Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 24692
Received: 22/05/2024
Respondent: Town and Country Planning Solutions
Agent: Town and Country Planning Solutions
Rother Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation Objection to Site BEX0050 - Land south of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill
This representation objects to a site which has been identified by the Rother District Council as a potential future allocation with the draft Rother Local Plan (2020 – 2040). The site is known as ‘Land south of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill’. It has been assessed within the Council’s Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (April 2023) as being potentially suitable for up to 340 residential dwellings and 4,000 sq m of employment space (site ID BEX0050).
The attachment sets out the grounds for objecting to this site being allocated for development, together with the rationale behind each.
Rother Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation Objection to Site BEX0050 - Land south of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill
This representation objects to a site which has been identified by the Rother District Council as a potential future allocation with the draft Rother Local Plan (2020 – 2040). The site is known as ‘Land south of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill’. It has been assessed within the Council’s Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (April 2023) as being potentially suitable for up to 340 residential dwellings and 4,000 sq m of employment space (site ID BEX0050).
The attachment sets out the grounds for objecting to this site being allocated for development, together with the rationale behind each.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 24838
Received: 11/06/2024
Respondent: David & Janet Allen
Number of people: 2
Dear planning committee
Following the publication of the draft local plan, Bex 0072 has been earmarked as potential development land. We would like to make comments on the plan.
There are five plots of land with different land owners which comprise Bex 0072 and the area is divided by the A269 Ninfield Road. We would suggest that it would be more efficient if it was treated as two different sites on either side of the Ninfield Road, giving two plots of land to the east and three plots to the west of the road.
As the land on either side of the Ninfield Road have different challenges, with more being identified on the land to the west of the road, it would be logical to designate these as two separate sites.
Dear planning committee
Following the publication of the draft local plan, Bex 0072 has been earmarked as potential development land. We would like to make comments on the plan.
There are five plots of land with different land owners which comprise Bex 0072 and the area is divided by the A269 Ninfield Road. We would suggest that it would be more efficient if it was treated as two different sites on either side of the Ninfield Road, giving two plots of land to the east and three plots to the west of the road.
As the land on either side of the Ninfield Road have different challenges, with more being identified on the land to the west of the road, it would be logical to designate these as two separate sites.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 25276
Received: 12/07/2024
Respondent: Forte Developments Ltd
Agent: ADP
Please see attached representation.
Please see attached submission
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 25786
Received: 21/07/2024
Respondent: Janice Takoor
I would like to raise concerns over the existing Spindlewood Proposed development and the BEX0050 proposed development.
Both seem to use an access road onto Barnhorn Road A259 at a dangerous bend and opposed by Highways England.
The proposed developments would incur increased traffic through Little Common which is already backed up throughout the day.
The current services of GP and Primary school places are also at a peak with no provision for resolving issues.
The increased risk to the Pevensey Levels and localised flooding are also serious concerns with these proposals.
Please seriously consider these important issues.
I would like to raise concerns over the existing Spindlewood Proposed development and the BEX0050 proposed development.
Both seem to use an access road onto Barnhorn Road A259 at a dangerous bend and opposed by Highways England.
The proposed developments would incur increased traffic through Little Common which is already backed up throughout the day.
The current services of GP and Primary school places are also at a peak with no provision for resolving issues.
The increased risk to the Pevensey Levels and localised flooding are also serious concerns with these proposals.
Please seriously consider these important issues.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 25806
Received: 21/07/2024
Respondent: Mr John Blackmore
I am writing to lodge in the strongest possible terms my objections to this further planned development.
It is totally unacceptable on numerous fronts , the most important of which are ;-
-Additional threat to the Pevensey Levels, which are already in peril from proposed developments off Spindlewood Drive and Clavering Walk.
-There is already inadequate infrastructure to support these developments. so how the proposal to build a further 340 homes can even be considered is beyond belief. There is inadequate Sewerage provision, inadequate number of GP's and a lack of suitable School places.
-The traffic situation on the A259 is already dire at peak times and it appears that the only access onto this road from BEX0050 proposals will be from the same point as from the Spindlewood development, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN REFUSED BY NATIONAL HIGHWAYS!
-The same old tired accusation of "nimbyism" will doubtless be trotted out in response to objections but that is far from reality. The plain fact is that views of existing residents, and Council Tax payers, are all to often ridden over roughshod and treated with contempt .
It has got to stop and it must start with a complete refusal of the propositions made under BEX0050.
I am writing to lodge in the strongest possible terms my objections to this further planned development.
It is totally unacceptable on numerous fronts , the most important of which are ;-
-Additional threat to the Pevensey Levels, which are already in peril from proposed developments off Spindlewood Drive and Clavering Walk.
-There is already inadequate infrastructure to support these developments. so how the proposal to build a further 340 homes can even be considered is beyond belief. There is inadequate Sewerage provision, inadequate number of GP's and a lack of suitable School places.
-The traffic situation on the A259 is already dire at peak times and it appears that the only access onto this road from BEX0050 proposals will be from the same point as from the Spindlewood development, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN REFUSED BY NATIONAL HIGHWAYS!
-The same old tired accusation of "nimbyism" will doubtless be trotted out in response to objections but that is far from reality. The plain fact is that views of existing residents, and Council Tax payers, are all to often ridden over roughshod and treated with contempt .
