Comments on Planning Applications

Below is a list of comments made by Westfield Parish Council. Links have been made available to the planning portal where residents can find all of the relevant documents for each planning application. This page will also list the pending applications to be commented on for the next Full Council meeting. Rother District Council is our Parish’s Local Planning Authority. Each week they send the Parish Clerks across Rother a weekly planning list. The most current list can be found by clicking here. To view items that will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting please click here.

  • RR/2022/2919/P – Claremont School, Ebdens Hill, Westfield TN37 7P Variation of condition 2 imposed on RR/2020/1825/P to allow changes to the sports pavilion’s design.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
  • RR/2022/2852/P – Little Hides, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH Erection of extension to form annex.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
  • RR/2022/2765/P – Holyoak, Workhouse Lane, Westfield TN35 4QJ Erection of rear extension, internal re-model and cladding changes.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The councillors felt that the comments submitted for planning application RR/2022/1734/P are still relevant. The parish council still does not support the timber cladding on the property as it is not in keeping with the surrounding area. Having had feedback from local residents it is clear the extension is a cause for concern. Therefore, the Parish Council supports the officer’s comment for turning down planning application RR/2022/1734/P that “the length and height of the proposal situated at this higher ground level would change the outlook for the neighbour and would be overbearing and imposing, harming the amenities of the neighbour” and feels this is still relevant for this planning application.
  • RR/2022/2752/P and RR/2022/2753/L – Valebrooke, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH Internal alterations to the attic level of a Listed Building including the removal of water tanks/ modern water tank mezzanine landing; Removal of partition wall; re-instatement of lath and plaster ceilings; retention and restoration of original floorboards.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
  • RR/2022/2756/P – Little Holme, Annexe, Westbrook Lane, Westfield TN35 4PN Erection of infill extension (under the existing roof slope) with internal reconfiguration to improve internal circulation, alteration of the roof and external works including cladding and new windows/doors.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – No objection.
  • RR/2022/2716/P – Whitelands Kennels, Westfield Lane, Westfield TN35 4SB Proposed single storey infill extension and internal alterations.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council would fully support this application.
  • RR/2022/2680/P – Moor Field House, The Moor, Westfield TN35 4QR Erection of detached double garage, potting shed and log store.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – No objection as long as building remains tied to the main residency without separate services.

Items Discussed on the 9th November 2022

  • RR/2021/3010/P Moorhurst, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL Construction of a 64 bed care home (use class C2) over 2 storeys to include landscaping, access, and car parking. Click here for the planning application.
  • RR/2022/2577/P – Moorside, The Moor, Westfield TN35 4QR Erection of single storey ‘orangery’ side extension. Click here for the planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this extension and feels it is in keeping with the area and be a welcomed addition to the dwelling.
  • RR/2022/2567/P – Hop and Hare Farm, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH       Variation of condition 6 imposed on planning permission RR/2018/888/P to allow camping equipment to be stored in the barn. Click here for the planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council does not see how the current proposed layout of the barn is ancillary or practical.  The current proposed layout in the application shows a significant area of the barn being taken up with the camping equipment.  The priority purpose of the barn was for agricultural use.  In the RR/2022/704/P application the case office Ms Edwards noted “The barn was given planning permission on the basis that it was considered the correct size for the agricultural use, the loss of storage space is not acceptable and there have been no detailed description of quantities of items to be stored as such planning permission will be refused.”  The Parish Council supports these comments in relation to the new planning application RR/2022/2567/P.  The Parish Council feels these are still valid as no dimension are given in the plan and a significant part of the storage looks to be for non-agricultural usage.  Therefore, the Parish Council asks for this to be refused on the same grounds.
  • RR/2022/2528/P – Le Tyrol, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SF Erection of two storey front extension with first floor accommodation in the roof space and internal alterations. Click here for the planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENRAL COMMENT – The Parish Council has no objection to this planning application if the residents online comments are taken into account.
  • RR/2022/2299/P – 10 Mill Close, Westfield TN35 4RX First floor extension over garage. Loft conversion with roof-light windows. Click here for the planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENRAL COMMENT – The Parish Council has no objection to this planning application if the residents online comments are taken into account in relation to the rooflights.
  • RR/2022/2243/P – Troyd Farm, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RZ  Erection of replacement dwelling and associated landscaping. Click here for the planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council would support this planning application if the resident’s online comments are taken into account in relation to the window glazing.
Items Discussed on the 12th October 2022

The Parish Council reviewed all of the planning items and for all items would give a GENERAL COMMENT of No Objection to each planning application.

  • RR/2022/2299/P – 10 Mill Close, Westfield TN35 4RX. First floor extension over garage. Loft conversion with roof-light windows.
  • RR/2022/2249/P – 89 Westfield Lane, Richmond Bungalow, Westfield TN37 7NF. Erection of timber summer house in garden.
  • RR/2022/2129/O – Cedar Wood, Westfield Lane, Westfield TN35 4SB. Certificate of Lawfulness to use an existing building as a single dwelling house.
  • RR/2022/2162/P – 434 The Ridge, Long View, Westfield TN34 2RY. Erection of Victorian style greenhouse with a ridge height of 3085mm and a final height of 3376mm.
  • RR/2022/2189/P – 29 Westfield Lane, Westfield TN37 7NE. Proposed extension to provide additional facilities and improve mobility access.
