Proposal for new travellers’ site in Bexhill

RAUDIN, a residents’ group from Netherfield and Battle, has applied to Rother District Council (RDC) for outline planning permission to put the site on land on the east side of Watermill Lane.

But some residents in the area have raised objections to the scheme, airing their views on the council’s comments section on its planning portal.

Sue Ager said: “I strongly object to this application which has been submitted by a group of Netherfield residents who have nothing to do with the area involved. Watermill Lane is very narrow and extensively used by walkers, horse riders and families enjoying the countryside and further traffic would endanger those users.”

Ian and Karen Mason said: “This area is used by many families, young and old who take much-needed walks, particularly in the current circumstances, along this road. Watermill Lane is already subjected to fly tipping which needs to be considered.”

However, other residents from Netherfield and Battle have voiced their support for the application.

Commenting online, Ben Grain said: “Rother District Council has a legal and moral responsibility to provide suitable sites for the traveller community. The provision of such sites is essential to justify the refusal of planning consent for gypsy and traveller sites in other inappropriate places. This site has been included in the DaSa (Development and Site Allocations) adopted by the council in December 2019 and has been allocated as a traveller site.”

Bernard Brown, spokesman for RAUDIN, said last year RDC identified a potential travellers’ site near Combe Valley Way.

He said: “It is time for the council to fulfil its legal and moral duty to the traveller and settled communities. This gives much-needed protection to the Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty and the settled community while giving travellers a chance to set up home in an excellent, new and fresh environment.”

Anyone wanting to comment on the application can visit www.rother.gov.uk and look under the Planning and Building Control section. The application reference is RR/2020/1672/P.

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