Below is a list of recent comments submitted to Rother District Council. These decisions are made at Full Council. If for any reason comments need to be submitted sooner or there is not a planned Council meeting the Proper Officer has delegated authority in consultation with the Cllrs to submit comments on behalf of the Council.
Please click here to view planning applications to be discussed at the next full council meeting.
- RR/2022/2054/P – Gate House Farm, Northiam Road, Ewhurst, TN32 5RP. Demolition of existing building and erection of a single storey holiday let cabin, with associated car parking and landscaping.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Councillors would only support the application if there is a S106 to retain the property as a holiday let with limitations on number of days the property can be used. Only if property is lived in continuously for ten years could there be a change into a residential dwelling.
- RR/2022/2064/P – Watermans Vineyard, Lordine Lane, Ewhurst, TN32 5TL. Conversion of rear part of barn to holiday let accommodation.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Councillors felt the site is an over-development and the property seemed large in size for a holiday let. Councillors would only support the application if there is a S106 to retain the property as a holiday let with limitations on number of days the property can be used. Only if property is lived in continuously for ten years could there be a change into a residential dwelling. Clarification needs to be sort on when a change of use has previously been made for the site to be a domestic storage building as Councillors believed this was an agricultural barn. There also does not seem to be much information about services and waste water for the amenities on site and how they are to link up with existing services.
- RR/2022/2166/P – Watermans Vineyard, Lordine Lane, Ewhurst, TN32 5TL. Erection single storey extension to rear. Juliette balcony on first floor.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – No comment.
- RR/2022/2213/L – Spanyards Farm, Adams Lane, Ewhurst, TN31 6JR. Reinstatement to farmhouse and rear extension.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Councillors understood these were fire repairs and would leave the decision to the discretion of the listed buildings officer.
- RR/2022/2263/P – The Beacon Cottage, Cripps Corner Road, Ewhurst, TN32 5QR. Erection of single and part double storey rear extension to existing property. New swimming pool plant outbuilding and conversion of existing double garage into ancillary annex accommodation to the main house.
- Parish Council’s Comments – OBJECT – The proposed application seems a significant over development of the site. The extensions to the main building do not seem to be in keeping with the local rural character of the area re policy RA2. The redevelopment of the garage seems excessive and contrary to policy DHG10 of the DASA. Any such annex should be attached to the house DHG10 stipulates that an extension to the dwelling is normally most appropriate, as this better integrates the annexe into the dwelling for use of shared facilities and providing ready access (including internal linkages), normally also minimising the impact on neighbours and provides advantages for the longer-term use of the annexe, reducing pressure for future, inappropriate development. In this case, the application has not addressed the sequential approach i.e. provide justification as to why an extension to the main dwellinghouse could not first be considered for the additional residential accommodation. The inclusion of a shower room and a kitchenette leaves this refurbishment to allow the building to act as a separate building. The development could have space to contain sleeping accommodation and facilities which would allow independent operation from the main dwellinghouse, and it is noted that the annexe would be situated far enough from the main dwellinghouse so could not be considered as an ‘accommodation ancillary to the main dwellinghouse’. Also the garage building does not meet policy RA2 in preserving the locally distinct character or the rural area. Cllrs have no objection to the BBQ area however as this will be considered as a single application Cllrs object to this application.
- RR/2022/2281/P – 1 Poplar Cottages, Rock Hill, Staplecross, TN32 5RL. Erection of first floor extension with roof space conversion to include adapting existing full hip end to form new roof section with roof lights to side elevation. Adapting existing conservatory to form new roof terrace to rear elevation. New dormer window to front elevation to match existing.
- Item was deferred to October Meeting.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Councillors would only support the application if there is a S106 to retain the property as a holiday let with limitations on number of days the property can be used. Only if property is lived in continuously for ten years could there be a change into a residential dwelling.
COMMENTS MADE BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO THE PROPER OFFICER
- RR/2022/1430/P – Sparks Farmhouse, Northiam Road, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN31 6JP. Formation of swimming pool and erection of pool house. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Having reviewed the report from the Sussex Newt officer the Parish Council would request that further ecological impact assessments are carried out to ensure there is no significant harm caused when building the proposed swimming pool.
