Government tells Rother to increase new home numbers

The council’s Core Strategy sets out what it regards as the right balance between the demand for housing up to 2028, the need for jobs and the conservation of the district’s special qualities.

In this document, Rother has pledged to provide between 3,700 and 4,100 new homes over the next 14 years.

But central government has recommended modifications to the plan, including upping the number of new homes to at least 5,700.

As well as identifying the level and distribution of development and the necessary infrastructure needed to support it, the strategy addresses key issues around sustainable resource management, community development, the economy, the environment and transport.

Following an examination in public which finished earlier this year, an independent Planning Inspector this week endorsed the council’s strategy, subject to a number of modifications being made.

Other modifications include carrying out an objective assessment of housing need and a review of sites in existing employment use being undertaken and that sites are released for other uses where appropriate.

Councillor Paul Osborne, portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: “We are very pleased that the Inspector is satisfied that the Core Strategy is sound and meets all legal requirements. It has been a major project for the council and its officers over several years to get this key statement of planning policy in place to guide development in the district.”

The Inspector’s ruling means the Core Strategy can be formally adopted.

The finalised plan will be presented to Cabinet and then Full Council on September 29.

For the full text of the Inspector’s report, visit www.rother.gov.uk/corestrategy