Hard to see what plans are. However please do not remove the road which flows nicely around the town hall square! Do not pedestrianise this. Traffic will be horrendous without it.

This crucial gateway needs prioritised investment to showcase the culture and community spirit of Bexhill for people coming into our town.

See attached letter responding to questions 7, 8, 10, 12, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 36, 48 and 69.

LOCAL DRAFT PLAN Response
The planning team have been very helpful throughout the consultation, thank you.
Also we appreciate a huge amount of work has gone into this process. However, it is
very important to make the comments and objections as follows:-
__________________________________________________________________
Q 1 OBJECTION: Although the Strategic Spatial Objectives in Fig 1 is set out with some
very commendable aims, they are not satisfactorily met within the draft Plan,
including the phrases found below:-
Objective 1 - Reducing flood risk from all sources...
Notes / Refs:
[Southern Water and South East Water should work to a combined 20 year plan with LPAs and not just 5
years ahead as they currently do.]
[Objective 1 should include; the planning system has a role in seeking to ensure the combined impacts of
urban creep and climate change protect the quality of the water environment. See para 162 NPPF,
December 2024) where it states:
“Plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change, taking into
account the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change, water supply, biodiversity and
landscapes...” Ref: Southern Water, as noted Mar 2026]
Objective 2 - Maximise nature conservation... and protected habitat areas of Rother
and ensure sensitive development...
Notes / Refs:
[Objective 2 should add; to comply with the objectives of emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategies
(supporting non-strategic policy ENV5: Habitats and Species and strategic policies GTC7: Local Nature
Recovery Areas, GTC8: Biodiversity Net Gain) and NPPF [Ref: Natural England, as noted Mar 2026 and the
Environment Act 2021].
Objective 3 - Promote... and protect and enhance the significance of... natural
heritage, including its setting...
Objective 4 - Respond to the... needs of different groups in the community and
address income levels of Rother.
Objective 5 - Deliver sustainable growth and regeneration in Bexhill and its edges...
with supporting infrastructure...
Objective 6 - Employment needs of ... local businesses, improving quality and
variety of jobs...
Objective 7 - Sustainable locations across the district... through the timely delivery
of strategic and other supporting infrastructure and community facilities
2
Objective 8 - Connectivity of local communities ... sustainable transport measures
Objective 9 - Support and achieve safe, healthy... well-being of residents is a high
priority
Objective 10 - Balance strategic planning ...
Objective 11 - Deliver sustainable development .... including by prioritising
brownfield land... to appropriate densities.
Notes / Refs Would like to question the criteria applied to label ‘brownfield land’?
__________________________________________________________________
Q 2 OBJECTION: Development Needs
This is ‘top-down’ unacceptable pressure from successive government directives. We
should push back on the Government. They could be more effective and accountable
and reduce the drivers behind these housing demands, especially in this region. In
response to those revised upward housing targets, regrettably the Plans seem worse
in every subsequent revision. Before new targets are considered, we need a realistic
view and sustainable Plan to support a quality of life in local communities while
protecting our precious natural environment.
__________________________________________________________________
Q3 OBJECTION: Employment
The large residential site allocations, particularly on the west of Bexhill-on-Sea are a
far distance from the main employment opportunities in the Plan. Does this conform
to Fig. 1, Strategic Objectives 5, 7 & 8? Employment is much needed and yet the
anticipated opportunities do not seem to match the huge number of new households
and residents proposed in the Plan.
FEMA plans, being linked to Hastings seems less convincing than say to Eastbourne,
as the urban creep is westward bound. What viable public transport is available?
Where is the closest railway station to Barnhorn Road?
Is it likely new residents would be (a) Mostly economically inactive? (b) Work from
home? (c) Use their cars to add congestion on the A259 or Ninfield Road to and from
Hastings?
__________________________________________________________________
Q 5 OBJECTION: Infrastructure Needs
Infrastructure first, before the development or future commitment to higher targets.
[Plan ref 4.1] “It is vital that growth and new development... is appropriately
3
supported by infrastructure...” Please give a thought to the health and wellbeing of
residents on Barnhorn Road and the natural environment.