  • RR/2022/2243/P – Troyd Farm, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RZ. Erection of replacement dwelling and associated landscaping.
Items Discussed on the 13th July 2022
  • RR/2022/1118/P – Cottage Lane – Development adjacent to, Westfield TN35 4R. Outline: Proposed 28 dwellings with new access from Cottage Lane. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – Due the the level of interest in this planning application a separate page has been set up with the Parish Council’s objection letter which can be found here.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/1529/P – Whitelands Kennels, Westfield Lane, Westfield TN35 4SB. Proposed single storey front extension and enlargement to existing patio area. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/1518/P – Oak Meadows – Land Adjacent, Wheel Lane, Westfield TN35 4SG. Demolition of commercial storage building, replace with three bedroom detached family house and associated car parking. To include change of use. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council objects to this application. There is no evidence submitted that this commercial site is not viable.. As such, the proposed change of use from a concrete barn into a three-bedroom dwelling would result in the permanent loss of a potentially viable commercial site. The unjustified loss of the site would be contrary to policy DCO1 of the Development and Site Allocations Local Plan 2019, and as such would contribute towards the erosion of services and facilities and economic activity and opportunity within the village, in conflict with policy RA1 (iii) of the Rother Local Plan Core Strategy. Policy DEC3: Existing Employment Sites and Premises – Effective use of existing employment sites will be secured by: – land and premises currently (or last) in employment, including tourism use, being retained in such use unless it is demonstrated that there is no reasonable prospect of its continued use for employment purposes or it would cause serious harm to local amenities. The Parish Council sees no evidence provided to show: – the site is no longer commercially viable; – there has not been a comprehensive and sustained marketing campaign and the attributes outlined such as an 18 month campaign; – there is no evidence the site has been viewed for additional commercial opportunities; – there is no evidence that the site is not financially commercially viable.
  • RR/2022/1587/P – Springfield, Sprays Lane, Westfield TN33 0RU. Construction of a new 3 bay garage/garden store with ancillary accommodation above. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – Whilst the Parish Council would not object to the three bay garage, the ancillary accommodation above seems an over development on this site. The Parish Council are concerned a precedent is being set for large scale garages being built within the AONB. Due to the scale of these properties they are the size of a small dwelling and could be converted into such. Whilst any development the Parish Council would wish to see it tied to the existing residential curtilage and property. However, due to the size of this proposal the Parish Council cannot support it due to concerns on the impact it will have on the AONB due to overdevelopment and setting a precedent for similar large scale developments which could be converted into separate dwellings.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/1583/P – Furtherdown, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL. Erection of 2 No Detached 3 Bedroom Residential Dwellings. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council Objects to this planning application as it is an overdevelopment of the site. The Parish Council objected to the original application RR/2019/2723/P and feels this is a further overdevelopment. Rather than it being a ‘modest built form, scale and mass’ it seems two properties with now an additional two car ports are being squeezes onto the site. The level of density seems far more suited to urban living than in the rural areas. These are being presented as three bedroom houses but the ‘study’ on the first floor is the same size of the other three bedrooms on the floorplan so clearly they are actually four bedroom properties. Also due to the higher ground here it would seem the neighbours are going to be considerably overlooked. The design of the properties does not reflect the character of properties within the Parish. White rendered walls and natural vertical cladding is a distinctively urban design rather than reflective of the characteristics within the nearby rural village. There is no mention on how the development meets the design standards of the High Weald Management criteria. There is no mention of the impact on the AONB and the Parish Council would argue that the proposal does not support: Policy DEN1: Maintaining Landscape Character due to the design, density and overdevelopment of the site. There is also no evidence of enhancing the AONB in line with Policy DEN2. There have been no ecological surveys carried out during the outline planning or this planning application. Due to the location and the links with similar areas (notable Westfield Down and the proposed Cottage Lane development) there is a strong likelihood there will be protected species along with a wide range of opportunities for nesting for birds on the site. The site with the scrub, grassland provides good habitat for reptiles such as common lizard Zooteca vivapara, slow worm Anguis fragilis and grass snake Natrix Helvetica. It is clear any biodiversity net gain cannot be achieved on the site due to the over development of the site. No clear details have been given on how this could be replaced locally. Confirmation of this should be agreed and appropriate ecological surveys should be carried out first before any proposed development can be properly reviewed.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
Items Discussed on the 22nd June 2022
  • RR/2022/1323/P – Land adjacent to Holly Cottage, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RY. Erection of single residential dwelling with associated landscaping and parking. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council objects to this planning application as it is not sustainable. The dwelling is outside the development boundary and is not close the the local facilities and services provided with Westfield Parish. With a footprint of 400m2 this house will have a big impact on the AONB especially on the local landscaping and does not reflect the character of the local area. Nor does it conform to Policy RA3 or RA2 which highlights the limiting of building single dwelling within the countryside. This development does not meet any of these requirements. The applicant tries to use Rother’s lack of housing supply as a reason to allow the development.  Due to the level of harm this building will cause to the AONB along with not complying to a wide range of Rother’s policies it also does not protect development within the AONB.  As outlined below in a recent court case was reviewed and rejected stating that preserving the AONB is a freestanding reason to reject a planning application: In Monkhill Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Anor (Rev 1) [2021] EWCA Civ 74 Sir Keith Lindblom, Senior President of Tribunals, rejected a case brought by developer Monkhill against the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Holgate J concluded paragraph 172 “is also capable of sustaining a freestanding reason for refusal in general development control in AONBs, National Parks and the [Norfolk] Broads”.  Sir Keith said Monkhill’s main contention was that merely giving ‘great weight’ to ‘conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty’ in an AONB does not provide a clear reason for refusal and that whether planning permission should be refused requires a balancing of all considerations.  The judge said: “Elegantly as those submissions were presented…I cannot accept them.  “They do not, in my view, reflect an accurate understanding of the policies we are considering and the way in which those policies are intended to operate. I think Holgate J was right to reject them, for the reasons he gave.  I agree with him that the inspector’s decision is not flawed by a mistaken interpretation, or unlawful application, of relevant policy.” The level of harm to the AONB is the main reason the Parish Council objects to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2022/1213/P – Bower Cottage, Wheel Lane, Westfield TN35 4QD. Proposed part conversion of detached garage with first floor extension to create home office. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this application.