It has got to stop and it must start with a complete refusal of the propositions made under BEX0050.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 25808
Received: 21/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Gillian Johnston
Number of people: 2
We wish to strongly object to proposed development that will impact on the A259 and surrounding area. In particular, but not exclusively, we would mention the following:
1). The A259 cannot cope with the existing volume of traffic as evidenced by daily tail backs through Little Common and The Marsh Road.
2). The infrastructure, in particular schools & doctors is woefully inadequate.
3). We cannot see how you can possibly guarantee the integrity of The Pevensey Levels inperpetuity.
4). Given their track records, we fail to see how you can have any confidence in the supply & disposal of water.
We would urge an urgent review before irreversible decisions are taken.
We wish to strongly object to proposed development that will impact on the A259 and surrounding area. In particular, but not exclusively, we would mention the following:
1). The A259 cannot cope with the existing volume of traffic as evidenced by daily tail backs through Little Common and The Marsh Road.
2). The infrastructure, in particular schools & doctors is woefully inadequate.
3). We cannot see how you can possibly guarantee the integrity of The Pevensey Levels inperpetuity.
4). Given their track records, we fail to see how you can have any confidence in the supply & disposal of water.
We would urge an urgent review before irreversible decisions are taken.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26065
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust objects to ancient woodland areas being included in sites allocated as suitable for development. Where development sites are adjacent to ancient woodland, we recommend that as a precautionary principle, a minimum 50 metre buffer should be maintained between a development and the ancient woodland.
The Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI) for the area may be incomplete. We therefore recommend an exercise to complete the ATI (which lists ancient, veteran and notable trees outside woods) across any sites allocated or proposed to be allocated for development, in order to comply with the requirements of the NPPF (paragraph 186c) for the protection of irreplaceable habitats.
The Woodland Trust objects to ancient woodland areas being included in sites allocated as suitable for development. Where development sites are adjacent to ancient woodland, we recommend that as a precautionary principle, a minimum 50 metre buffer should be maintained between a development and the ancient woodland.
The Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI) for the area may be incomplete. We therefore recommend an exercise to complete the ATI (which lists ancient, veteran and notable trees outside woods) across any sites allocated or proposed to be allocated for development, in order to comply with the requirements of the NPPF (paragraph 186c) for the protection of irreplaceable habitats.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26176
Received: 20/07/2024
Respondent: Ms June Levell
The population of Little Common is mainly retired people due to the fact there is no work, no industry . Cooden Station is over a Mile away and one bus 99 serves the area has limited service and stops running at 8 pm. New residents would have to have cars adding to the congestion and pollution and the difficulty of exiting onto this already extremely busy road. The cycle lane is never used it is too dangerous due to speeding Lorry’s and cars causing wind drag. It is usually overgrown and unkept.
There are major drainage problems in Barnhorn Road due to main sewer pipe being 225mm / 9 ins which is totallly inadequate to cope with 350 new houses at Rosewood park already built extensions to all the care homes and 35 retirement flats.
BEX 0050
Living so close to this site we can observe the diversity of wild life. It had been a productive dairy farm up until last year . It is being used for hay at present.
There is a large pond home to great crested newts. Moorhens nest here. Slowworms and grass snakes and frogs and toads are beginning to come back, pheasants and foxes. Barn owls and numerous bats are seen at dusk.
The adjacent ancient woodland is a roost for large colony of jackdaws and home to woodpeckers and many small birds. We have seen Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Red Kites. Cuckoo is heard every Spring and this year a Nightingale was heard. We have photos of most of these.
Old Town field dates back to 1305 and was then called Oldeton it is said to be the medieval village of Barnhorn and should be preserved.
The ancient Barnhorn Manor is close .
Any development near the Pevensey Levels would devastate the surrounding habitat and should be preserved .
BEX 0050
Living so close to this site we can observe the diversity of wild life. It had been a productive dairy farm up until last year . It is being used for hay at present.
There is a large pond home to great crested newts. Moorhens nest here. Slowworms and grass snakes and frogs and toads are beginning to come back, pheasants and foxes. Barn owls and numerous bats are seen at dusk.
The adjacent ancient woodland is a roost for large colony of jackdaws and home to woodpeckers and many small birds. We have seen Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Red Kites. Cuckoo is heard every Spring and this year a Nightingale was heard. We have photos of most of these.
Old Town field dates back to 1305 and was then called Oldeton it is said to be the medieval village of Barnhorn and should be preserved.
The ancient Barnhorn Manor is close.
Any development near the Pevensey Levels would devastate the surrounding habitat and should be preserved .
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26177
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Ms Samantha Naves
Please see the full text submission regarding objections to development in Little Common, particularly BEX0050, below.
I am a resident of Barnhorn Road in Bexhill and have been so for the past 30 years. In that time I have seen the A259 Barnhorn Road through the village of Little Common and beyond to Bexhill become more and more congested due to local development.
When planning was put forward some years ago for the David Wilson Homes site named Barnhorn Green, the plans listed Doctors Surgery, working units and infrastructure to ease potential congestion on Barnhorn Road to accommodate the housing and the extra strain on the village that many extra dwellings would cause. To date nothing outlined in the planning has come to fruition apart from the housing, and the council seem to not be bothered with the issue, the only people who suffered are the locals trying to use the main road (A259) in and out of Bexhill.
