Winchelsea Beach proposal would ruin sea view

Hazel Clark is trying to rally other residents to oppose the plan for three buildings on the site of Kennel Cottage on Dogs Hill Road, or ‘the shack’ as it is affectionately known.

Five objection letters have been received by Rother District Council planning committee since the application was validated on September 9.

Ms Clark believes the site is ‘unique’ and should not be built on as it would set a dangerous precedent for development on the seafront.

“It will set a precedent to erect other buildings further along this stretch,” she said.

“If we are to preserve this unique area any development must be discreet.

“This proposal is nothing short of insensitive – it’s a blot on the landscape and it must never go ahead.

“Once the land is built on, it is lost forever. A compromise has to be made all round.

“I am not unrealistic enough to hope that building on the site be forbidden but what is being proposed is a gross over-development of the site.

“Obviously the financial gain for the recent purchasers would be much diminished and let’s not kid ourselves that is the only motivation for buying the shack in the first place - make a great profit at the expense of others.”

Ms Clark said she had met other people in Winchelsea Beach with similar issues of unwanted developments.

The initial proposal by developers Strand Gate was for four buildings but this was scaled back to three through pre-application advice.

“The planning case officer confirmed that development of the site would be acceptable in principle dependant on detailed design and confirmed it is within the development boundary plan,” the application said.

“The feedback highlighted the overall scale and mass of the development and as such the proposed plans have been substantially reduced and one of the four proposed units has been removed entirely.”

The application is set to decided on by November 11.

To comment or view the application visit: planweb01.rother.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningSearch or search for reference RR/2015/2035/P.

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