Rother Local Plan 2025-2042 – Development Strategy and Site Allocations

Support

Representation ID: 30236

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

We fully support the aspirations behind these objectives including the amendments to prioritise brownfield sites and pay heed to local context and character.
As a rural parish, we strongly support, in particular, objective (2) which is to: “Maximise opportunities for nature conservation, recovery and biodiversity net gain and preserve the historic landscape character of the High Weald National Landscape and protected habitat areas of Rother and ensure sensitive development that allows communities to thrive”.
We would however, note that there seems to be a conflict between objective (2) and the inclusion of four out of the six site allocations identified in Burwash. If the Strategic Spatial Objectives are to have meaning they will have to be applied to all identified sites proposed in our area.

Object

Representation ID: 30237

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

Concerned that the number of houses proposed has been applied inappropriately to some rural areas.
Burwash comprises of medieval ridgetop buildings within a conservation area, steep valley sides with superb, distant views across the weald to the north and towards the coast to the south, along with areas of remoteness and tranquillity. It is one of the best remaining examples in northern Europe of a medieval landscape with a well preserved historic field system. The requirement to increase the housing stock by around 7% through estate and ribbon development is not considered appropriate on the scale suggested in the draft Plan.
The most recent housing developments in the parish have failed to sell. Some of the former are being rented out to Councils outside both the district and the county which does nothing to address local rural housing needs.

Object

Representation ID: 30239

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

The A21 corridor growth, is focussed within and around existing larger settlements: we have concerns about harm to the landscape, local settlements and the potentially devastating impact on biodiversity.
New development boundaries impact on the open countryside and defined spaces between the settlements of Burwash, Burwash Weald and Burwash Common these could be at risk if development boundaries are extended by a continual process of “creep.

Object

Representation ID: 30240

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

It is important in rural parishes that the decision on housing density relates to the identified sites and is guided and not driven by formula.

Support

Representation ID: 30241

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

With reference to point 6.3 Proposed Policy GTC9: High Weald National Landscape, we fully support the proposal: “that all development within or affecting the setting of the High Weald National Landscape shall conserve and enhance its distinctive landscape character, ecological features, settlement patterns and scenic beauty, having particular regard to the impacts on its character components, as set out in the latest version of the High Weald Management Plan”.
In supporting and applying this strategic approach, we would consider that four of the six sites proposed for allocation do not meet this proposed Policy. Our assessment of the sites is set out in our responses to Questions 53 – Burwash Sites and 54 = Burwash Common Sites below.

Object

Representation ID: 30243

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

There is no suggestion that there will be any employment/commercial growth opportunities within Burwash Parish to support the housing proposed in this draft.

Object

Representation ID: 30244

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

There is an assumption that additional development will not be entirely car-based relying on the “vision” of increased walking / cycling. This is a positive aspiration, but it doesn't take into account the constraints of the A265 running through the Parish. A heavy throughput of commercial vehicles on a single carriageway from residential areas to Etchingham station. Whilst the terrain is relatively flat, there is no footway for pedestrians outside the villages and frequently there is insufficient space for cyclists plus passing vehicles. The distance from the centre of Burwash village to Etchingham station is 2.6 miles and is an estimated 59 minute walk. The lane to Stonegate station is steep, even narrower, has no footway and also has a national speed limit. From The Wheel Inn in Burwash Weald to Stonegate station it is 3.7 miles which equates to a 78 minute walk or a 20 minute cycle ride.

Object

Representation ID: 30253

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

The reference to countryside is understood to relate to areas outside defined development boundaries. It is noted that there is a requirement that any development in the countryside must maintain or improve the rural character however there is no clear definition of “rural character” nor any agreed benchmark for determining how it will be measured.
In point 6.97 the countryside is described as being a “productive landscape” the prime function of which is “agriculture and the production of food”. This “vision” of the countryside seems to be somewhat urban in perspective in excluding the important but “non-productive” elements of the landscape such as scenery remoteness and tranquillity, land contours, viewpoints, ancient woodland, biodiversity, wildlife corridors, hedgerows, field patterns along with the existence and maintenance of green breaks between built areas.

Object

Representation ID: 30256

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

Significant harm to the National Landscape. RDC rejected the site in their Decision Notice (20-10-17) because of the impact on the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
● No access from Shrub Lane to the site. Inquiries made and the access which was available when planning permission was applied for in 2017 (RR/2017/456/P) is no longer available.
● Site is within multiple ownership.
● As the HELAA reports dated April 2024 and January 2026 states there is an Ancient Woodland and Priority Habitat to the west.
● As the HELAA report dated April 2024 and January 2026 states there is surface water flooding in the east and west boundaries.
● Significant development would increase traffic access onto and along Shrub Lane, a narrow lane with no footpath from the site to the village.
● Visible from footpaths, the train and distant ridges albeit currently screened by, non-native, mature leylandi.

Support

Representation ID: 30278

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

Site BW2 (formerly BUR0010) – Land at 101 Shrub Lane, Burwash
Deserving consideration for allocation/development
● There would be minimal damage to the National Landscape.
● The development would be using an existing residential site rather than adding to ribbon development.
● There is no footpath and it is 0.80 miles from the village centre (Village Shop and entrance to car park).
● This site is within the Burwash development boundary.
● It was previously found to be suitable in the SHLAA (2013), for redevelopment for at least 6 dwellings