Building further homes in this area needs to stop. The local doctors surgeries are not taking on new patients, the schools are over crowded and now with potentially another 340 families moving in to the area, how are we suppose to support them with health care and education. Rother are clearly not interested in the fundamental basic needs of life or they would have held David Wilson Homes to task over failing to provide what Rother passed as part of the planning application, will the same happen again… I think so!
There has now been another development underway along side Ashridge Nursing home, which to date has cause more disruption on the already over used A259.
I understand that Rother are now meeting on July 23rd to discuss potentially viable land on the south of Barnhorn Road for a further 340 dwellings.
This proposal is ludicrous. On this site there are two listed buildings, which clearly the council are not considering important enough to save, however, if I as a single person, not a corporation, wanted to pull each one of these buildings down to build a new 4 bedroom home, I am sure planning would absolutely refuse that time and time again.
There is an ancient woodland on the site, two ancient agricultural barns and historic footpaths, two ancient ponds both being habitat to herons and newts to name but a few of the large stock of wildlife within those ponds. There are also badgers, rabbits, foxes, shrews, woodpeckers, herons, hawks, buzzards and many bats in the area which should the development take place will cause a great loss of habitat, trees and ancient hedgerow and will be EXTREMELY HARMFUL TO THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE AREA.
There is a strong rural character to the area with far reaching views and any new development would make the position of the site highly car reliant for every new household… with an average of 2 cars per household that is nearly 700 more cars that the A259 will have to cope with at least twice a day and the EXTRA CARBON EMISSIONS that is bad for the population health and environment, the knock on effect is limitless to the area.
Again I ask if I as a sole member of the public wanted to tear down a listed building or fill in an ancient pond or cut down half the ancient woodland I would come across so much red tape by the planning committee and ultimately refused, why should big corporations with lots of money be afford different circumstances and different set of rules, after all it is OUR home, town and village and through our council taxes we help to maintain the equilibrium. There is no road infrastructure to support such a large development and all the traffic it would bring.
In conclusion: I feel, as I know many others do too that this area is an area of OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY and as such be preserved as a greenfield site, which is quickly disappearing all around us in Bexhill.
I feel the area should be considered for (SAC) status, and any additional residential and employment development would be harmful to the strong rural character and biodiversity to the landscape.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26220
Received: 25/07/2024
Respondent: Lucy Long
Land South of Barnhorn Rd(IDBEX0050) is totally unsuitable for housing development. The site could not be accessed without having a severe impact on the already busy Barnhorn Road. The land should stay green as it's a valuable habitat for wildlife. It contains two listed buildings, historic footpaths and an ancient pond. Also it's liable to flooding. It seems Barnhorn Rd has been singled out for numerous housing developments plus the looming problem of Northeye & there has been a total lack of supportive infrastructure.
Land South of Barnhorn Rd(IDBEX0050) is totally unsuitable for housing development. The site could not be accessed without having a severe impact on the already busy Barnhorn Road. The land should stay green as it's a valuable habitat for wildlife. It contains two listed buildings, historic footpaths and an ancient pond. Also it's liable to flooding. It seems Barnhorn Rd has been singled out for numerous housing developments plus the looming problem of Northeye & there has been a total lack of supportive infrastructure.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26425
Received: 17/07/2024
Respondent: Lucy Long
I am commenting on the totally inappropriate prospect of a housing development on land South of Barnhorn Road. The site could not be accessed without having a severe impact on the already very busy Barnhorn Road. The land referred to is a valuable habitat for wild life & contains two listed buildings, historic foot paths and an ancient pond. The land also borders the Pevensey levels & is prone to flooding. It seems Barnhorn Road has been singled out for numerous housing developments plus the looming problem with Northeye. There has been no obvious increase in supportive infrastructure since the Rosewood development & the imminent Ashridge development.
I am firmly opposed to the proposed housing development South of Barnhorn Road.
I am commenting on the totally inappropriate prospect of a housing development on land South of Barnhorn Road. The site could not be accessed without having a severe impact on the already very busy Barnhorn Road. The land referred to is a valuable habitat for other wild life & contains two listed buildings, historic foot paths and an ancient pond. The land also borders the Pevensey levels & is prone to flooding. It seems Barnhorn Road has been singled out for numerous housing developments plus the looming problem with Northeye. There has been no obvious increase in supportive infrastructure since the Rosewood development & the imminent Ashridge development.
I am firmly opposed to the proposed housing development South of Barnhorn Road.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26458
Received: 26/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Frances Lingard
Proposed development of BEX0050
Strong objection to building on site BEX0050, off Barnhorn Road, Bexhill. The Rosewood Park Estate has been built with all traffic, to and from it, joining the already very busy A259. Work remains in progress on the new estate on land next to Ashridge Court, with many months of traffic delays.
A259 cannot take current traffic levels. It is increasingly frustrating having to wait so long to exit my drive. This also increases the air pollution and is unhealthy for pedestrians.
The area designated for development was not designed for this purpose. No suitable access to this site. It will add many months of delays to the A259.
Inadequate infrastructure to support development on this scale. Site is very valuable green land for wildlife, with historic foot paths, an ancient pond and 2 listed buildings. destroying this site would be a disaster for the area.
