Rother Local Plan 2020-2040 (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 28212

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

The strategic development vision for Hastings Fringes and Radial Settlements is broadly supported. As it stands there is too little growth to meet existing and future needs in rural areas and so it rightly should be acknowledged that these areas can sustainably grow and maintain their character whilst satisfying the growing need. More should be made in the policy of the fact that Hastings Fringes and the Radial settlements are in a particularly sustainable location when compared to other rural areas with a strong network of connections to main trunk roads, railway stations and bus routes that lead to Hastings and Rye.

It is right to note that the characteristics that define the AONB landscape in this area should be conserved and enhanced, but the policy should go further and state the benefits more clearly that small scale development could bring to enhance the AONB and communities’ enjoyment of it. For example, small scale development in least sensitive areas could lead to direct enhancement of footpaths and access to the AONB on adjoining land to open up opportunities for enjoyment as well as better management and conservation of the landscape. Or it could lead to community funding for woodland restoration projects for example.

There is an opportunity for Rother to take the lead on addressing the need for growth in rural areas and areas such as the Hastings Fringes and radial settlements represent the ideal place for this being so well connected.

Comment

Representation ID: 28213

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

In terms of distribution of growth, we disagree with the current approach. Icklesham village should be better represented and has the potential to take more growth to improve facilities and lean on its exceptional connectivity.

Icklesham village is characterised as a radial settlement within the fringes of Hastings with strong links and connections to the town and its services and facilities. The village has a primary school within 250 metres of the site, two pubs (with one pub directly adjacent to the site), a village hall and thriving local community. It is approximately 5 km from Rye to the east and 8 km from Hasting to the south west. In terms of transport links, it is located directly onto the A259 main trunk road that links Rye with Hastings. It is on a main bus route that provides a regular hourly bus service to Hastings and Rye (Number 70 and Number 100). The village is also in relatively close proximity to both Winchelsea railway station (approx. 3.5km) and Doleman railway station (approx. 4km) that provides rail services across the south coast and connections to Hastings and London.

Despite the above there is no currently identified level of development and the Local Plan shows potential for only 15 dwellings over the 20 year plan period. Icklesham is in an excellent location when compared with many other rural settlements and has the potential to improve facilities and services over this plan period and support the local school, but this will need more growth than the 15 dwellings proposed. It is suggested that this is at least doubled and all areas around Icklesham should be reviewed for development potential.

Comment

Representation ID: 28214

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

Following on from Question 60 my client has recently submitted a site to the HELAA (reference ICK0002), which should be considered as part of the Local Plan for potential allocation. The site is known as Land south of A259, Icklesham, Winchelsea, TN36 4BG and can provide up to 25 dwellings in a linear pattern alongside the A259. It is available now and would provide the opportunity to deliver growth in the plan period alongside other significant benefits such as the enhancement of public footpath and a large area of accessible green space for the village. It would also contribute to the delivery of enhanced facilities and services in the village.

A plan and full details of the HELAA submission have been attached to this representation for information.

Comment

Representation ID: 28215

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

The development potential of 15 dwellings over a 20 year period in the sustainable, well connected village of Icklesham is not enough to support the local school and the two pubs in the village into the future. The development potential of Icklesham should be increased to at least 30 dwellings over this period to reduce the potential for stagnation.

Comment

Representation ID: 28216

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

We support the inclusion of Icklesham as a settlement to have its own built-up area boundary. The boundary should be carefully scrutinized through the Local Plan process to see where increases can be made in order to support growth in this sustainable and well connected village.

Comment

Representation ID: 28217

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: The Trust of Mrs F M Bates

Agent: Rural Planning Group

We support the inclusion of Icklesham as a settlement to have its own built-up area boundary. The boundary should be carefully scrutinized through the Local Plan process to see where increases can be made in order to support growth in this sustainable and well connected village.