- RR/2022/902/P – The White Dog Inn, Village Street, Ewhurst, TN32 5TD. Full permission for use of land for camping & marquees in association with public house between months of April and September (previously given temporary approval under RR/2017/1158/P). Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – The White Dog has applied for ‘full permission’ to use the piece of land for use of glamping bell tents and marquees. The previous permission was only temporary. The Parish Council would continue to support a planning application for the continued used of this site if the original conditions are upheld: (1) At no time from 1st November to the last day of March the following year in any year shall any tents or marquees be erected within the area outlined in red on the approved block/site plan. Reason: To protect the character and appearance of this countryside and High Weald AONB location and the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties from and disturbance during the closed months, in accordance with Policies OSS3 (vi), OSS4 (ii & iii), RA2 (viii), RA3 (v) and EN1 (i) of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy. (2) No more than two marquee functions shall be held per calendar month within the area outlined in red on the approved block/site plan (amended). Reason: To protect the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties from noise and disturbance, in accordance with Policy OSS4 (ii) of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy. (3) At no time from 1st April to the 31st October in the same year shall amplified music be played, or any amplified public address system be used, outside the hours of 0900hrs – 2330hrs on any day, within the area outlined in red on the approved block/site plan (amended), dated 19/06/2017. Reason: To protect the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties from noise and disturbance, in accordance with Policy OSS4 (ii) of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy. If Rother are not inclined to uphold these conditions we would assume that first a new assessment is given on the increased usage of this sight especially on the AONB, noise and occupiers of neighbouring properties. Whilst there have not been any complaints that was on the basis of the current usage. Whilst the Parish Council wants to support a local business this can not be at the detriment to the AONB or the neighbouring properties. The Parish Council would not support a completely unrestricted use of this piece of land but as previously stated would support a planning application for the continued used of this site if the original conditions are upheld outlined above.
- RR/2022/1818/P – Appletree Cottage, Annexe, Beacon Lane, Cripps Corner, TN32 5QP. Removal of condition 3 imposed on RR/2006/3026/P to allow the Annexe at Appletree Cottage to be used for holiday accommodation.
- Parish Council Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council cannot comment as no documentation has been submitted showing the site or the building. RR/2006/3026/P has some faded drawings attached but no site location plans. Whilst in principle the Parish Council does not object to the annex being used as a holiday let this would be on the consideration on impact on nearby residents and traffic on lane.
- RR/2022/1953/P – Handsel Farm, Junction Road, Ewhurst TN32 5SH. Proposed first floor extension and balcony to rear of dwelling; One bay extension to existing garage outbuilding.
- Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council does not have any concerns with the first floor extension as proposed in the planning application. However the Parish Council cannot give their support for the proposed extension of the garage. This seems an overdevelopment of the site. No explanation has been given for such an extension to the garage. DHG10 states that an extension to the dwelling is normally most appropriate, as this better integrates the annexe into the dwelling for use of shared facilities and providing ready access (including internal linkages), normally also minimising the impact on neighbours, and provides advantages for the longer-term use of the annexe, reducing pressure for future, inappropriate development. As there is also an extension proposed for the house this extension of the garage with no justification seems inappropriate. Due to the distance from the main house and the proposed sleeping, living and kitchen areas this could be utilised as a separate dwelling with no reliance on the main house. Therefore it should be considered as a new/separate dwelling in the countryside. With this in mind the Parish Council cannot support the planning application as both items have been submitted in a single application.
Comments made by Council in June 2022
- RR/2022/1349/P – Appletree Cottage, Annexe, Beacon Lane, Cripps Corner, TN32 5QP. Removal of condition 3 imposed on RR/2006/3026/P to allow the use of annexe for holiday or longer-term rental accommodation. Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application
- RR/2022/1127/P – 3 Rosefield Cottages, Northiam Road, Staplecross, TN32 5QJ. Vehicular access and crossover. Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
Comments made by Council in May 2022
- RR/2022/820/P – Madamses Farm, Bodiam Road, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5RJ Erection of single storey extension to kitchen/breakfast room. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT– Councillors would support conservation officers report.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.
