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

Support

Representation ID: 31107

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Chartwell Land and New Homes 2 Ltd

Agent: Mr Andrew Black

Support the allocation of land adjacent to Orchard Close under site reference IK2. Given the historic under‑delivery of housing across the district and the ongoing lack of a five‑year housing land supply, the allocation is justified and timely. Bringing this site forward early in the plan period will help address acute housing need, particularly the continued shortfall in affordable housing delivery. The site represents an appropriate and necessary contribution toward meeting Icklesham’s housing needs within the wider context of the District’s housing challenges.

Object

Representation ID: 31108

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Chartwell Land and New Homes 2 Ltd

Agent: Mr Andrew Black

Note that the Draft Local Plan proposes delivery of only 8,427 homes (495 dwellings per annum), representing just 54% of the identified local housing need of 912 homes per year under the Standard Method. Evidence shows worsening affordability, rising homelessness and a significant shortfall in affordable housing delivery, with recent delivery averages far below identified need. The five‑year housing land supply stands at only 2.63 years, and recent Housing Delivery Test results show severe under‑delivery. Given ministerial intervention in comparable plans, the scale of under‑provision in Rother presents a substantial risk of unsoundness unless additional housing sources and sites are identified.

Support

Representation ID: 31109

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Chartwell Land and New Homes 2 Ltd

Agent: Mr Andrew Black

Support the Development Strategy for Southern Rother and the Hastings Fringes, which promotes sensitive, well‑connected development that respects the setting of the High Weald National Landscape and enhances access to services, public transport and active travel. The proposed level of growth is proportionate and aligns with the vision for small‑scale development in villages delivered at densities consistent with local character. The strategy appropriately balances housing delivery with landscape protection, community cohesion and sustainable access to facilities.

Support

Representation ID: 31110

Received: 23/03/2026

Respondent: Chartwell Land and New Homes 2 Ltd

Agent: Mr Andrew Black

Support Draft Allocation IK2 and confirm that the southern part of the site under Chartwell’s control is capable of delivering all 32 dwellings within the early plan period. Detailed technical work, including highways pre‑application engagement with National Highways and a Landscape and Visual Appraisal, demonstrates that development can be accommodated without harm to the High Weald National Landscape. Access via Orchard Close is not feasible due to sewer infrastructure and ownership constraints; a direct access from the A259 is deliverable and should be reflected in policy. The allocation criteria relating to landscape, green infrastructure, drainage, biodiversity net gain and pedestrian connections are achievable, subject to proportionate and flexible wording. Overall, IK2 is deliverable, sound and supported.