kent & East Sussex Railway' and a regular visitor to Robertsbridge (as I have relatives who live in the village), this is long overdue. Progress is now underway at Robertsbridge by the Rother Valley Railway Co. and I am confident that the line can be rebuilt with no impact to the county side (which will be able to be seen, but not damaged by the lines passengers), without increasing the flood risk, and can cross the roads safely.

Heritage railways in other parts of the county have breathed new life in into the towns and villages that they serve and I see no reason why Robertsbridge would be any different.

The extension of the Bluebell Railway to East Grinstead was done without any extra parking provision, and this has not caused any problems. Passengers arrive at East Grinstead by train, and those coming by car drive to Sheffield Park or Horsted Keynes. I am sure that the same will apply to the Kent & East Sussex, by train to Robertsbridge, or by car to Tenterden or Northiam. Bodiam the current terminus has no parking, and this is not a problem.

I support the Rother valley Railway Application and Option "A" of the local plan.
Because progress has been made in implementing Policy EM8 as the line has already been extended to Junction road , and the line has been laid with trains running from Robertsbridge to Northbridge Road .

The operation on both lines being by the K.E.S. Railway .
This line will bring economic benefit to Robertsbridge and surrounding area .
The line continues to progress in implementing the Rother District Council local Plan .
The complete line will be run by the K.E.S.R.
The plan needs Bold , Imaginative ,and Positive Thinking to take the Rother Valley District into the 21st Century . We must help and attract and keep young people in the area .Option "A" will help .
Thanking you

* Cooperation with the K&ESR, who operates the line when passengers are carried.
Option A of the Rother District Councils Development and Site Allocations Local Plan states: "to roll forward Policy EM8 in a similar form but acknowledging that the responsibility for the work is now in the name of the Rother Valley Railway with the line seen as extending from Robertsbridge to Bodiam"

I support this proposal

Agree, option A.

I also wish to fully endorse all the comments made by the Rother Environmental Group, submitted by Stephen Clift.

Support the reinstatement of Rother District Railway which will have a significant benefit in improving transport links between Tenterden through Robertsbridge onto the mainline network.

I registered on your website to comment on the plan but was then unable to find either the email form or the online comment form. A request for help has not yet been responded to and I will be unable to get to it tomorrow or Monday, which is the last day for submissions. Please, therefore consider the following and transcribe it to a form if that is necessary.

I urge you to adopt "Option A" of the plan in so far as it supports the Rother Valley Railway's bid to complete the rail link from Robertsbridge to Bodiam and thence to Tenterden. "To roll forward Policy EM8 in a similar form but acknowledging that the responsibility for the work is now in the name of the Rother Valley Railway with the line seen as extending from Robertsbridge to Bodiam The project has great heritage value and will enhance the existing line's tourist offer, providing a public amenity and additional visitors and income for the area.

I know that RVR and K&ESR closely cooperate and future train operation on the RVR by the K&ESR can only be an asset to the area in terms of both revenue and tourist facilities. They have made fantastic progress so far and any assistance that Rother District Council can give would boost their chances of success.

I have followed progress on the railway for many years - since the 1960s - and the strides made since those early days are unbelievable. Increasing the appeal of this popular heritage and tourist venture which entirely "not for profit" should surely be a priority.