  • RR/2022/1113/P – 1 Stablefields – Land At, Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4QW. Variation of condition 2 imposed on RR/2021/1197/P to reposition garage. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council objects to this development. The original application RR/2021/1197/P was advertised to the Parish Council always as two dwellings. Only when planning was given were the parish Council aware that the proposal was now for one dwelling. Therefore, they have requested that this application be brought to Council as any further extension of the house seems unacceptable for the original reasons put forward as the footprint of the site from memory is similar before the plans were amended but the original plans have been removed. The Parish Council has considered this application and objects to the proposal. The site is an overdevelopment and inappropriate for this area. Westfield needs to maintain its green spaces to retain its distinctive character of a rural village. This development would be an overdevelopment squeezing two houses on a site which would see the removal of trees, hedgerows and a green space. The development also would have a negative impact on the surrounding properties by overlooking these properties and impacting on their light and privacy. Regarding the access Cottage Lane is already a very busy road particularly at school drop off and pick up when parking and traffic becomes a problem to the point of endangering those who use the road. In particular the school children who also walk to school via Cottage Lane. The proposal to increase any more traffic on this road the Parish Council strongly objects to. The recent proposed variation would move the garage but also add in yet another upstairs space to a house which is already an overdevelopment of the site and this proposed variation would exasperate this. The move puts the garage right up against the border and gives another steep roof line to enable a dressing room and an en-suite on the first floor. Whilst the Parish Council objected to such a large development in the back garden of another property having the garage where it was originally proposed did allow some light and green space between the properties. Moving the garage would remove this and make this site look even more urban in no way reflecting the characteristic of the local parish nor enhance the AONB.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/838/P – 19 Greenacres, Westfield TN35 4QT. Erection of single storey rear extension. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this application.
  • RR/2022/1266/P – Buckhurst Cottage, Bluemans Lane, Westfield TN33 0SE. Proposed detached triple garage with annexe above for family member. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council does not object in principle. This is on the condition that there is a planning obligation linking the annex to the main property of Buckhurst Cottage and it cannot be turned into a separate dwelling.
  • RR/2022/1331/P – Down Edge, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL. Replacement of failed flat roof over ground floor extension, to include solar installations. Conversion of Catslide roof to form new gable end to provide new bedroom suite. Demolition of kitchen and garage extensions, to be replaced with new garage and modest utility room extension with balcony above. Re-ordering of internal layout to maximise space. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2022/1363/P – White Cottage, Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4RR. Variation of condition 3 imposed on RR/2018/1510/P to replace the ‘yorkshire’ boarding with green coloured profiled steel sheeting. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council has no objections to this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
Items Discussed on 11th May 2022
  • RR/2022/704/P– Hop and Hare Farm, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH Variation of condition 6 imposed on RR/2018/888/P to allow camping equipment to the stored in the barn. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT –The Parish Council objected to planning application RR/2021/1698/P.  The path leading down to this site is Westfield Path 50b and is a restricted byway. These rights of way only allows a right of way on foot, on horseback, or leading a horse, cycling and for any vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles. Also the condition in the planning application RR/2018/888/P state explicitly in condition 6 that the barn on site should only be used for the running of an agricultural unit in accordance of Policy RA3 in the Local Plan.  The Parish Council does not support such an expansion of a business on an agricultural site and within the AONB.  The Parish Council hopes the LPA upholds their original decision on this matter.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/701/ – Plough Inn, The Moor, Westfield TN35 4QR Conversion of building to provide two dwellings. Retention of part of building as public house with flat above and erection of single storey rear extension. Conversion of existing outbuilding to pub dining and provision of pub garden. Erection of side extension to provide beer store. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT –The Parish Council feels this application is similar to the previous application.  However, they would request that the car park is linked to the pub and is not allowed to be developed on as the car park will be integral to the success of the pub.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/653/P – Wheel Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wheel Lane, Westfield TN35 4SE Proposed Building C in the centre of the site for office/light industrial use (Use Class E). Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT –The Parish Council supports this planning application.  Cllr Monro left the room whilst the application was discussed and returned once a decision had been made.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/763/P – Ferndale, Wheel Lane, Westfield TN35 4SJ Conversion of detached garden outbuilding to self-contained holiday let. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT –The Parish Council supports this planning application. 