- RR/2022/821/L – Madamses Farm, Bodiam Road, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5RJ Erection of single storey extension to kitchen/breakfast room. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Councillors would support conservation officers report.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.
- RR/2022/735/P – Quarry Farm, Bodiam Road, Ewhurst TN32 5RA Erection of front and rear 2 storey extensions. New front porch and roof structure. Replacement of windows and doors. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.
- RR/2022/746/P – 1 Forge Close, Bridle End, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5QF Proposed extensions and alterations, loft improvements with new dormers, and addition of entrance porch. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
- Rother Decision – REFUSED.
- RR/2022/612/P – Gate House Farm, Northiam Road, Staplecross, TN32 5RP Change of use of land for seasonal camping (between 1st May and 30th September) comprising three bell tents and converted horse box (sleeping up to 15 people at any one time) with portable shower and W/C unit within another horse box. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – OBJECT – The parish Council OBJECTS to this planning application based on the following reasons:
- Concerns about prolonged use of site outside the proposed times and temporary buildings/equipment being left on the site all year round rather than clearing the site without any trace.
- Site is clearly visible from several public footpaths and has a distinct impact on the landscape within the AONB.
- Cllrs do not feel that the application adheres to Policy RA2 General Strategy for the Countryside. It does not support the agricultural industry within the area. Nor does it do anything to reinforce the local distinctiveness, landscape character and ecology in the area. Any tourism is supposed to maintain or improve the landscape character and ecology. This application will do neither. The increase usage will lead to increased noise and lighting in the area
- There are great concerns about the impact the new hot shower and WC Horsebox facility. There is no indication how many people the horsebox can suitably use. A hot shower and WC facility for up to 15 people seems a lot of waste and water. No details on design and capacity to ensure water from shower is not just run off into the field or capacity of WC or details of where this waste and water will be legally emptied. It is not similar to a motorhome or caravan due to the number of people using this facility in a commercial capacity.
- DaSA Policy DEC2 (Holiday Sites) state all sites should safeguard intrinsic and distinctive landscape character and amenities, paying particular regard to the conservation of the High Weald AONB. Due to the scale and length of time the site will be in use it is not conserving the AONB nor is any details given on how the biodiversity will be protected. The ‘planning statement’ says there will be no impact but does nothing to outline the mitigation re noise, waste and light pollution.
- Whilst the field maybe unused there is no reason why the site could not be used for agricultural needs.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.
- RR/2022/927/P – Brewery House, Bodiam Road, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5QB Proposed single storey rear extension. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT– Councillors would support if the conservation officers report supports the application.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL.
- RR/2022/928/L – Brewery House, Bodiam Road, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5QB Proposed single storey rear extension. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT– Councillors would support if the conservation officers report supports the application.
- Rother Decision – REFUSED
- RR/2022/949/P – New Morgay Farm, Cripps Corner Road, Staplecross, TN32 5QR Demolition of existing stables and erection of residential annexe. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council does not feel that this is an annex but in fact is a new residential building converting a former stables into a two bedroom dwelling. The Parish Council feels that this does not comply. The development is also outside the development boundary. The Parish Council also feels the application does not apply to policy DHG2: Rural Exception Sites “In exceptional circumstances, planning permission may be granted for small scale residential development outside development boundaries in order to meet a local need for affordable housing in rural areas.” – This application does not meet this need. Policy RA3 Development in the Countryside – Allowing the creation of new dwellings in extremely limited circumstances. This application does not meet any of the criteria outlined in this policy. Policy RA2 General Strategy for the Countryside – The overarching strategy for the Countryside: Maintain the farming capacity of the district, and support the agricultural industry, including diversification within farming; Encourage agricultural practices, land-based economic activities and woodland management, and related agri-environmental schemes, that reinforce local distinctiveness, landscape character and ecology; Strictly limit new development to that which supports local agricultural, economic or tourism needs and maintains or improves the rural character. This application does not comply with any of the above.