It was acknowledged [Plan ref 4.2] there were plenty of comments and feedback in
the previous 2024 version, regarding the deficits in infrastructure, especially with
transport and traffic congestion, sewage etc.. It would certainly compound the
problem with any new developments feeding into the A259, on the Barnhorn Road.
We understand South East Water have informed Tonbridge (12 March 2026) they can
not supply more than 1/3 of proposed housing allocations in their LPA 20 year Plan
and are likely to inform other councils of something similar.
Southern Water should be working to a combined 20 year plan with LPAs, not just 5
years ahead.
Notes / Refs:
Objective 1 in the Strategic Spatial Objective should include; the planning system has a role in seeking to
ensure the combined impacts of urban creep and climate change protect the quality of the water
environment. See para 162 NPPF, December 2024) where it states:
“Plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change, taking into account
the long-term implications for flood risk, coastal change, water supply, biodiversity and
landscapes...” Ref: Southern Water, as noted Mar 2026]
“South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation”.[BBC reported, 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q6 SUPPORT: Strategic Gaps
Support the retention of our precious green spaces between townships. Referencing
the Plan policy for retention of Strategic Gaps (SD014) [Plan ref 5.13]
__________________________________________________________________
Q7 OBJECTION: Density
From the choices offered, our preference is: Option A [Plan ref figure 7] = Not more
density than the baseline, business as usual.
Option B [Plan ref figure 7] is far too dense, especially as shown in the suburban area
type.
Option C is completely unacceptable [Plan Ref BX19 as example, indicated at 166
dwellings per hectare].
4
Option A for all sites should be the lowest density possible, with generous gardens
and at least 25m buffers beyond this for wildlife corridors. The only exception in
density, could possibly be in the town centre.
Q8 OBJECTION: Overall Development Strategy
This appears to be one-dimensional planning; just housing, housing, housing with
little extra infrastructure, community amenities or commercial attractions to
compensate or reflect the proposed population growth.
Infrastructure First please! Southern Water, South East Water and Highways
invariably seem to support even the largest of site allocations, e.g. BX20 to BX22,
BX24 to BX28 and BX31 to BX40. Therefore at that early proposal stage, they should
immediately set aside their required strategic funding and begin the necessary
upgrades and works beforehand, rather than chasing developers and difficulties at a
late stage. In other words, they should work to a 20 year Plan and not trail years
behind the advancing LPA Planning process, with inadequate afterthoughts and foboffs
for the residents to endure.
__________________________________________________________________
Q9 OBJECTION: Growth opportunities in sub-areas in Fig.10 – The proposed figures are
far too high, especially for Bexhill-on-Sea.
__________________________________________________________________
Q10 OBJECTION: Proposed Vision and development strategy for Bexhill-on-Sea in Fig 13
and 14.
The residential figures are too high, compared to the employment floor space.
Given the older demographic here, being higher than national average, we ask for
more supported or sheltered independent living options for the elderly and/or
disabled in the Bexhill-on-Sea area
(Ref. Plan p 52) Bexhill-on-Sea is becoming less of a community hub, (except for the
DLWP, museum, some pubs and friendly welcoming clubs of interest, run by private
committees etc.) Many shops and banks have closed.
In the Plan with the ‘two towns’ ideology (Ref. Plan p52) linked with Hastings, it
seems a ‘cop-out’ by encouraging Bexhillians to use another town. It offers little
compensation for the lack of provision in Bexhill-on-Sea itself.
Hastings is not always easily reached by public transport, as on occasions when trains
are cancelled due to engineering works*. Meanwhile no equivalent opportunity or
event is offered in Bexhill-on-Sea (*Hastings Bonfire Society parade).
5
Employment: Are there any new exciting commercial opportunities in the offing, to
bring substantial inward investment into the town? Where is our nearest ‘High
Street’ bank now? (Eastbourne or Hastings?) Just to demonstrate two popular
indicators in a thriving high street economy, where is the nearest ‘Greggs’ or
‘MacDonalds’ or a popular retail chain (other than Boots and supermarkets)? We
acknowledge this is not within the scope of this Plan, however, it may reflect the
outlook and trajectory.