Proposed development of BEX0050
I would like to object in the strongest possible terms to the above proposal of building on this site, off Barnhorn Road, Bexhill. In the last few years since the Bexhill bypass was built, increasing the traffic two-fold, the Rosewood Park Estate has been built with all traffic, to and from it, joining the already very busy A259. At the moment work is still in progress on the new estate on land next to Ashridge Court, with many months of traffic delays while the infrastructure was put in place and intermittent road works for other reasons.
This road was not intended to take the amount of traffic that it now carries daily and, as a resident, I find it increasingly frustrating at having to wait for very long times to be able to get out of my drive. This also increases the air pollution and for anyone walking along the road it is most unhealthy.
The area designated for this development was not designed for this purpose. There is no suitable access to this site, apart from adding many more months of frustrating delays to the A259.
Most importantly this area does not have the infrastructure to support development on this scale and the land involved is very valuable green land for wild life, with historic foot paths, an ancient pond and contains 2 listed buildings. To destroy such a vital site would be a disaster for the area.
I truly hope that my objection will be treated sympathetically.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26559
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Valerie and Malcolm Yates
Number of people: 2
Please see full text submission regarding BEX0158 - Land west of Pages Lane.
I am writing in response to the item in the Local Plan about building up to 25 houses on the land at the end of Pages Lane Bexhill and offer the following comments:
1. The land does not appear an adequate size to fit 25 houses that will be in keeping with the local area. I assume it is inevitable that the building will happen (especially given the Government's recent 'free rein' ) but it makes sense to ensure they are appropriate for the area.
2. As with any building, it should be fundamental that consideration is taken of the need for essential services -GP and NHS dental provision; school places - the most local primary school is already enlarged to accommodate a three form entry and was in this position before the Rosewood development on Barnhorn Road and the current construction taking place behind Maple Walk/Barnhorn Road. These houses will attract families which, in turn, will require school places - where will these be? This is without other services eg gas, water, telephone, internet etc
3. The site at the end of Pages Lane is prone to floodwater after heavy rain.
4. It is also an area used by wildlife and numerous birds nest and roost in the trees (which I would expect to be retained for environmental and health and mental health reasons).
5. The only positive I can foresee in this proposal is that either someone will finally take notice of the very poor condition of our road and pavement or the increased traffic (motor and pedestrian ) will finally finish it off and it will have to be repaired/replaced!
6. In an ideal world it would become community space to benefit the wellbeing of all local residents.
I trust you will take all of these points into consideration.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26637
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mr Kenneth Saunders
Number of people: 2
Bex0050 HELAA Potential Development sites
This proposal for 340 dwelling is a major concern for us as the site lays adjacent to the current Spindlewood application. The need for adequate infrastructure does not appear to have been taken into account.
Our concerns are: -
Effects on the A259
There are currently issues over the access to the Spindlewood site onto Barnhorn Road (A259) and it appears there is no new access point for the proposed BEX0050 development. It seems highly likely that it would need the Spindlewood junction to gain entry. Our experience of living on Barnhorn Road since 1988 has seen a steady build-up of traffic which often backs up to the Little Common Roundabout and to the Traffic lights for the Rosewood Park junction. We know that National Highways have concerns about any increase in the number of vehicles using this access and its impact on the A259 trunk road. Another 340 dwellings would have a major impact on the road as these combined developments would be bigger than the current size of Rosewood Park. This will lead to a major bottleneck for traffic leaving and entering Bexhill. This may also lead to more traffic using the Meads Road access. We have difficulty accessing our own property now and we can see more risks of accidents in the future.
We are already concerned at the level of pollution from traffic and the issues of health must be considered for those living on Barnhorn Road as well as new residents.
Other infrastructure
As highlighted in our answer to Question 109 the local infrastructure is already inadequate with a lack of GPs, School places, commercial and work opportunities and we do not see how this would be solved with these two developments on top of Rosewood Park and BEX0159.
The current proposals would need to link to the existing sewage pipe running along Barnhorn Road which we understand is seen as inadequate by Southern Water now. This raises concerns of flooding and damage to the Pevensey Levels
We believe that this potential site should not be included in the local plan and lodge our objection for the above reasons.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26671
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Jo and Susie Marriott
Number of people: 2
Proposed new areas of development to the south of Barnhorn Road (BEX0050)
We would like to make a few comments on the above development:
1. Yet another threat to the Pevensey Levels: both Spindlewood and Clavering Walk developers are already struggling to find how to take mitigating measures to ensure that no harm can befall the Levels in perpetuity. Suitable sewage infrastructure needs to be in place BEFORE any new development proceeds, but current infrastructure is already inadequate - the size of the 9” sewer pipe running along Barnhorn Road that is deemed inadequate even by Southern Water (admitted via a recent Freedom of Information request). How on earth therefore can a proposed development of the size of BEX0050 – c340 dwellings – be connected to this pipe without very serious environmental damage?
2. We're all having enough trouble seeing a doctor at the moment, what will it be like with all these extra families from BEX0050 (and BEX01509. Spindlewood. Clavering Walk and the proposed new development off Rosewood Park.)