- Rother Decision – REFUSED
- Parish Council’s Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council does not feel that this is an annex but in fact is a new residential building converting a former stables into a two bedroom dwelling. The Parish Council feels that this does not comply. The development is also outside the development boundary. The Parish Council also feels the application does not apply to policy DHG2: Rural Exception Sites “In exceptional circumstances, planning permission may be granted for small scale residential development outside development boundaries in order to meet a local need for affordable housing in rural areas.” – This application does not meet this need. Policy RA3 Development in the Countryside – Allowing the creation of new dwellings in extremely limited circumstances. This application does not meet any of the criteria outlined in this policy. Policy RA2 General Strategy for the Countryside – The overarching strategy for the Countryside: Maintain the farming capacity of the district, and support the agricultural industry, including diversification within farming; Encourage agricultural practices, land-based economic activities and woodland management, and related agri-environmental schemes, that reinforce local distinctiveness, landscape character and ecology; Strictly limit new development to that which supports local agricultural, economic or tourism needs and maintains or improves the rural character. This application does not comply with any of the above.
Comments made by Council in February 2022
- RR/2022/161/P – Hillcrest, 1 Forge Lane, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5QE. Creation of new two-storey extension and porch to property. Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Due to the sympathetic design of the extension and in keeping with the overall character of the area the Parish Council has no objections to this planning application.
- Rother Decision – REFUSED.
- RR/2021/2913/P – Northpoint, Compass Park, Staplecross, Ewhurst TN32 5BS. Extension of the existing 1461m2 B1, B8 Use building to provide 973m2 of production space and 1210m2 of external storage to the rear of the building. Additional hardstanding to the front of the building for vehicle loading / unloading and manoeuvring. Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this planning application.
- Rother Decision – UNDECIDED.
Comments made by Council in November 2021
- RR/2021/1251/P – Sakura Valley Oast House, Beacon Lane, Cripps Corner, TN32 5RX – Construction of two storey rear extension, alterations, reordering and associated works. Click here to view planning application.
- Parish Councils Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – No comment on this planning application.
- Rother Decision – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN
Comments made by delegated authority in October 2021
- RR/2021/1319/P Catts Green – Woodland track to the south of the B2089, Brede HighWoods, Ewhurst – Resurface the existing forest road. Click here to view application.
- Parish Councils Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
- RR/2021/1944/P EWHURST – 11 Dagg Lane, Long Croft, Ewhurst Green, TN32 5RD – Replacement tractor shed for general storage & home office & change of use of land to residential curtilage. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The proposed application it seems needs to first have a change of use agreed from agricultural to residential usage. Policy RA3 supports the conversion of farm buildings into employment use. However this should be of small scale. The two level layout only shows the top floor being utilised for a ‘home office’ and therefore does not seem to conform to the requirements for employment use. The proposed designs are more inline with a small residential building rather than a home office. The increase in roof line will have a significant increase impact on the surrounding landscape and AONB compromising it rather than maintaining it. For these reasons the Council objects to this planning application.
- Rother Decision – REFUSED
- RR/2021/1998/P – Wattle Hill Oast, Beacon Lane, Cripps Corner, Ewhurst TN32 5QP – Proposed removal of an existing car port. Proposed construction of an out-building to store implements and animal feed. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council has no objection for the removal of the car port. However the proposed building is not on the same footprint and would be a wholly new building next to the main house. The size of the proposed outbuilding is two stories high with a very large footprint at 12000 by 8000. The roof elevation is not clear but would seem significantly high with such a large footprint. There has been no evidence of need for such a large outbuilding which will significantly compromise rather than enhance the surrounding landscape which is set in the AONB. The industrial design of the building will have further negative impacts on the landscape which can be seen by the roadside and by a public footpath. For these reasons the Council objects to this planning application.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
- RR/2021/2193/P – Prawles Court, Shoreham Lane, Ewhurst Green, Ewhurst TN32 5RG – Installation of an outdoor tennis court. Click here to view application.
- Parish Council’s Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
- Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
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