A predominance of housing does little to enhance the character. If this Plan is
implemented, our lovely town will become a suburban sprawl, blighted by water
shortages, sewage pollution and traffic congestion with unhealthy outcomes and
irreparable damage to the environment.
In preference instead, could we at least set aside a very generous site, a wildlife
country park, as an essential green lung to the west of Bexhill-on-Sea at Barnhorn
Road?
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive
wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g. species and their foraging areas. These structures are often decades or even centuries
old and are protected by law, making it illegal to interfere with them. A designated
buffer zone of at least 25 metres (not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which
does not include residential gardens.
Notes/ Refs:
HEDNA 2024 suggests the need for Retirement living or sheltered housing and Extra care housing or housing-withcare.
We support some ground floor living type, Specialist Housing for Older People (as defined in the Planning Practice
Guidance – excluding residential care homes and nursing homes which are under Policy HOU10) Ref: p263 Draft
Local Plan (Reg 18) Version April 2024.
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 SUPPORT:
BX3 - London Road and Sackville Road Enhancement Plan. We welcome an
improvement to attract more businesses, only if there is no loss of parking.
__________________________________________________________________
6
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX7 - Sainsburys Site Buckhurst Place. Although we welcome any enhancement to
the street scene and new opportunities for retail and flats above, we object to any
loss of car parking spaces at Sainsburys supermarket or within the town centre. Not
much detail is given.
Notes/ Refs:
Strategic Plan Objective 10 - Balance strategic planning ...
Plan Ref: 3.31 NPPF – “support the role that town centres play at the heart of local communities, by taking
a positive approach to their growth, management and adaptation” ...
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX13 - Eversley Road Car Park. This is the only car park (35 cars) in this central
location; essential in both daytime for shoppers and /or business clients and in the
evening for local clubs.
It supports access for the over 55s Club venue, just across the road at 45 Eversley
Road and for other meetings and gatherings, including Bexhill Town Council. We
promote accessibility for the communities of all ages to help them socialise and to
prevent isolation and loneliness.
We also want to support the remaining local shops and businesses in the town
centre. This is a well-used parking facility and its loss would be an unwarranted
setback for the community and local commerce.
Notes / Refs:
Strategic Plan Objective 6 - Employment needs of ... local businesses, improving quality and variety of
jobs...
Strategic Plan Objective 10 - Balance strategic planning .
Plan Ref: 3.31 NPPF – “support the role that town centres play at the heart of local communities, by taking
a positive approach to their growth, management and adaptation” ...
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX16 Land at Pages Lane for any development (care home or housing) causing loss of
meadow open space, mature trees and wildlife habitat.
The trees should be considered for individual and group Tree Preservation Orders.
Some are of such height and scale as can be viewed and enjoyed from a significant
distance.
We would like to question the definition of ‘Brownfield’, as this is a longstanding
open green field. The site gives tranquil character to the neighbourhood and
attractively frames the local scene. It’s a valuable wildlife habitat and supports many
species of birds and mammals, which should be given protection
7
with no disturbance [Environment Act 2021). To support conservation within this
natural setting, a comprehensive wildlife and tree survey should be undertaken with
a presumption to protect e.g. species and their foraging areas. These structures
are often decades or even centuries old and are protected by law, making it illegal to
interfere with them. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres (not 15 metres)
should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential or formally managed
gardens.
Notes / Refs:
All site allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the
benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development [ref: Natural
England as noted to RDC, Mar 2026]
Strategic Plan Objective 2 - Maximise nature conservation... and protected habitat areas of Rother and
ensure sensitive development...
Natural England –“Objective 2 should add; to comply with the objectives of emerging Local Nature
Recovery Strategies (supporting non-strategic policy ENV5: Habitats and Species and strategic policies
GTC7: Local Nature Recovery Areas, GTC8: Biodiversity Net Gain) and NPPF” [Ref: Natural England, as
noted Mar 2026 and the Environment Act 2021].
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX19 – Car Park & Open Space at The Gorses.