3. Traffic: A259 and other roads (A259 already a nightmare with its Rosewood Park traffic lights at rush hour)
Proposed new areas of development to the south of Barnhorn Road (BEX0050)
We would like to make a few comments on the above development:
1. Yet another threat to the Pevensey Levels: both Spindlewood and Clavering Walk developers are already struggling to find how to take mitigating measures to ensure that no harm can befall the Levels in perpetuity. Suitable sewage infrastructure needs to be in place BEFORE any new development proceeds, but current infrastructure is already inadequate - the size of the 9” sewer pipe running along Barnhorn Road that is deemed inadequate even by Southern Water (admitted via a recent Freedom of Information request). How on earth therefore can a proposed development of the size of BEX0050 – c340 dwellings – be connected to this pipe without very serious environmental damage?
2. We're all having enough trouble seeing a doctor at the moment, what will it be like with all these extra families from BEX0050 (and BEX01509. Spindlewood. Clavering Walk and the proposed new development off Rosewood Park.)
3. Traffic: A259 and other roads (A259 already a nightmare with its Rosewood Park traffic lights at rush hour)
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26683
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Shirley Anderson
Number of people: 2
Please see attached letter of objection to the Local Plan 2020 - 2040, in particular BEX0050, BEX0159 & BEX0182, covering access, lack of suitable infrastructure, the Pevensey Levels, Listed Buildings, foot paths and flooding.
Please see attached letter of objection to the Local Plan 2020 - 2040, in particular BEX0050, BEX0159 & BEX0182, covering access, lack of suitable infrastructure, the Pevensey Levels, Listed Buildings, foot paths and flooding.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26732
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Amanda Waters
Objection to HELAA site BEX0050:
I am the owner of Upper Barnhorn Manor, Amanda Waters, I object strongly to the proposal that the land south of my property is built upon. The house is grade two listed and has enjoyed the views over the marshes for many hundreds of years and it would be a tragedy to abuse this piece of heritage.
Apart from that Barnhorn road (A259) is at capacity and the queue runs from Little Common to Coneyburrow lane morning and evening.
Objection to HELAA site BEX0050:
I am the owner of Upper Barnhorn Manor, Amanda Waters, I object strongly to the proposal that the land south of my property is built upon. The house is grade two listed and has enjoyed the views over the marshes for many hundreds of years and it would be a tragedy to abuse this piece of heritage.
Apart from that Barnhorn road (A259) is at capacity and the queue runs from Little Common to Coneyburrow lane morning and evening.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26735
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Anne Andersen
BEX0182
I object to this on the grounds that there is already a development underway almost opposite this site, next to Ashridge Care Home, how dangerous having 2 accesses almost opposite to each other on the main trunk road A259.
There is no suitable alternative road to the A259, so every time there is an accident, the surrounding B and C roads are overloaded with coaches, HGVs etc and other traffic.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26736
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Anne Andersen
BEX0159
I object to this on the grounds that there are already approx. 350 houses on the estate in front of the proposed site, yet more traffic onto the over busy A259, slowing the flow of traffic. I understand there are already sewerage problems with the Rosewood Park estate, so adding more houses on to this already inadequate sewerage system will cause enormous problems.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26739
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Anne Andersen
BEX0050
I object to this on the grounds that the traffic on Barnhorn Road is already so heavy, and the area is prone to flooding which will cause problems with sewerage and the proximity to the Pevensey Levels.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26740
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Anne Andersen
Regarding BEX0050, BEX0182, BEX0159, BEX0006, BEX0016, the new Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, has said that developments should be on brown and grey field sites, yet the above 5 are all greenfield sites. 5 MORE developments (in addition to Rosewood Park) could amount to an extra 1000 houses, within a 1 mile stretch of Barnhorn Road, where there are already queues at many times during the day, not just rush hour. As already pointed out, there is no suitable alternative route to the A259, so road works, accidents etc all cause massive queues causing air pollution around the A259. There are inadequate doctors facilities or school places in Little Common to cope with this enormous amount of over development.
Worsham Farm to the east of Bexhill should bear the development needed in the Rother and District area, it is impractical to keep over developing Little Common. There is limited parking in the village which cannot be extended.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26773
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Rurban Estates Limited
Agent: DHA Planning
Please see "RDC Reg 18 Reps - Rurban Estates Ltd - Land east of Summerleas" attachment, specifically section 2.13.
See attachments for the submission to the Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation from DHA Planning on behalf of Rurban Estates Limited.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26800
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Catesby Strategic Land Ltd and Rurban Estates Limited
Agent: DHA Planning
Please see attachment "RDC Reg 18 Representations - High House Farm", specifically section 2.13.
See attachments for the submission to the Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation from DHA Planning on behalf of Catesby Strategic Land Ltd and Rurban Estates Limited.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26873
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Anita Capone
Objection to BEX0050
• Site is situated within the Pevensey Levels SAC and SSSI catchment, with historic public rights of way, and priority habitats. Any development would cause significant damage to local biodiversity.
• Although this proposal states 'opportunity for on-site biodiversity net gain’, I believe it would be destroying a huge amount of existing wildlife habitat for a much smaller return.
• This proposal would harm the openness and rural character of the countryside, as parts of the site are situated on a higher ground level and any development would be highly prominent and have a harmful and urbanising effect on the open land adjoining the Pevensey Levels.
• We have also noted many times during the winter months there is often a lot of surface water flooding.
• A259 Congestion. No amount of re-design/improvements can lessen improve this if new estates are built.
Please see full representation below.
