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

Support

Representation ID: 30863

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 Policy Requirement 8: Wates agrees that the BT2 allocation should include significant green infrastructure, public open space and areas for biodiversity net gain. Their vision is for a landscape‑led masterplan where green infrastructure is integral and multifunctional, contributing to climate resilience and ecological enhancement. The emerging design is being developed by a multidisciplinary team, and the final layout will be informed by a site‑specific LVIA and a Green Infrastructure Strategy. Wates supports this requirement and intends to deliver strong environmental and landscape outcomes as part of the scheme.

Support

Representation ID: 30864

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 - Policy Requirement 9. Support the principle of this criteria. Wates recognises the importance of safeguarding adjacent Ancient Woodland and has incorporated a 15m buffer into the masterplan from the earliest stages. This aligns with Natural England guidance. They note the buffer could appropriately accommodate SuDS, open space or other green infrastructure—subject to root protection and ecological assessment—without harming the woodland. Wates suggests the policy wording be updated to allow “other forms of appropriate Green Infrastructure” to ensure flexibility within a landscape‑led design while maintaining necessary protection.

Support

Representation ID: 30865

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 Policy Requirement 10: This criterion pertains to retaining and enhancing the existing hedgerow and trees on the south-eastern boundary of the site. Wates appreciates that these landscape features contribute positively to the site's landscape and rural character, and therefore merit protection in any proposed development. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) will support a future planning application, and new
planting will be proposed as part of a Landscape Strategy.

Support

Representation ID: 30866

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 - Policy Requirement 11: Support. Wates agrees that development must follow the recommendations of a full Flood Risk Assessment. Most of BT2 lies in Flood Zone 1, with areas of Zones 2 and 3 near Marline Valley Stream, along with ponds, surface‑water risks and groundwater sensitivity. Wates’ Hydroecological and Drainage Technical Note proposes SuDS features—detention basins, attenuation ponds, swales and filter strips—with runoff discharged to the Marline Valley Stream at restricted greenfield runoff rates. This approach aligns with the hydro‑ecological strategy for protecting the SSSI and would ensure development does not increase flood risk elsewhere.

Object

Representation ID: 30867

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT - Policy Requirement 12: Unclear why this proposed criterion is needed, and suggests instead that the SuDS strategy for the site is left to the decision-taking stage, following appropriate technical assessment. There also appears to be a conceptual overlap between ‘Requirement 12 and Requirement 11’. More generally, Wates considers that the drainage strategy for the site should be designed to function holistically across RDC’s and HBC’s administrative boundaries, and indeed this will
be necessary to appropriately manage the hydroecological environment. Wates would therefore suggest that this part of the draft policy be revisited and potentially omitted.

Object

Representation ID: 30868

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 Policy Requirement 13: Wates does not object to the principle of requiring a connection to the nearest point of adequate sewerage capacity but questions why this requirement is included specifically within BT2, given other emerging Local Plan policies already cover infrastructure provision. Wates agrees that development must safeguard access for maintenance and future upgrades to sewerage and water supply infrastructure, noting this is standard good practice for any well‑designed scheme.

Support

Representation ID: 30869

Received: 22/03/2026

Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd

Agent: Boyer Planning Limited

BT2 - Policy Requirement 14: This criterion of draft Policy BT2 requires development to be ‘informed by agreed land
stability and geotechnical reports’, and based on the supporting text, it is understood that this is included as part of the policy to align with the position of Hastings Borough Council (HBC). As part of its emerging Plan, HBC proposes to require these assessments to be submitted with planning applications for all sloping sites and relevant developments. Wates has no objection to including this requirement as it is deemed reasonable.