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

Object

Representation ID: 31175

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

See attached representation for full response.

The proposed housing requirement leaves a shortfall against identified housing needs of over 7,000 homes. This adds to the growing unmet housing needs of East Sussex. As the Council will no doubt be aware across East Sussex the shortfall in meeting housing needs arising from plans currently in preparation is over 2,000 dwellings per annum (dpa). Over the plan period 2025 to 2042 this would lead to near 36,000 fewer homes.

This is not sustainable and will lead to significant shortfalls in both market and affordable housing, placing increasing pressure on housing markets.

Gladman consider that a further sifting of sites will be necessary to determine whether any additional needs can be delivered. In this regard, Land at Gotham Farm (west), Sandhurst Lane, Bexhill (BEX 0206) is not proposed for allocation. This site could help contribute to the housing needs of the area

Object

Representation ID: 31176

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

See attached representation for full response.

Whilst we would agree that density of sites should be optimised to make the most of a site’s development potential, it will be important that the proposed densities suggested are not applied too rigidly and are applied in the context of each sites ability to accommodate development.

Object

Representation ID: 31178

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

See attached representation for full response.

The draft Local Plan states that it will deliver a minimum of 7,991 dwellings. This is over 7,000 dwellings below the standard method. The failure to meet needs in full also means that affordable housing delivery will be substantially below what is needed.

Significant housing delivery in Bexhill will be essential in providing for a successful spatial strategy. North and West of Bexhill are the most sustainable locations in the district. It is essential that sites allocated are maximised to ensure the most effective use of land.

Whilst we recognise that there are a range of constraints in the district the NPPF is clear that these must provide strong reasons for restricting growth.

It is essential to consider whether a site would be suitable within the plan period, and just not at this point in time when allocating sites.

Support

Representation ID: 31179

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

See attached representation for full response.

Gladman support the important role that Bexhill plays in the spatial strategy for the district and are promoting a series of development interests in this area that will contribute to the timely delivery of housing within the plan period however following a further sifting of sites it may be possible to increase the level of development directed towards the settlement.

Support

Representation ID: 31180

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

See attached representation for full response.

Gladman support the vision for Bexhill which identifies that the settlement will be a key focus for growth however we consider that the development quantum proposed for the town could be increased.

When determining the final quantum of development proposed to the town it is essential that the entirety of the plan period is considered, sites that may not be considered appropriate for development right now may be within the plan period.

Support

Representation ID: 31181

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

We are promoting a number of sites around the town that have been proposed for allocation. We support the identification of each site and have provided further context on each below. These sites are:
• Land east of Watermill Lane (BEX 34);
• Part of Land north of A2691 NBAR (east), Bexhill (BEX 36);
• Land north of Rosewood Park, Gotham Farm, Bexhill (BEX 23); and
• Land south of Whydown Road (BEX 24).

See attached representation for full responses on each site.

Support

Representation ID: 31182

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Gladman Developments

Gladman are promoting land in Bexhill, Land at Gotham Farm (west), Sandhurst Lane, Bexhill (BEX 0206) that is not currently proposed for allocation. Further information on why we disagree with the Council’s current assessment of this site is provided below. We consider that the Councils concerns can be addressed and that the site is capable of coming forward in the plan period. See attached representation for full response on this site.

In response to the current HELAA assessment we have been working with our consultant team to address the comments and reason for current rejection of this site. Full technical notes in relation to both Highways and Landscape matters are appended to this representation.