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

On behalf of the Ramblers Association, I have reviewed the above-mentioned proposals.
The location of each development area has been examined and cross referenced to the Online Rights of Way Map produced by East Sussex County Council. It has been noted that many of the proposed development sites would have or have the potential to have an impact upon existing footpaths, bridleways etc. The Ramblers have concerns over this and will Object strongly in the future against any development that will impinge upon the ability of walkers to freely use these footpaths.
For your information The Ramblers is a charity whose goal is to protect the ability of people to enjoy the sense of freedom and benefits (both physical and mental) that come from being outdoors on foot. We are an association of over 100,000 people and groups who come together to both enjoy walking and other outdoor pursuits and to ensure that we protect and expand the infrastructure and places where people can and do go walking. We believe in protecting people's ability to enjoy the intrinsic values of nature and so we will defend the countryside and urban green spaces. To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort with other charities we mainly do this through effective participation in wider coalitions and by work within local communities. The Ramblers will retain their objection to any of the proposed developments until guaranteed confirmation has been given that existing footpaths will be protected in their current form, it should be remembered that proposals to divert footpaths along roads and pavements within development sites are considered to be unacceptable.
On a broader issue these proposals will have a further serious impact upon already overloaded infrastructures and local environments with no obvious remedial measures indicated. While the Ramblers understand the need to provide people with homes to live in, they believe that proposals for further major developments should be independently reviewed and the impacts upon local communities considered and acted upon and not just discussed. The destruction and over development of swathes of the county have been shown to have a serious effect upon the health and well-being of people who live in the communities, therefore the need for further major developments (especially on green field sites) should be seriously reconsidered.