Objectors pledge to continue fight after plans to build homes in Cooden, near Bexhill, get go-ahead

Bellway Homes Ltd secured outline planning permission to build the houses on land off Clavering Walk.

In February, Bellway, which in June 2019 was originally refused planning permission to build the homes on the outskirts of Bexhill, won its appeal against Rother District Council’s decision. The developer first submitted its application in December 2018.

A statement from the Bellway Opposition Action Group (BOAG) said: “Our biggest concern is that the proposed development site lies directly adjacent to the nationally and internationally protected Pevensey Levels. The conditions attached to outline planning permission mean the developer must evidence ‘beyond reasonable scientific doubt’ that there will be no damage to the Levels. The developer will need to convince key stakeholders that the proposed sustainable urban drainage system can be engineered and will protect the Pevensey Levels ‘in perpetuity’. We believe it will be extremely challenging for such an undertaking to be accepted, especially given the pace of climate change.

“The proposed site is not in Rother District Council’s Development and Site Allocations Plan, is outside of the Development Boundary and planning permission was indeed refused by the council. Outline planning permission was granted following an appeal by Bellway Homes and a six-day public inquiry, with the decision made by a planning inspector on a complex and controversial application. This decision has many demanding conditions/agreements attached to it and these are required to be met.

“The outline planning permission that has been granted following the Bellway Homes’ appeal is for up to 85 homes, but with decisions on the layout, design and density of the proposed development still to be made. These detailed plans have not yet been submitted to the council or consulted upon, and we welcome the opportunity to be engaged. We believe the final decisions should be made by Rother’s planning committee as our local representatives.

“We are all aware of the need for more housing, but this does not mean standing by while the unique environment of the Pevensey Levels is at such risk.”

Last week, Daniel Bradbury, regional director for Bellway South London, said the plans for the Clavering Walk site were the result of ‘careful planning and extensive consultation’ with residents and key stakeholders.

He said Bellway will also be providing a ‘sustainable urban drainage system’ as part of the development.

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