A small scale housing development in Battle was given the green light by councillors yesterday despite fears it could harm the landscape.
Rother District Council’s planning committee approved proposals to build four homes on a parcel of land between North Trade Road and Vale Road.
The scheme had been called in by ward councillor Kathryn Field, who argued it would be out-of-keeping with the surrounding area and harm the High Weald National Landscape.
Speaking during the meeting, Cllr Field also raised concerns about ecology, the site’s drainage arrangements and its access on to North Trade Road.
Similar concerns had been raised by a number of local objectors and Battle Town Council, which had also objected to the scheme. In all the council received 32 letters of objection from residents.
But officers, who had recommended the homes be approved, argued the scheme would be well-screened and not dominate surrounding properties. They also pointed to pre-commencement conditions on ecology as protection against concerns on this issue.
The committee ultimately shared the officers’ view, agreeing to grant planning permission for the scheme.
For further information see application reference RR/2023/1698/P on Rother District Council’s planning portal.
