I was Head Ranger at Bewl water working there for 28 years developing both conservation and quiet daytime only recreation pursuits. My family farm, Overys & Rosemary farms lie under the water.
My main concern is that the North Western bank is in Wealden DC and this is where there is considerable pressure for change of use of publically funded buildings for sports group clubs to convert to residential overnight accommodation. By a property development company Elite Leisure who are disregarding the CAR (Conservation, Access & Recreation) responsibilities under the Water Acts 1991& 1995. Also the CROW ACT
Southern Water still have overall responsibility for this but say they have passed them illegally to the current leaseholders, the 3rd since 2007
There needs to be a joint policy with Wealden specific to Bewl Water, 7/8ths of the estate lies in Rother District. All in the High Weald NL.

1. No residential or Holiday style accommodation should be permitted close to or within the boundary fence of the Bewl Estate, some 17 mile of post and rail fencing, 1200 acres, 770 of which is water, with a 15 mile shoreline. Recent rejected planning appeal at Downash Wood supported this by the inspector. To protect the now 50 year landscape that has matured with the very successful landscaping project after the dam was build and the land flooded in the mid 1970s. By Dame Sylvia Crowe, a highly respected International Landscape Architect.

2. No motorized watersports boats allowed other than rescue boats and small electric engined safety or fishing boats.

3. Encourage the use by current existing users, Sailing, Rowing, Canoeing, Fishing from bank and boat, paddle boarding, SubAqua Diving, or other promoting secure leaseholds to enable their longevity and ability to secure grant funding to promote their sports. Also other quiet daytime activities around the reservoir, such as Walking, Horse Riding and Cycling.

4. The Round Water Walk on both Public and Permitted Bridlepaths and footpaths to be enhanced to be upgraded for all year use. In the past ESCC Rights of Way officers were helpful in the 1990’s securing grants through other agencies, but they now required upgrading and better maintenance since the site has been leased from SW.

5. Support the establishment of a Special Protection Area (SPA) designation of Bewl. Currently being assessed by DEFRA and Natural England. As mentioned in the draft policy for winter bird populations and migratory birds in Spring and Autumn. Recently Wealden DC refused an application for converting the clubhouse at Bewl to overnight holiday accommodation, referencing this but mainly on Dark Skies. WD/2025/1539/MAJ
BUT, they were recommending approval and totally out of kilter with their Councillors who rejected 9-0 at the planning meeting that I spoke at last Thursday morning. It goes to show how important it is to get a JOINT POLICY WITH WEALDEN

6. Dark Skies policy essential it works well to date but needs a specific policy LAN3, ENV5, CTCV9 all mentioned in the text.

I hereby object to the proposed development TC1 as the scale of the development is too large for the local infrastructure to support. Such a development would place significant additional pressure on local services and facilities, which are already operating at capacity.

In addition, the development would likely have a detrimental impact on local wildlife and the surrounding natural environment. The increase in housing would also result in more vehicles using local roads, which are already congested, potentially worsening traffic conditions and increasing safety concerns.

In contrast, the proposed development TC2 is considerably smaller in scale and, in my view, represents a more proportionate and acceptable level of development for the area.

Please see attached: East Sussex County Council Representations on the Rother Local Plan ‘Development Strategy and Site Allocations Draft (Regulation 18) Version’ consultation

I am concerned that the watersports facilities at Bewl are currently under threat. There is no security of tenure and they need to be safeguarded.
I would like to see a watersports strategy in the local plan.
This should include access for all and good facilities for all water users.

As a member of charity and club that offers sailing opportunities at Bewl Water for people with disabilities I welcome the inclusion of a policy on Bewl Water in the Draft Local Plan.

As well as being the largest expanse of inland water in the South East, it is one of the very few locations where people with disabilities who need adaptable boats and appropriate access to both the water and land based facilities can participate in watersports on an equal basis.

I therefore sincerely hope that Rother District Council will include a watersports strategy in the Rother District Local Plan so that inclusive outdoor activities including sailing, rowing, canoeing at this very important and beautiful natural open space is protected from any further developments that would have a negative impact on its land based watersports facilities, its landscape, tranquility, and ecological sensitivities.