An unnecessary loss of crucial parking spaces and if the proposed development
creeps beyond it, then great risk of harm to the open space, trees and wildlife habitat
would be unacceptable. This car park is very useful and popular, to leave the car and
to take the train to work or for shopping in Hastings or Eastbourne etc. Park and ride
by train, is a preferred mode of movement in strategic planning and the retention of
a station car park offers this incentive. Otherwise, we are just as likely to continue
our whole journey by car (via the congested A259 along Barnhorn Road) and park up
at our destination. Many people who use the train do not live in easy walking
distance of their nearest station.
The Gorses car park is also useful for families going to the beach or when popular
events are held at the Cooden Relais Hotel which attract crowds, like Craft Fairs. So it
can support businesses. When the car park is full any street parking congests
residential roads. The Gorses is not wide enough for on-street parking with 2-way
traffic, including the community bus. This proposal would be detrimental to safety,
the appearance of the street scene and unfair to the local residents.
Also there must be something wrong with the sewage outflow system because there
is a detectable unpleasant odour by this site, nearest to the previous new-builds.
This should be identified and upgraded, rather than exacerbating the problem.
8
We note the proposed density for the site, indicated at 166 dwellings per hectare is
incredibly high. Not more than a few dwellings allowing reasonable amenity space
would fit within the car park area. So we fear there is a serious risk of encroachment
into the open space and causing serious harm to the wild habitat. At one time the
whole area, known as the Gorses, was about three times its present size before it
was developed. The remainder is a beloved Greenfield, not a “Brownfield”, except
for the car park itself.
The open space and ancient wooded area to the south is a very attractive feature,
adding character to the local scene. This valuable wildlife habitat supports many
species, which should be given protection with no disturbance
[Environment Act 2021). A comprehensive wildlife and tree survey should be
undertaken with a presumption to protect e.g. species and their foraging areas.
These structures are often decades or even centuries old and are protected by law,
making it illegal to interfere with them. A designated buffer zone of at least 25
metres (not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
Notes / Refs:
Strategic Planning Objective 2 - Maximise nature conservation... and protected habitat areas of Rother and
ensure sensitive development...
[Objective 2 should add; to comply with the objectives of emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategies
(supporting non-strategic policy ENV5: Habitats and Species and strategic policies GTC7: Local Nature
Recovery Areas, GTC8: Biodiversity Net Gain) and NPPF [Ref: Natural England, as noted Mar 2026 and the
Environment Act 2021].
Strategic Planning Objective 3 - Promote... and protect and enhance the significance of... natural heritage,
including its setting...
Strategic Planning Objective 8 - Connectivity of local communities ... sustainable transport measures
Strategic Planning Objective 9 - Support and achieve safe, healthy.....well-being of residents is a high
priority
Strategic Planning Objective 10 - Balance strategic planning ...
Natural England as noted Mar 2026 -
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit
of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development
Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) (Plan Ref: 4.8 4.9)
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX20 - Dwellings off Spindlewood Drive (146)
This proposal will have a severe impact on the traffic on the heavily congested A259
Barnhorn Road, which is already operating above capacity. An increase in the number
of vehicles needing to access this trunk road will have a negative impact on the lives
of local people and on all its users.
9
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water has admitted that their narrow 9” sewer pipe under Barnhorn Road
cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings on both sides of
the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with more sewage unless the
pipe is replaced with a much larger one, which would mean completely closing and
digging up the road.
Meanwhile, South East Water, has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
This is a huge and sensitive Greenfield site. Wildlife species and their natural habitats
including trees and mature shrubs should be respected and protected, leaving ample
wildlife corridors as standard. This includes non-designated sites in addition to the
sites labelled for special protection. All allocations should ensure the natural
environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and
future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development [ref: Natural
England as noted Mar 2026]
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX21 - Dwellings (20) adjacent to the caravan site
This proposal again, like BX20, will add further impact on the traffic on the heavily
congested A259 Barnhorn Road, which is already operating above capacity. An
increase in the number of vehicles needing to access this trunk road will have a
negative impact on the lives of local people and on all its users.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water has admitted that the narrow 9” sewer pipe under Barnhorn Road
cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings on both sides of
the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with more sewage unless the
9” pipe is replaced with a larger one, which would mean completely closing and
digging up the road.
