Permissions Sought for 471 Greenfield Homes
HUGH SULLIVAN
Outline planning applications have been lodged with Rother District Council for the building of two adjacent housing estates off Ninfield Road, Bexhill. The estates are aimed to encompass 471 new homes – 335 on what is at present mostly agricultural grassland at High House Farm and Summerleas; a further 136 on the separate greenfield site of Chestnut Meadows Caravan Park. Thirty per cent of the homes are proposed to be ‘affordable’.
A Planning Statement drawn up by consultants DHA Planning on behalf of developers Catesby Strategic Land Limited and Rurban Estates Limited claims that the proposals “substantially comply” with Rother’s Development Plan – or, to the extent that they conflict with it, that the policies are “out-of-date where they restrict development coming forward.” In particular, as Rother cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, there is a presumption under the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) in favour of sustainable development. The sites, say DHA, are “suitable and available”, and the developments will “meet the council’s immediate and significant housing need”.
Among the other documents lodged is a Statement of Community Involvement setting out feedback from residents and other stakeholders in the neighbouring Sidley area. It acknowledges a considerable degree of concern – at the scale of development, pressure on local infrastructure, traffic impacts, and loss of countryside.
Many residents are reported as feeling that the scheme is too large and dense; they question whether local roads, particularly Ninfield Road, could cope with additional traffic; and they highlight the existing strain on services such as GP surgeries, schools, and drainage systems. There is also dismay about environmental impacts, including the loss of green space and wildlife habitats.
In response, the developers say that there was recognition “from some respondents” that new housing is needed, “provided that these issues are appropriately addressed”. The number of planned homes has been reduced from an original 500 to the current 471; modifications of existing traffic routes have been proposed, with additional pedestrian and cycle connections.It is contended that improvements to other local services, including education, healthcare and transport, can be funded from contributions made under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements.
Ward councillors on Rother District Council, Fazlul Chowdhury and Sam Coleman (both Labour party), have been asked by HIP for their comments on the planning applications. Neither has proffered any.
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Thank you for highlighting this outline planning application. The second part of BX39, on the Chestnut Meadow site has not been put onto RDC’s site yet.
You will see on their portal the 87 objections have been received, over 100 signatures on our petition and objections include departments of ESCC, Ibstock Brickworks, the Ramblers Association and Bexhill TC unanimously opposed at their AGM.
This site is unsustainable on many levels.
If you would like to feature the residents views as a follow up article please contact me.