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2022/772/P – Little Hides, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH Erection of 2 storey annex building. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENERAL COMMENT –The Parish Council notes that on the plans there is a rather large garage shown attached to the two-storey annex but they could not find the planning application for any garage.  Rother have subsequently confirmed a planning application for the garage had been received.
    • Rother Decision – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN
  • RR/2022/677/P – Owls Castle, Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4RT Erection of 2 storey extension on north side of property and internal alterations. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT –The Parish Council supports this planning application. 
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2022/840 – The Parish Council noted the application made by the District Councillor.  Concerns were raised for such an unsuitable planning application to be submitted.  It is also unclear about ownership of the site as the application is made by Cllr Vin Hall on behalf of Matthew Hodges but our understanding is that Cllr Vin Hall is in fact the owner of the land.
    • RESOLVED – Due to the application being the Westfield District Cllr, Westfield Parish Cllrs agreed for the Clerk and Chairman to submit an objection under the Clerk’s delegated authority listing the numerous reasons of why the application should not be allowed including, single dwelling on agricultural land, design not in keeping or enhancing the AONB, land is agricultural, outside the development boundary, not in the Sedlescombe NP, does not reflect the character and identity of the beautiful village of Sedlescombe and insufficient ecological surveys carried out.
Items Discussed on March 9th 2022
  • RR/2021/3010/P – Moorhurst, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL. Construction of a 64 bed care home (use class C2) over 2 storeys to include landscaping, access, and car parking. Click here to view planning application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council strongly objects to this planning application.
    • One of the core reasons is that it goes against Policy WES2: Land at the former Moorhurst Care Home, Westfield in the DaSA. This policy outlines the need for 40 dwelling units of which 40% are affordable. The higher density for this housing has been allowed because these are for retirement living/sheltered housing. Westfield housing need register in July 2021 has a high number of 1 and 2 bedroom properties 28 x 1 bed and 18 x 2 bed. Of these we understand at least 27 are for properties of 55 and over. Therefore, the proposed 40 dwellings in Policy WES2 is essential it is developed in line with this policy to meet the housing needs of the Parish. Councillors also cited ‘Five Villages’ in Icklesham as a suitable development. The proposed ‘Class 2’ care home seems more akin to a nursing home so the Parish Council cannot see how the developer can state this ‘meets the needs of the retirement housing element’ as they are clearly very different types of housing and is not sheltered accommodation. Therefore, it will not provide the much needed housing stock for our older residents in the form of sheltered accommodation similar to Rectory Court in Burwash.
    • Policy DEN1: Maintaining Landscape Character states developments should maintain and reinforce the natural and built landscape character of the area in which it is to be located, based on a clear understanding of the distinctive local landscape characteristics. The Parish Council feels the scale and design of the property is not keeping in character with the local area or local context. There are no direct references to any of the nearby properties. The character is large scale and has a far more industrial rather than any reference to a local rural housing. The development design and scale seems far more suited to an urban setting rather than a rural village cited within an AONB.
    • Policy DEN2: The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) states all development within or affecting the setting of the High Weald AONB shall conserve and seek to enhance its landscape and scenic beauty. There is no evidence that this building is in anyway enhancing the local AONB. Whilst there is reference to red brick and timber structures the end design does not in any way reflect the historical buildings within the parish that uses such materials. The sheer size and design of the development does not meet the needs in this policy for “Development within the High Weald AONB should be small-scale, in keeping with the landscape and settlement pattern;”.
    • Councillors also raised concerns around the alteration to the vehicular access onto the public highway. The road – is very fast and ideally needs a clear traffic calming scheme and wide and clear visual splays to avoid serious crashes coming into and out of the site.
    • The travel plan seems unrealistic for this location. 30 car parking spaces which is supposed to accommodate staff, residents and visitors seems very lacking. This is a 64 bed care/nursing home which will almost entirely be made up of residents outside of the Parish so many will visit by car.
    • By Bicycle: Encouraging anyone to use bicycles on the A28 without traffic calming seems wholly dangerous. The entrance of the site is on a long straight road into the village which people regularly speed on going in and out of the village.
    • By Foot: The footpath between the site and village is narrow and runs alongside the A28 and the transport report does not mention the width of the footpath. For a wheelchair user and person side by side the footpath should be a minimum of 1500mm however it is noted if a wheelchair user has a personal assistant the Government’s Inclusive Mobility guidance states this width should be closer to 1750mm. It is highly unlikely this footpath meets those widths especially in the summer months when the hedgerows are allowed to become very overgrown.
    • By Bus: Several buses are mentioned but in fact there is only one regular bus service no. 2 which is every one hour. This would still require anyone using the bus to walk along the dangerous footpath alongside the A28.
    • By Train: The route into the village from the train station is over a mile long down a single-track country lane. There is no footpath and no lighting so is very dangerous for walkers at any time of day but especially at night as the road is also very twisty making it hard for car users to see pedestrians. Anyone using a wheelchair or pushing a buggy/pushchair would need to be in the road at all times putting those individuals at risk.
