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

Object

Representation ID: 31361

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

Our only comment is with regard to the first objective. HBF recognise the importance of achieving national net zero ambitions, but the local plan cannot on its own deliver this ambition. Therefore, HBF would suggest, as set out below, that an objective which states that the local plan contributes towards achieving this net zero ambitions would be more appropriate.
Mitigate and adapt to climate change, support ambitions to achieve net zero carbon, reducing flood risk from all sources and promoting the multifunctional benefits of green blue infrastructure through effective and supportive planning policies.

Object

Representation ID: 31362

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

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.
Over the plan period 2025 to 2042 this would lead to near 36,000 fewer homes that are needed to address the housing crisis in this area. This is not sustainable and will lead to significant shortfalls in both market and affordable housing, placing increasing pressure on housing markets that are already under significant stress.
What is evident is that across East Sussex house prices far exceed local salaries, meaning that housing in the area is unaffordable for those people who live and work in the area.
There does not appear to have been any attempt by Rother to consider how to address this issue at both an officer and political level and then to challenge them to do so throughout the plan making process.

Object

Representation ID: 31363

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

The application of policies around protected landscapes such as the High Weald National Landscape (HWNL) can provide a strong reason for not meeting need. Alongside this the Council needs to recognise that there are significant negative social and economic im-pacts of not meeting needs in full.
the Council and it neighbours in East Sussex cannot meet their housing needs. As affordability worsens with need for affordable housing is growing.
HBF does not consider the appraisal within the Interim Sustainability Appraisal to take sufficient account of the negative consequences of not meeting housing needs on both Rother and Hastings and positive consequences of boost the supply of new homes would have with regard to infrastructure, health and wellbeing and even climate change. In failing to see the benefits of housing the Council’s assessments are being potentially skewed.

Object

Representation ID: 31364

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

we need to recognise the significant shortfalls in housing that will be a result of this strategy. At present the proposed policy states that the Council will meet the local need for all forms of housing, jobs, facilities and services. As set out above and by the Council in the consultation document this is not the case.
HBF considers the that the proposed strategy should do more to increase the supply of housing in Rother and that such a strategy is supported by national policy. The proposed development strategy includes allocations for development around in and around settlements within the HWNL. This is welcomed.
the Council need take into account circumstances set out in paragraph 190 such as the need for development and the degree to which any harmful effects can be moderated.
The Council should not be dismissing development in those area sit has defined as strategic gaps.