Objection to HELAA site BEX0050
I strongly object to this proposal and it’s suitability for potential development for the reasons stated below:
• This site is situated within the Pevensey Levels SAC and SSSI catchment, with historic public rights of way, and priority habitats. Any development would cause significant damage to the local biodiversity, where Bats, Mistle Thrush, Woodpeckers, Kites & Kestrels along with migrating birds such as Swallows, House Martins and Cuckoos thrive. There is also an adjacent ancient Woodland where hundreds of birds and Rooks fly to roost each night, and an ancient pond with moorhens, frogs, toads and lizards.
• Although this proposal states 'opportunity for on-site biodiversity net gain’, I believe it would be destroying a huge amount of existing wildlife habitat for a much smaller return.
• This proposal would harm the openness and rural character of the countryside, as parts of the site are situated on a higher ground level and any development would be highly prominent and have a harmful and urbanising effect on the open land adjoining the Pevensey Levels.
• We have also noted many times during the winter months there is often a lot of surface water flooding.
• There is also the continual issues of congestion with traffic on the A259 Barnhorn Road. No amount of re design, improvements, re jigging or whatever you call it, will ever lessen the impact on the area if we continue to build new estates along this very busy piece of arterial road.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26883
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Dr E J B Burchett
Objection to HELAA site BEX0050, Land to the South of Barnhorn Road:
1. The A 259 suffers from considerable congestion especially at peak times and when there are road works. These impact driving times and cause air pollution.
Please see full comments below.
Regarding the land to the South of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill-on-Sea BEX 0050 on Rothers plans. This land is:-
“Potentially available for 340 dwellings and 4,000 sq. meters to development giving employment”.
This development is in addition to a number of developments to the north of Barnhorn Road (e.g. Rosewood Park) and development off Spindlewood Drive and west of Ashridge Court etc.
My objections are as follows:-
1. The A 259 suffers from considerable congestion especially at peak times and when there are road works. These impact driving times and cause air pollution.
“Residents told me that traffic is often at a standstill on Barnhorn Road and the increased volume is affecting quality of life in the area. Housing developments have been approved that will adjoin the A259 in Little Common and residents are worried about the increased volume of cars accessing the trunk road and related safety issues.”
“Many residents would like to see the former Bexhill by-pass plans to be reconsidered to relieve traffic pressure on this area. I therefore wrote to key local partners and National Highways to establish whether a major by-pass road scheme could be re-considered, and whether the Housing Infrastructure Fund would be a possible source of funding”
https://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/campaigns/roads
Apparently “there is no reasonable prospect of the delivery of a new road or ‘multi-modal corridor’ in the West Bexhill area, because the extent of new development is not sufficient to justify the cost.” https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
In that case as the road network is not up to accommodating the traffic at the present time no further development should be made until there are new infrastructure schemes available as stated by the new Labour government.
2. The area is in close to the Pevensey Levels, has a high biodiversity and contains historic footpaths and buildings.
Evidence 5.42 “Any development will need to offer enhancements and biodiversity net gain, while being sensitive to historic landscape character”. https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
As a regular dog walker in the area, I have seen the degradation of the landscape and reduction in biodiversity as well as horrendous levels of air pollution, especially at peak times and during road works.
3. I am also concerned with the water supply and waste water disposal in the area.
“By 2050, the South East of England will need to find at least an additional one billion litres of water per day to meet demand in the region. That is about a fifth of the water used in the region today, and equivalent to the water use of seven million people per day. Demand for water will exceed supply by 2030.” https://www.dwi.gov.uk/south-east-water-ltd/
Many thanks for your consideration of this objection, DR E J B Burchett
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26884
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Dr E J B Burchett
Objection to BEX0050, Land to the South of Barnhorn Road:
2. The area is in close to the Pevensey Levels, has a high biodiversity and contains historic footpaths and buildings.
Evidence 5.42 “Any development will need to offer enhancements and biodiversity net gain, while being sensitive to historic landscape character”. https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
As a regular dog walker in the area, I have seen the degradation of the landscape and reduction in biodiversity as well as horrendous levels of air pollution, especially at peak times and during road works.
For related comments regarding BEX0050 please see full representation below.
Regarding the land to the South of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill-on-Sea BEX 0050 on Rothers plans. This land is:-
“Potentially available for 340 dwellings and 4,000 sq. meters to development giving employment”.
This development is in addition to a number of developments to the north of Barnhorn Road (e.g. Rosewood Park) and development off Spindlewood Drive and west of Ashridge Court etc.
My objections are as follows:-
1. The A 259 suffers from considerable congestion especially at peak times and when there are road works. These impact driving times and cause air pollution.
“Residents told me that traffic is often at a standstill on Barnhorn Road and the increased volume is affecting quality of life in the area. Housing developments have been approved that will adjoin the A259 in Little Common and residents are worried about the increased volume of cars accessing the trunk road and related safety issues.”
“Many residents would like to see the former Bexhill by-pass plans to be reconsidered to relieve traffic pressure on this area. I therefore wrote to key local partners and National Highways to establish whether a major by-pass road scheme could be re-considered, and whether the Housing Infrastructure Fund would be a possible source of funding”
https://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/campaigns/roads
Apparently “there is no reasonable prospect of the delivery of a new road or ‘multi-modal corridor’ in the West Bexhill area, because the extent of new development is not sufficient to justify the cost.” https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
In that case as the road network is not up to accommodating the traffic at the present time no further development should be made until there are new infrastructure schemes available as stated by the new Labour government.
