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

Object

Representation ID: 29385

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

The strategic objectives are broadly acceptable, but Objective 4 should be the primary objective and must explicitly commit to allocating sufficient land to meet the full local housing requirement of 15,504 homes. Without prioritising the housing crisis and acknowledging that meeting this requirement depends on allocating deliverable sites, the objectives fail to comply with national policy and do not address Rother’s acute need.

Object

Representation ID: 29386

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

The proposed target of 8,427 dwellings meets only 54% of local housing need, rendering the Plan unsound and incapable of addressing worsening affordability. A more ambitious housing strategy is required, treating the High Weald NL as a factor for site‑specific design rather than a blanket restriction. Suitable, available and achievable sites—such as Land at Bishop’s Lane—must be allocated to meet minimum requirements and improve Rother’s historically poor housing delivery.

Support

Representation ID: 29387

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

The proposed target of 8,427 dwellings meets only 54% of local housing need, rendering the Plan unsound and incapable of addressing worsening affordability. A more ambitious housing strategy is required, treating the High Weald NL as a factor for site‑specific design rather than a blanket restriction. Suitable, available and achievable sites—such as Land at Bishop’s Lane—must be allocated to meet minimum requirements and improve Rother’s historically poor housing delivery.

Object

Representation ID: 29388

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

Although the overarching development strategy is supported, it has not been applied consistently. Land at Bishop’s Lane (SAL0012) has been incorrectly discounted due to overstated landscape impacts. Its constraints are manageable through design, and excluding it undermines both the development strategy and the ability to meet housing need. The site should therefore be allocated to ensure the Plan is justified and sound.

Object

Representation ID: 29389

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

Growth figures for Northern Rother should be increased to include development at Land at Bishop’s Lane. The deliverability of several existing Robertsbridge allocations is highly uncertain, given years of inactivity despite allocation. Relying on undelivered sites threatens housing supply, and failing to allocate demonstrably deliverable land, such as Bishop’s Lane, widens the gap between need and supply.

Object

Representation ID: 29390

Received: 13/03/2026

Respondent: Devine Homes PLC

Agent: Nexus Planning

The Vision for Northern Rother relies on allocations that have not delivered any housing despite being in place for years. The rejection of Land at Bishop’s Lane is flawed: flood risk can be mitigated through siting, and landscape concerns relate to access design rather than fundamental suitability. With ongoing uncertainty around other allocated sites, Bishop’s Lane should be allocated to ensure the Plan meets housing need and applies landscape policy consistently.