    • Further to the Parish Council’s original objection it is noted that the surgery has NOT been consulted. This was a concerned raised by Parish Councillors about the surgery’s ability to cope with such a planning application and the strain it would put on the surgery. Upon reading the comments from the Practice Manager at the surgery it is clear there is not the infrastructure to have such a development within the Parish. The Parish Council supports the comments from the practice manager and notes that our valued village surgery strongly objects to this planning application and hope such concerns and given due regard.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/4/P WESTFIELD – Mabels Farm, Sprays Bridge, Harts Green, Westfield TN33 0RR. Proposed mobile home for owner to remain on site to care for sick animals. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – Mable’s Farm refers to a specific field. This site is agricultural land and not suitable for a permanent mobile home.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2022/54/P WESTFIELD – Westfield Bowls Club, Church Lane, Westfield TN35 4QB. Erection of an open-sided, wooden Gazebo with a flat roof, mounted over a concrete base. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council fully supports this planning application.  As it is such an easy application just for a gazebo we would hope that this can be quickly approved to help the local sports club get the gazebo up to give some benefit during the outdoor bowls season starting in April.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/2886/P – First House – land to the North of, Pattletons Farm, Doleham Lane, Westfield TN35 4ST. Change of use of existing field to allow placement of two 6 metre yurts and compost toilet / shower. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this change of use to allow the farm diversify their income on a level which has minimum impact and harm on the surrounding AONB.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/2982/P – 5 Chapel Lane – Land adjacent, Westfield TN35 4QX. Construction of a 3 bedroom dwellinghouse. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application on a site which is underused.  The scale and development of the site seems in keeping with the character of the surrounding buildings and the bungalow layout would be less imposing for neighbours.   However, Councillors note there would be disruption whilst the building is happening and assume Rother will make reasonable requests and conditions to ensure minimum distribution is caused.  It is also noted that with vehicles coming to and from the site the owner should consider contributing to the improvements of the road coming into Chapel Lane off of the A28 up to the new development and improve the road surface and broken manhole cover.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2022/168/P – Great Knight’s Farm, Doleham Hill, Westfield, TN35 4NA. Change of use and Conversion of Outbuilding into a Single Holiday Let, including the addition of a pitch roof element, external alterations and new fenestration and use of existing detached 3 bay single storey garage for parking. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this small-scale holiday let within the parish.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2022/67/P – Kirklands, Church Lane, Westfield TN35 4QA. Proposed removal of existing conservatory and erection of garden room. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
Items discussed on February 9th 2022
  • RR/2022/5/P – Wishingwell Cottage, New Cut,Westfield TN35 4RD. Proposed removal of Conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension to form kitchen and utility room. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/3037/P – 10 Baldslow Down, Westfield TN37 7NH. Proposed single storey rear extension. Click her to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/3014/P – Pattletons Barn, Doleham Lane, Westfield TN35 4ST. Proposed single storey rear extension. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/2146/P – Aldershaw Farm – Land Adjacent, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SD. Proposed three box stables with tack room, machinery and hay store. (Resubmission of RR/2020/1860/P). Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/3023/P – Hooters, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RY. Construction of storage barn (Retrospective). Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – OBJECT – The Parish Council is greatly concerned about the clearing of a woodland site and the construction of such a large barn without any planning permission at all.  Having reviewed google maps it would seem that the destruction of the woodland within the AONB has been significant.  In light of the clear disregard to follow the legal processes for obtaining planning permission BEFORE any clearing of the woodland had commenced the Parish Council asks that Rother Officers do not grant planning for this application as the Forestry Commission clearly puts “allowing development on sites where woodland has been cleared illegally sets a dangerous planning precedent, and also advise both the Council and the applicant that the granting of retrospective planning permission does not nullify any offence committed under the Forestry Act prior to the granting of that planning permission.” National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 172 of the NPPF says ‘great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty’ in an AONB.  This application has clearly caused destruction of woodland directly linked with ancient woodland within the AONB.  In the case of Monkhill Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Anor (Rev 1) [2021] the High Court, Holgate J concluded paragraph 172 “is also capable of sustaining a freestanding reason for refusal in general development control in AONBs, National Parks and the [Norfolk] Broads”.  This position was upheld in the Court of Appeal.  Such a landmark case shows in law the AONB should be protected and requires no further judgement or comment.  The Parish Council also rejects the ecological reports comments that the site was cleared because of ‘a result of planning permission granted for a residential dwelling.’ The cleared site with the illegal barn structure was not part of any previous planning application so this assumption is false.  Furthermore, the site has been assessed as it is now not as it would have been with the trees present.  Clearing the site will have removed any evidence of protected species.  The fact that it is noted ‘the paddock area and woodland edge does provide some suitable habitats for reptiles, such as slow worms…and common lizards’ shows there was a distinct possibility that the site before it was cleared could have had these protected species on site.  Councillors also raise concerns about the potential of bats and dormice having been present on site, which have full European protection, as then nearby ancient woodland would have been likely to support them.  Therefore as per the Forestry Commission’s request the Parish Council also requests that the site be considered as a ‘broadleaved woodland’ and a ‘Habitat of Principle Importance’. In light of the above the Parish Council strongly requests that this application is refused and the barn is removed and the site is suitably restored to woodland to help mitigate the damage caused.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/107/P – Byways, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SF. Proposed rear extension with loft conversion/new roof including dormer windows, rooflights, and front entrance porch. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2022/41/P – Glebe Farm, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RY. Proposed enlargement and alteration of existing dwelling house. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council has no objection to this application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