2. The area is in close to the Pevensey Levels, has a high biodiversity and contains historic footpaths and buildings.
Evidence 5.42 “Any development will need to offer enhancements and biodiversity net gain, while being sensitive to historic landscape character”. https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
As a regular dog walker in the area, I have seen the degradation of the landscape and reduction in biodiversity as well as horrendous levels of air pollution, especially at peak times and during road works.
3. I am also concerned with the water supply and waste water disposal in the area.
“By 2050, the South East of England will need to find at least an additional one billion litres of water per day to meet demand in the region. That is about a fifth of the water used in the region today, and equivalent to the water use of seven million people per day. Demand for water will exceed supply by 2030.” https://www.dwi.gov.uk/south-east-water-ltd/
Many thanks for your consideration of this objection, DR E J B Burchett
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26885
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Dr E J B Burchett
Objection to BEX0050, Land to the South of Barnhorn Road:
3. I am also concerned with the water supply and waste water disposal in the area.
“By 2050, the South East of England will need to find at least an additional one billion litres of water per day to meet demand in the region. That is about a fifth of the water used in the region today, and equivalent to the water use of seven million people per day. Demand for water will exceed supply by 2030.” https://www.dwi.gov.uk/south-east-water-ltd/
For related comments regarding BEX0050 please see full representation below.
Regarding the land to the South of Barnhorn Road, Bexhill-on-Sea BEX 0050 on Rothers plans. This land is:-
“Potentially available for 340 dwellings and 4,000 sq. meters to development giving employment”.
This development is in addition to a number of developments to the north of Barnhorn Road (e.g. Rosewood Park) and development off Spindlewood Drive and west of Ashridge Court etc.
My objections are as follows:-
1. The A 259 suffers from considerable congestion especially at peak times and when there are road works. These impact driving times and cause air pollution.
“Residents told me that traffic is often at a standstill on Barnhorn Road and the increased volume is affecting quality of life in the area. Housing developments have been approved that will adjoin the A259 in Little Common and residents are worried about the increased volume of cars accessing the trunk road and related safety issues.”
“Many residents would like to see the former Bexhill by-pass plans to be reconsidered to relieve traffic pressure on this area. I therefore wrote to key local partners and National Highways to establish whether a major by-pass road scheme could be re-considered, and whether the Housing Infrastructure Fund would be a possible source of funding”
https://www.huwmerriman.org.uk/campaigns/roads
Apparently “there is no reasonable prospect of the delivery of a new road or ‘multi-modal corridor’ in the West Bexhill area, because the extent of new development is not sufficient to justify the cost.” https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
In that case as the road network is not up to accommodating the traffic at the present time no further development should be made until there are new infrastructure schemes available as stated by the new Labour government.
2. The area is in close to the Pevensey Levels, has a high biodiversity and contains historic footpaths and buildings.
Evidence 5.42 “Any development will need to offer enhancements and biodiversity net gain, while being sensitive to historic landscape character”. https://rdcpublic.blob.core.windows.net/website-uploads/2024/04/New-Local-Plan_Reg-18_version_Final.pdf
As a regular dog walker in the area, I have seen the degradation of the landscape and reduction in biodiversity as well as horrendous levels of air pollution, especially at peak times and during road works.
3. I am also concerned with the water supply and waste water disposal in the area.
“By 2050, the South East of England will need to find at least an additional one billion litres of water per day to meet demand in the region. That is about a fifth of the water used in the region today, and equivalent to the water use of seven million people per day. Demand for water will exceed supply by 2030.” https://www.dwi.gov.uk/south-east-water-ltd/
Many thanks for your consideration of this objection, DR E J B Burchett
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 26970
Received: 19/07/2024
Respondent: Robin & Glenda Hughes
Objection to HELAA site BEX0185 Land west of Pages Lane, Bexhill on Sea
- Site not suitable for residential development
1. Priority Habitat and Local Wildlife would suffer considerably.
2. The local infrastructure does not allow for additional housing.
3. The risk of surface water should be of great concern.
Summer months feature a hosepipe ban, meaning that there is insufficient water in the area.
We ask that the land remains empty and all the wildlife, trees and ourselves to live in peace.
Please see full representation attached.
Objection to HELAA site BEX0185 Land west of Pages Lane, Bexhill on Sea
Please see full representation attached.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27020
Received: 23/07/2024
Respondent: Rurban Estates Limited
Agent: DHA Planning
See "RDC Reg 18 Reps - Rurban Estates Ltd - Watermill Lane" attachment, specifically section 2.13.
See attachments for the submission to the Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation from DHA Planning on behalf of Rurban Estates Limited.
Comment
Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)
Representation ID: 27475
Received: 22/07/2024
Respondent: Mrs Diana Hughes
Number of people: 2
Our objections to RDC’s Local DaSA plan for 2020 – 2040 are as follows
The detrimental effect of the BEX sites either side of the A259 Barnhorn Road on the Pevensey Levels and on the users of and residents living beside the very busy A259 trunk road
1. Irreversible damage to the Pevensey Levels SAC, SSSI, Ramsar wetlands from BEX0050
This is a very special area and a major natural asset to this part of East Sussex. Its environmental and ecological integrity has to be preserved.
