The Local Plan, site HS13
HS13: Land North-West of Winchelsea Lane
- For
- Residential
- Minimum Indicative Capacity (net additional dwellings)
- 20
- Site area
- 1.17 hectares
- SHELAA reference
- HL87
What the plan says about it
Land North-West of Winchelsea Lane is a greenfield site located in the High Weald National Landscape (AONB) adjacent to residential development in Rother District. The site is steeply sloping and will require a land stability assessment and a sensitive design response to the topography. The site has potential drainage issues and will need to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The site is within the High Weald National Landscape and therefore a sensitive form of development is required in line with Local Plan policies.
The site will require an Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP), and any proposal must also be informed by an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA). Assessments must take into account any nearby areas of wildlife sensitivity and the site itself should be thoroughly surveyed to identify constraints, taking into account the ecological and recreational impact of development. Any development proposal must seek to avoid or minimise impact on ecologically sensitive areas during both the construction and occupation phases of the development.
The rest of the plan's explanation (1 more paragraph)
The council will expect any scheme to support a varied housing mix and affordable housing will also be required.
What a planning application here would have to do
- Provide affordable housing in line with Policy SP2.
- Demonstrate the conservation and enhancement of the National Landscape showing how adverse impacts will be avoided, mitigated or compensated for. Proposals must demonstrate a landscape-led approach to design and layout, which should follow the advice in the High Weald AONB Housing Design Guide.
- Safeguard the Dark Skies of the High Weald National Landscape in line with the Dark Skies Technical Advice Note.
- Provide multi-functional open and play space in accordance with policy.
- Be supported by an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP), and incorporate appropriate conservation and mitigation measures as recommended by the EcIA. The ECOP must make specific reference to the High Weald National Landscape, the results of site surveys, and to other nearby areas of wildlife sensitivity
- Include and enhance walking and cycling links to ensure local connectivity.
- Be supported by a Flood Risk Assessment and detailed Drainage Strategy.
- Retain and enhance any existing green infrastructure.
- Be informed by slope stability reports and a geotechnical report.
What people said in the spring
In the spring 2026 consultation on the draft plan (called Regulation 18), 45 comments were made on this site: 41 objections, 0 in support and 4 other comments.
The issues people raised, as the council's report sums them up:
- Landscape and visual impact
- Flood risk and drainage
- Greenfield land
- High Weald National Landscape location
- Ecology
- Archaeology
- Transport, access and active travel
What the council did in response: Policy HS13 amended.
How to comment
The council hasn't opened the six weeks for comments yet, as far as we can see. When it does, the dates and how to respond will be on our Local Plan page and on the council's own ↗.
Other council papers that mention it
- Appendix 3-2026 Consultation Report Final for Cabinet 26082026 Redacted ↗
Cabinet, Mon 7 Sep 2026
“HS13: Land North-West of Winchelsea Lane 1. Landscape and visual impact, 2.”