Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)

SWT supports the inclusion of this policy

SWT are very pleased to see a number of sites rejected in the HEELA due, in part, to their impact on Local Wildlife Sites (LWS). The NPPF and National Planning Practice Guidance is clear that LWS should be safeguarded in local plans with policies that protect them from harm and loss, and therefore SWT objects to any housing allocations on a LWS. We note that a number of potential allocations are adjacent to LWS and/or ancient woodland. Given that both these designations will be core areas within the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, it is vital that appropriate buffers are required for adjacent allocations and that the council is mindful of the potential for allocations to hinder recovery opportunities.

SWT is concerned about the potential impact of development to the west of Bexhill on the Pevensey Levels. Again, it is vital that appropriate buffers and stringent surface and wastewater drainage protocols are required. We are particularly concerned about increases in road surface runoff due to a cumulative impact of increased housing. This needs to be addressed strategically as it is often overlooked by individual applications.