Commented on – 23rd December Extraordinary General meeting
  • RR/2021/2773/P – Plough Inn, The Moor, Westfield TN35 4QR. Conversion of building to provide two dwellings. Retention of part of building as public house with flat above and erection of single storey rear extension. Conversion of exiting outbuilding to pub dining and provision of pub garden. Erection of side extension to provide beer store. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – GENERAL COMMENT – Key concern is that the garden needs to be retained as part of the public house property rather than potentially be sold off at a later date.  The Council would ask Rother looks to ensure that if permission is given it is only done if the car park and garden remain attached to the property to safe guard this area from additional development.  Cllrs would also question the sequencing of the works.  It would be easy for the houses to be developed and then there be no monies left over to develop the outhouse and public house.  Therefore Rother are again asked to ensure that the commercial aspects of the development are carried out first before any residential development takes places.  Highways have already highlighted concerns about the lack of parking for the houses and flat which the parish Council would echo.  The proposed outhouse does not seem as big as the former bar/eating area so it would be useful to get clarification on this to ensure there is no overall loss of commercial space.  This does seem the best application so far however the applicant has still not demonstrated that the whole site is not commercially viable.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/2820/P – Buckhurst Cottage, Bluemans Lane, Westfield TN33 0SE. Demolish existing conservatory and erection of two storey front, side and rear extensions and alterations to redesign existing dwelling. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – No objection to planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/2899/P – 115 Westfield Lane, Westfield TN37 7NF. Proposed demolition of single storey side extensions and construction of replacement 2 storey extension and rear first floor extension. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments – No objection to planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
Comments on via the Clerk’s delegated authority in consultation with the Chairman and Councillors – 8th Dec meeting CANCELLED
  • RR/2021/2628/P – Byways, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SF. Proposed rear extension with loft conversion/new roof including dormer windows, juliet balcony and rooflights, and front entrance porch. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comment: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish council does not object to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/2768/P – Redlays Farm, Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4RR. Variation of section S52 agreement non-serverance clause imposed on planning permission RR/87/0190 to allow the sale of part of holding. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comment: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/2808/P – The Maples, 50 Westfield Lane, Westfield TN37 7NG. Proposed single storey rear extension. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comment: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council has no objections to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
Items reviewed at the 10/11/2021 Full Council meeting
  • RR/2021/2337/P – Little Holme, Westbrook Lane, Westfield TN35 4PN. Conversion of existing detached annexe building to create a new two bedroom dwelling, with new balcony to the rear. Associated division of plot to provide amenity space and detached outbuilding to be converted into summerhouse. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish council does not object to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/2561/FN – Redlays Farm, Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4RR. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed agricultural barn. This notification is for information only. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council would like to reiterate their support for this planning application. The Parish Council is unclear why pervious applications have been refused. This is a rural business which requires an additional barn for it’s purpose as a farm. the summary confirms that: The new proposed barn will be situated in an agricultural farmyard with the existing buildings the location of a slurry lagoon. There is agricultural justification and site is within an agricultural unit. Site is an agricultural unit which is some 80 acres and therefore falls under Interpretation D. 1 (1). The development is Class A (b) which is reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture. The farm will benefit from a new barn to support essential farming needs. The Parish Council supports the building of the barn to support this local business.
    • Rother Decision – PLANNING REQUIRED
  • RR/2021/1751/P – Wheel Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wheel Lane, Westfield TN35 4SE Variation of conditions 2, 4, and 5 imposed on RR/2015/703/P (pursuant to outline planning permission RR/2011/2636/P) to allow an amended design for unit A. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supported the previous planning applications R/2015/703/P and the outline planning RR/2011/2636/P. The Parish Council also supports the proposed variations.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/2469/P – Irelands Farm, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SB – Conversion/change of use of existing stable including removal of green house to form holiday let. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/2021/2470/P and RR/2021/2471/L – Irelands Farm, Kent Street, Westfield TN33 0SB Replacement of side extension, removal of green house, internal alteration, replacement of doors and windows, new sewage treatment plant, new air source heat pump. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/2626/P – 20 Westfield Lane, Westfield TN37 7NG Demolition of single storey structure on side of existing dwelling. Erection of new detached dwelling with associated facilities. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council is concerned about over development of the site. 