1. The watersports clubs at Bewl Water welcome the inclusion of a policy on Bewl Water in the Draft Local Plan.
Bewl Water is the largest expanse of inland water in the south-east and is ideally suited to quiet daytime watersports such as sailing, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing. These sports are compatible with nature conservation and have been popular at Bewl Water since the reservoir was formed in 1977. There is no power boating nor waterskiing. The only permitted motorised craft are safety and coaching boats, and fishing boats with small outboards, with hopefully progression to electric outboard engines.
However, the extensive watersports facilities are currently under threat. The watersports clubs do not have security of tenure and need to be safeguarded.
To increase participation, the watersports clubs invite Rother District Council to include a watersports strategy in the Rother District Local Plan.
This could
• Ensure that access to watersports is as safe, easy and inclusive as possible
• Enhance the physical and mental health and wellbeing of local communities
• Encourage daytime tourism
• Enhance the education and skills offer of Rother District Council
• Provide positive experiences for children and young people
• Protect the wildlife by preventing the use of power boats

2. No residential or holiday style accommodation should be permitted close to or within the boundary fence of the Bewl Estate, some 17 mile of post and rail fencing, 1200 acres, 770 of which is water, with a 15 mile shoreline. The inspector supported this at the recently rejected planning appeal at Downash Wood. The now 50 year old landscape that has matured with the very successful landscaping project after the dam was built and the land flooded in the mid 1970s should be protected.

The watersports clubs at Bewl welcome the inclusion of a policy on Bewl Water in the Draft Local Plan.
It's the largest expanse of inland water in the south-east it's ideally suited to quiet daytime watersports such as sailing, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing are compatible with nature conservation since the reservoir was formed in 1977.
However, the extensive watersports facilities are currently under threat. The watersports clubs do not have security of tenure and need to be safeguarded.
To increase participation, the watersports clubs invite Rother District Council to include a watersports strategy in the Local Plan.
This could
• Ensure that access to watersports is as safe, easy and inclusive as possible
• Enhance the physical and mental health and wellbeing of local communities
• Enhance the education and skills offer of Rother District Council
• Encourage daytime tourism
• Provide positive experiences for children and young people

See attached representations in response to questions 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 23, 38, 61, and 68

See attached representations in response to questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 56, 59, 61, 64, 65, 68 and 69.

See attached representations and supporting documents from Burwash: Save Our Fields in response to questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 53, 54, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69.

Wadhurst Parish Council Submission to the Rother Local Plan Consultation

Wadhurst Parish Council welcomes the inclusion of a Bewl Water policy within the Draft Rother Local Plan 2025–2042. Bewl Water is a landscape of exceptional environmental sensitivity, recreational value and importance to our community. As seven eighths of the reservoir lies within Rother District, we consider its protection a matter of strategic significance across district boundaries.

We urge Rother District Council to work constructively with Wealden District Council so that a joint, consistent, and protective policy approach is adopted for this unique cross boundary site, as recommended by the Friends of Bewl Water (FoBW) submission and consistent with the duty to cooperate.

1. Protection of Nature, Tranquillity and Dark Skies

We strongly support FoBW’s request that no overnight tourist accommodation be permitted at Bewl Water. Disturbance at night risks significant harm to wildlife, including the internationally important winter gull roost, which expert evidence suggests may not relocate if displaced.

Wadhurst Parish Council therefore requests that the Local Plan include:

• A Dark Skies Policy for Bewl Water and its setting, recognising its importance as one of the darkest environments in the High Weald National Landscape.
• A Tranquillity Policy, limiting development that would disturb the tranquillity – particularly night time noise and activity, and explicitly resisting development that would introduce 24 hour use.

These protections would align with the clear preference expressed in the 2025 Bewl Water consultation (attached) conducted by Wadhurst and Ticehurst Parish Councils, where overwhelming majorities supported protecting Bewl Water’s dark skies and tranquillity.

2. Safeguarding and Revitalising Watersports

We echo FoBW in urging the Council to adopt a Watersports Strategy within the Local Plan. Bewl Water is the largest inland waterbody in the South East and uniquely suited to quiet, non motorised, daytime watersports such as sailing, rowing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing.

To secure these important community assets, we request that the policy:

• Protect the long established daytime recreational uses that are compatible with conservation.
• Support the protection of community watersports facilities and club buildings.
• Limit motorised craft strictly to safety and coaching uses only.

3. Cross Boundary Planning and Evidence Base

We support FoBW’s request that Rother District Council carefully consider:

• The Northern Parishes 35 page representation (10 June 2026), and
• The 2025 Wadhurst & Ticehurst community survey results, both of which underline strong public preference for conservation led management and resistance to overnight development.

These represent substantial and robust community evidence that Bewl Water should remain a quiet daytime destination centred on biodiversity, wellbeing and low impact recreation.

Conclusion

Wadhurst Parish Council respectfully asks that Rother District Council strengthen the Bewl Water policy so that it:

1. Prohibits overnight tourist accommodation.
2. Embeds Dark Skies and Tranquillity protections.
3. Safeguards watersports, community facilities and access.
4. Ensures cross boundary consistency with Wealden.
5. Places ecological safeguarding and community benefit at the centre of all decision making.

We would welcome continued dialogue with Rother District Council as this policy develops.

Please see attached:
- Report on the public consultation conducted during autumn 2025 supported by Wadhurst and Ticehurst Parish Councils