10
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
This is another precious sensitive Greenfield site. Wildlife species and their natural
habitats including trees and mature shrubs should be respected and protected,
leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This includes non-designated sites in
addition to the sites labelled for special protection. All allocations should ensure the
natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present
and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development [ref:
Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive
objective wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g.
species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres
(not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX22 - Dwellings (400) + plus 3000 m² commercial space south of Barnhorn Road
This is the probably the worst proposal in the whole Plan, on a vast and extremely
sensitive Greenfield site. It may offer some employment, however it is the most
sensitive of sites. Not a balanced plan.
The site is adjacent to the Pevensey Levels SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest),
SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and the Ramsar designated wetlands. It is
essential that the ecological integrity of this area is preserved. Any drainage water
flowing onto it requires a Sustainable Drainage System, to exclude any water-borne
pollutants, as well as the creation of an attenuation pond. These requirements are
proving very difficult to fulfil for the smaller development BX20. Building any more
houses, particularly a high-density estate with its polluting run-off, would severely
compromise the ecological integrity of this special area.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
11
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive unredacted
wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g.
species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres
(not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX23 - Dwellings north of Rosewood Park (340)
Similarly, this huge proposal on another precious Greenfield site will have a severe
impact on wildlife and natural mature habitats.
The traffic on this heavily congested A259 Barnhorn Road, is already operating above
capacity. An increase in the number of vehicles needing to access this trunk road will
have a negative impact on the lives of local people and on all its users.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water has admitted that the narrow 9” sewer pipe under Barnhorn Road
cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings on both sides of
the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with more sewage unless the
9” pipe is replaced with a larger one, which would mean completely closing and
digging up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive
wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g. species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres (not 15
metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION
BX24 - Dwellings east of Sandhurst Lane (25)
This proposal, as with BX20, BX21, BX22, BX23, BX25, BX26, BX27 and BX28 will have
an equally severe impact on the traffic on the heavily congested A259 Barnhorn
Road, which is already operating above capacity. An increase in the number of
vehicles needing to access this trunk road will have a negative impact on the lives of
local people and on all its users.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
The narrow 9” diameter sewer pipe under Barnhorn Road, already choked, cannot
cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings on both sides of the
road in hard rain conditions. So cannot deal with more sewage unless the narrow 9”
pipe is replaced with a larger one, which would mean completely closing and digging
up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION
BX25 - Medical Centre with 86+ parking spaces and light industrial units with 50+
parking spaces.
Although this may appear to offer worthy facilities and employment, this is not the
right site allocation and will exacerbate the concerns raised in the site allocations as
BX20, BX21, BX22, BX23, BX24, BX26, BX27 and BX28. It would have an equally severe
13
impact on the traffic on the heavily congested A259 Barnhorn Road, which is already
operating above capacity. An increase in the number of vehicles needing to access
this trunk road will have a negative impact on the lives of local people and on all its
users.
We are aware this site allocation BX25 may be likely to progress, regardless. This is
already of concern because the negative effects of these developments will be
experienced by all users of this trunk road, with more frequent hold-ups and longer
queues of air-polluting vehicles at the Barnhorn Green/Rosewood Park traffic lights.
Additional housing development would be disastrous for road-users and Little
Common as a whole.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water has confirmed that the narrow sewer pipe under Barnhorn Road
cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings on both sides of
the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with more sewage unless the
narrow pipe is replaced with a wider one, which would mean completely closing and
digging up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive and
objective wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g.