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
Items commented on via Clerk’s delegated authority in Consultation with Cllrs
  • RR/2021/2167/P – 88 Westfield Lane, Glenwood, Westfield TN37 7NQ. Removal of sun-room to side elevation. Proposed two storey extension, single storey extension, dormer window and new roof design to front elevation. Creation of new dormers to rear. Internal alterations to facilitate the same. Proposed new attached double garage. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish council does not object to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1890/P – Little Hides, Stonestile Lane, TN35 4PH. Single storey extension to rear with balcony above (continuing from existing balcony). Single storey extension to the front with new entrance porch. Double garage to join new front extension. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish council does not object to this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1864/P – Rose Cottage, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4QE. Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish council does not object to this planning application. Cllrs noted the position of the property and the historical features of the property. The building is not listed and in planning terms Cllrs could not see any reason to object to the planning application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/1698/P – Hop and Hare Farm, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH. Use of land for camping for holiday purposes, including provision of shower and WC cubicles and water points(retrospective). Change of use of agricultural/forestry building. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECT – The path leading down to this site is Westfield Path 50b and is a restricted byway. These rights of way only allows a right of way on foot, on horseback, or leading a horse, cycling and for any vehicles other than mechanically propelled vehicles. In some cases there may also be a right to drive animals. Therefore this track is wholly unsuitable to sustain up to 30 cars at a time. The Council also has serious concerns on the environmental impact of such an increased usage of land within the AONB. No details have been given on any mitigation to the AONB and surrounding biodiversity. No details have been given how the water from the showers and how human waste is being managed other than they are ’emptied weekly’. With such an increase of usage on the site were is all of this water and waste going? Overall it seems an over intensification of use for the site.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1746/P – 43 Baldslow Down, Westfield, TN37 7NJ. Proposed ground floor flat roof extension with lantern, alterations and enlargement of existing rear dormer, and formation of pitched roofs over existing front dormer and bay window roofs. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – Proposed changes seem to improve the overall look of the building.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1757/P – Westfield Down – Land At, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL. Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning approval RR/2019/1067/P to allow for revised design of changing rooms building. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council worked with Court Developments and the Football Club with the proposed designs.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1418/P – Restharrow, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RZ. Variation of condition 2 on RR/2020/551/P to allow raising of floor level; raising of West lawn level up by 100mm at the West of the dwelling; provision of fully glazed facade to West elevation; provision of external enclosure to house air source heat pump and refuse bins; reduction in height of building and increase in gross internal floor area of 1.5m2 to 247.5m2. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBEJCT – The Parish Council has no objection to the proposed alterations to the building designs. However there are serious concerns about the changes in levels. Neighbours have already reported issues with water in the area. The Parish Council would ask that a Planning Officer would look to visit the site and see the impact the changes of the levels has. Also it is noted that from the original planning application that any hedgerows if damaged should be replaced with a similar sizer and species. It seems that many of the original hedgerows have been removed and replaced with a non native fir tree. We would ask that this matter is also investigated before any final decision is given on this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1888/P – Heather Cottage, Moor Lane, Westfield TN35 4QU. Proposed first floor side extension on top of existing side extension with mezzanine areas. Proposed porch to front elevation. Internal minor alterations. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this planning application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1927/P – 11 Stablefield, Westfield,TN35 4QW. Proposed single storey rear extension, first floor side extension, enclosed rear facing balcony and internal alterations. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council does not object to any of the ground floor or first floor extension. However Cllrs have concerns about the potential impact of the enclosed balcony and the impact on neighbours. If this aspect of the planning application was removed Cllrs would support the application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
Items reviewed at the 08/09/2021 Full Council meeting
  • RR/2021/1019/P – Sandhole Farm, Westfield Lane, Westfield TN35 4SA. Removal of timber log cabin and replacement with brick and tiled dwelling for farm manager/owner, change of use of land to residential curtilage and new access road. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1094/O – Holland House, Hoads Farm, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RY. Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing residential mobile home. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council can neither confirm nor deny if the mobile home has been in continuous use as residential for any period of time.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/1197/P – 1 Stablefields – Land at, Westfield TN35 4QW. Construction of 2no. detached dwelling houses. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECTS – The Parish Council has considered this application and objects to the proposal. The site is an overdevelopment and inappropriate for this area. Westfield needs to maintain its green spaces to retain its distinctive character of a rural village. This development would be an overdevelopment squeezing two houses on a site which would see the removal of trees, hedgerows and a green space. The development also would have a negative impact on the surrounding properties by overlooking these properties and impacting on their light and privacy. Regarding the access Cottage Lane is already a very busy road particularly at school drop off and pick up when parking and traffic becomes a problem to the point of endangering those who use the road. In particular the school children who also walk to school via Cottage Lane. The proposal to increase any more traffic on this road the Parish Council strongly objects to.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1218/P – Hop and Hare Farm, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH. Variation of condition 2 imposed on RR/2018/888/P to amend the roof profile of previously approved agricultural/forestry building and increase one side to two-storey. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECTS – Council notes the original planning application RR/2018/888/P. The RDC officer noted that the building would be very noticeable in its original design. This new planning application would further increase the roof height and created a bigger impact on the surrounding AONB landscape. This goes against policies DEN1 and DEN2 in the DaSA in accordance with Core Strategy EN1. These policies require development to “maintain and reinforce the natural and built landscape character of the area in which it is to be located” and development within the AONB should be “should be small-scale, in keeping with the landscape and settlement pattern.” The Parish Council feels that this increase in height and change in roof profile does not meet these conditions.
