Minutes Public Pack, 04/02/2026 Planning

Recommended · This went to the meeting on Wed 11 Mar 2026. What was decided is in that meeting's minutes.

Hastings Borough Council's Planning Committee considered a proposal to change the use of Ecclesbourne Reservoir at Shearbarn, Barley Lane, Hastings, to allow fishing with a new access footpath, after more than five letters of objection were received. p7p8p9

The proposal included two floating planted islands in the reservoir to support biodiversity, and fencing to keep users out of the neighbouring ancient woodland. p12p13

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• p744. PLANNING APPLICATIONS 44.1 Ecclesbourne Reservoir, Shearbarn, Barley Lane, Hastings (HS/FA/25/00264)
• p8Proposal Change of use of the reservoir to allow fishing with access via the creation of footpath Application No. HS/FA/25/00264 Conservation Area No Listed Building No Public Consultation 5 or more letters of objection received
• p9Zoe Taylor, Planning Officer, introduced the application for a change of use to allow Ecclesbourne Reservoir to be used for fishing together with the creation of an access footpath. The matter had been brought before the Committee because more than five objections had been received. Since publication of the report, a further five objections had been submitted, none of which were from new addresses and which raised no new planning matters.
• p12It was explained that periodic tree works would be required to maintain a one metre wide and 2.5m high access path. Those works would necessitate a separate TPO application, which the applicant had been advised of. The application also proposed the installation of two floating planted islands within the reservoir to enhance biodiversity. A condition required the submission and approval of detailed information on the planting and maintenance of the islands, in consultation with East Sussex County Council Ecology.
• p13The Planning Officer advised that the Coneyburrow Shaw and Wet Wood Ancient Woodlands laid to the northwest and northeast of the site. The applicant had confirmed that those areas would be designated as ‘out of bounds’ to protect the integrity of those habitats, and the application included a chain-link fence to prevent access into the woodland. The fence would ensure that the buffer required to safeguard the ancient woodland was maintained.