species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres
(not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
14
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX26 - Dwellings south of Sandhurst Lane (25)
Yet again, this proposal will have a severe impact on the traffic on the heavily
congested A259 Barnhorn Road, which is already operating above capacity. An
increase in the number of vehicles needing to access this trunk road will have a
negative impact on the lives of local people and on all its users.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
It is only a narrow 9” diameter sewer pipe (probably less with ‘fat build-up’) under
the Barnhorn Road and it cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the
buildings on both sides of the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with
more sewage unless the 9” pipe is replaced with a larger one, which would mean
completely closing and digging up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive
unredacted wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect
e.g. species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25
metres (not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
15
BX27 - Dwellings on Beeches Farm and land north of Barnhorn Road (540 )
This is an alarming proposal, bringing the most severe adverse impact on the traffic
on the heavily congested A259 Barnhorn Road, which is already operating above
capacity. Any increase in the number of vehicles needing to access this trunk road
will have a negative impact on the lives of local people and on all its users.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water has admitted that the narrow 9” sewer pipe (probably less with ‘fat
build-up’) under the Barnhorn Road and cannot cope with the current quantity of
sewage from the buildings on both sides of the road in storm conditions. It therefore
cannot deal with more sewage unless the 9” pipe is replaced with a larger one, which
would mean completely closing and digging up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has just warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive
unredacted wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect
e.g. species and their foraging areas. These structures are often decades or
even centuries old and are protected by law, making it illegal to interfere with them.
A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres (not 15 metres) should be left
undisturbed, which does not include residential gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION:
BX28 - Dwellings at Northeye and adjoining land (384)
It is not a welcome resolution to develop beyond the Northeye Brownfield site. No
Greenfield should be included as this is extremely sensitive land and we are not
16
persuaded by the HELAA. We object to the density and proposed number of
dwellings. The recreational space including sports ground should be provided, along
with either a modest residential setting or a school – should all fit within the
Brownfield site boundary alone.
The former RAF site would need to be carefully and safety cleared (removing the
toxic asbestos throughout the existing buildings and grounds with due consideration
to the close neighbouring residents).
School places in most years are in very short supply. Little Common Primary School
and Bexhill Academy are almost at capacity. We would not object to a school or a
small estate with sheltered bungalows to provide independent living and specialist
care for elderly, supported by a warden 24/7. Both these options would utilise a
Brownfield site and offer an evidenced need in the area. However, more general
housing does not and therefore we do not support the proposal in this Plan.
This proposal, whatever size, will add impact on the traffic on the heavily congested
A259 Barnhorn Road, which is already operating above capacity. An increase in the
number of vehicles needing to access this trunk road will have a negative impact on
the lives of local people and on all its users.
The negative effects of all these developments will be experienced by all users of this
trunk road, with more frequent hold-ups and longer queues of air-polluting vehicles
at the Barnhorn Green/Rosewood Park traffic lights. Any additional housing
development would be disastrous for road-users and Little Common as a whole.
The air-polluting traffic, the incomplete and unsafe cycle-lane and the unreliable bus
service mean that most residents will be reliant on car usage for their travel needs.
Southern Water had already confirmed that the narrow 9” sewer pipe under
Barnhorn Road cannot cope with the current quantity of sewage from the buildings
on both sides of the road in storm conditions. It therefore cannot deal with more
sewage unless the 9” pipe is replaced with a larger one, which would mean
completely closing and digging up the road.
South East Water, meanwhile has now warned Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
(TMBC) that it cannot supply water to 2/3 of their new Plan for dwellings due to
insufficient infrastructure capacity. It is likely to tell other councils something similar.
Wildlife species and their natural habitats including trees and mature shrubs should
be respected and protected, leaving ample wildlife corridors as standard. This
17
includes non-designated sites in addition to the sites labelled for special protection.
All allocations should ensure the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to
sustainable development [ref: Natural England as noted Mar 2026]
To demonstrate appropriate conservation of the natural setting, comprehensive unredacted
wildlife and tree surveys should be made with a presumption to protect e.g.
species and their foraging areas. A designated buffer zone of at least 25 metres
(not 15 metres) should be left undisturbed, which does not include residential
gardens.
Notes / Refs
South East Water has warned Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) that it cannot supply water to twothirds
of the ~19,000 new homes planned for the borough by 2042 due to insufficient infrastructure capacity. This
follows significant,, repeated water supply failures in late 2025/early 2026, prompting a March 2026 Ofwat
investigation.[BBC reported 12 Mar 2026]
__________________________________________________________________
Q17 OBJECTION
BX50 - Land at Sidley Car Park, Ninfield Road, Bexhill-on-Sea
This car park provides an essential amenity for the local community and allows access
to shops and services. No loss of parking spaces is acceptable on this site.
__________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your attention, taking the time to consult and for reading this response.
Yours faithfully, PERRY