The Ramsar wetlands support important assemblages of flora and fauna. The soil in the BEX0050 area is heavy clay and not porous, as shown by the flooding of nearby fields and the golf course which occurs after heavy rain. Some of that flooding is caused by run-off from land higher up which would discharge into an area of high receiving-water sensitivity. Polluted surface run-off could lead to eutrophication and any change in water flow into the wetlands could not only alter species but would change pollutant removal efficiency. Great Crested newts in particular could be adversely affected, as identified in earlier ecological surveys.
Designing a suitably engineered SuDS system which satisfies the Habitats Regulations for the proposed Spindlewood development, with its 146 dwellings, is proving immensely difficult and demonstrates how seriously Natural England takes the possibility of the flooding of the Pevensey Levels with polluted water from any nearby development site.
Building any dwellings south of Barnhorn Road (BEX0050) adjacent to the Pevensey Levels would be a huge threat to the integrity of an internationally recognised site and should not even be considered.
2. The effect of further development on the flow of traffic on the 259 Barnhorn Road
BEX0050 (340 dwellings) BEX0159 (250 dwellings) BEX0182 (25 dwellings)
BEX0103, BEX0119, BEX 0179, BEX 0180, BEX0203 all with access onto Barnhorn Road north
Sandhurst Lane: BEX0715 (25 dwellings), BEX0129 (10 dwellings), BEX0160 (15 dwellings)
The lack of the necessary infrastructure
i) The traffic congestion on the A259 Barnhorn Road is already excessive. A bypass is essential before any further development affecting the road is considered.
The A259 Barnhorn Road is a “very busy trunk road with relentless traffic” (Planning Inspector at the west-of-Ashridge Court R/2016/3206/P planning application appeal.)
The computer-controlled traffic lights at the Brooklands Road/Barnhorn Road junction already create long traffic queues on Barnhorn Road when vehicles need to leave Rosewood Park/Barnhorn Green. The cumulative effect of future traffic to and from the following developments already agreed by RDC will bring long sections of Barnhorn Road to a standstill for much of the day. These are:
29 dwellings next to Ashridge Court;
35 Retirement Apartments at 41, 41A & 43 Barnhorn Road;
a large 3-storey Medical Centre on Barnhorn Green containing 9 surgeries, treatment rooms and offices and with 86 parking spaces. Vehicles to and from this Centre will stop the traffic on the A259 at very short time intervals;
3 industrial units with 56 parking spaces next to the Medical Centre;
and, if finally agreed, 146 dwellings on the Spindlewood site.
There is no viable alternative route to the A259 between Pevensey and Little Common. Further development should not even be considered until there is a new road which bypasses this section of the A259.
ii) The existing safety hazards would be unacceptably increased
The relentless flow of traffic causes drivers to take risks, particularly at junctions. There have been at least three RTCs near the Apple Green petrol station/Coneyburrow Lane in the last few months, as well as two collisions on the Pevensey marsh road.
It is already hazardous for drivers to drive a vehicle from a house onto the opposite side of Barnhorn Road. Increased congestion will make this even more so.
iii) The need for a completely new sewage system
The Barnhorn sewage pipe is too narrow to cope with sewage from the current Rosewood Park dwellings. It is totally unacceptable now for houses and gardens south of Barnhorn Road (119 to 123) to be flooded with sewage after heavy rain. This is a very serious issue which demonstrates a major flaw in earlier planning decisions and subsequent building work. There is therefore ample evidence that the Rosewood Park development of 356 houses and a 72-bed Care Home should not have been allowed without the construction of a robust sewage system to deal with the additional sewage.
Additional dwellings either side of Barnhorn Road will increase the pressure on the totally inadequate sewer pipe, cause further blockages and more extensive and frequent hazardous flooding. This is a major health issue.
The current sewage system is clearly obsolescent. It must be replaced before any further development along Barnhorn Road is even considered.
3. Air pollution which seriously damages health
The vehicles using Barnhorn Road emit invisible particulates PM10 and PM25 from noxious exhaust gases as well as particulates from brakes and tyres. This is evident in the black deposit which frequently settles on cars overnight; where there are visible particulates, there will also be the dangerous invisible-to-the-naked eye particulates. The danger to health will increase with increased traffic congestion.
4. Sustainable travel is not possible to and from Barnhorn Road
i) Public Transport
The 99-bus service between Eastbourne and Hastings is notoriously unreliable because of the traffic congestion. Travel to and from the Cooden Beach and Bexhill train stations requires a car because there is no regular bus service. The limited range of shops in Little Common means that most shopping trips will be by car.
ii) Cycling
The Planning Inspector for R/2016/3206/P stated “ The marked cycle lanes on Barnhorn Road extend only a limited distance and do not connect with any network of cycle routes. In general, the volume and speed of traffic on Barnhorn Road would not promote cycle use”.
In summary:
Further development on either side of Barnhorn Road would have a totally unacceptable and hugely detrimental effect on users and residents of all ages. On any reasonable basis, even with the need for more housing, it cannot be justified without a huge investment in the infrastructure.
In particular, any development next to the Pevensey Levels should not be allowed because of its status as a Special Site of Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservations and its internationally recognised Ramsar Wetlands. There must be no doubt that its integrity will be maintained in perpetuity.