    • Rother Decision – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN
  • RR/2021/1473/P– The Old Chicken Barn, Hoads Farm, Moat Lane, Westfield TN33 0RY. Replace existing chicken barn with 1no detached house on same footprint and raising to accommodate a second floor, however lowering the pitch of the roof to keep the new height to a minimum. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECT – Council noted that the existing building had walls around 4 inches thick and the whole building was in very poor condition.  This planning application would not be a conversion of the building but a complete replacement.  It was also noted that this site is a commercial site not residential so the Parish Council requests that a change of use is first sought.  There has been no evidence that the site is no longer commercially viable in line with RDC Core Strategy policy EC3 Existing Employment Sites and Policy DCO1: Retention of Sites of Social or Economic Value.  The site is also outside of the development boundary.  The proposed plans contravene with policies in the DaSA Policy DEN1: Maintaining Landscape Character and Policy DEN2: The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  The two storey building would be clearly viable making a dramatic impact on the landscape.  The size is also out of character for the area with some 3000sqft of living space.  Policy RA3 Development in the Countryside also states that “the creation of new dwellings in extremely limited circumstances” and for dwellings they must be “of appropriate size, siting and design.”  This development does not meet any of these criteria.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/1490/P – Little Down Farm, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4SL. Laying of recycled crush surface associated with the change of use from agriculture to a use for the storage and processing of timber.  Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECT – In starting discussions about the site it was noted that the address is wrong as this is not Little Down Farm’ it is in fact ‘Downoak Farm’.   There is no connectivity between the site and Little Down Farm which are in fact separated by woodland and mature hedgerows. Councillors also noted that the boundary shown for the application is wrong and the field is in fact lined by hedges and trees and activities are happening on a much wider scale in the area outside of the drawn boundary.  Several of the neighbouring residents have kept a clear log of the regular and completely unacceptable level of disturbance created from this site with the current activities including:
      1. Activities operating up to seven days a week from the early hours to late in the evening. 
      2. The levels of noise and dust have been at levels which has directly impacted the neighbour’s quality of life. 
      3. The level of traffic down the small country tracks has dramatically increased. 
    • The applicant’s agent cites “Policy DEN2 repeats the objectives for the AONB found in Policy EN1 of the Core Strategy” but does not show how the application is compliant with this policy.  The Council feels the scale of proposed activities on the site and the level of commercial activities as highlighted by the letters and photos received from the neighbours show that this site does not comply with these policies.  The site is in fact having a significantly detrimental effect on the AONB and landscape character as the current operations do not give particular care “to maintain the sense of tranquillity of more remote areas, including through maintaining ‘dark skies” nor is there any evidence to “conserve and seek to enhance its landscape and scenic beauty” again evidenced in the photos supplied by neighbours.  The Parish Council has reviewed all the letters from residents and asks that RDC Officers take into account the many valid planning objections they raise including:
      • Inaccuracies in the application re boundary and name along with text within the application which one resident has listed in detail. 
      • No clarity for the requirement to use this site for such activities. 
      • The activities are not ‘ancillary’ and in fact are large scale on a commercial level. 
      • The lack of detail in the current or intensification of activities on the site further and for this reason all aspects of the development should be set out. 
      • The non-conformity of planning permission RR/2005/2258/P where the buildings are conditioned, “not to be used for any purpose other than for private recreational purposes & shall not be used for hire or reward.” 
      • The restrictive covenant on the land, which is a common covenant for other properties on the Down oak estate relating to the 9 acres (ESX 293175).  This clearly states “to be a nuisance annoyance or inconvenience to the Transferor or his successors in title or the owners or occupiers of the adjoining or neighbouring land and the remainder of the farm.  Clearly this is not being met considering the number of residents complaining and the level of detail they give on how it is causing a nuisance and impacting on them. 
      • The lack of compliancy with a number of key policies including:
        1. DEN1 – maintaining landscape character DEN2 – As outlined above. 
        2. The High Weald AONB DEN4 – Biodiversity and green space – Development proposals should support the conservation of biodiversity.  There are no details give how this policy is adhered to and no details on how the site will enhance or conserve the biodiversity of the site.  
        3. DEN5 – Sustainable drainage – No details with the application have been given on managing any run-off from the site on the scale for “greenfield run-off”. 
        4. DEN7 – Environmental pollution – specifically noise in a sensitive area. NPPF states that policy makers must avoid noise from giving rise to significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life.  From the evidence form the neighbours it would also show that this policy is not being complied with. 
    • Rother Decision – UNDECIDED
  • RR/021/1611/P – Pattletons Barn, Doleham Lane, Westfield TN35 4ST. Erect rear extension and install new doors. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED
  • RR/2021/1625/P – Tree Tops – Land adjoining, off Cottage Lane, Westfield TN35 4QG. Outline application with all matters reserved for the erection of a single storey dwelling. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: OBJECT – The Parish Council objects to this development for several reasons. Firstly the development is outside the development boundary. Therefore it is not in a sustainable village location. Westfield has a housing target of 85 houses within the DaSA. These housing numbers are being met with the current land allocation. There is no evidence that this planning application supports the wider housing need of the Parish. It is important that the development boundary is adhered to stop urban sprawl into protected areas especially those within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Policy RA2 General Strategy for the Countryside states that the overall strategy is to “Strictly limit new development to that which supports local agricultural, economic or tourism needs and maintains or improves the rural character.” This planning application does not meet any of these criteria. Policy RA3 Development in the Countryside states that new dwellings will only be allowed in extremely limited circumstances: a) Dwellings to support farming and other land-based industries. Normally, accommodation will initially be provided on a temporary basis for a period of three years. Both temporary and permanent dwellings will be subject to appropriate occupancy conditions, and all applications should comply with the following criteria: i. Demonstrate a clearly established functional need, relating to a full-time worker primarily employed in the farming and other land-based businesses; ii. Demonstrate the functional need cannot be fulfilled by other existing accommodation in the area; iii. Demonstrate the unit and the agricultural activity concerned are financially sound and have a clear prospect of remaining so; iv. Dwellings are of appropriate size, siting and design. b) The conversion of traditional historic farm buildings in accordance with Policy RA4; c) The one-to-one replacement of an existing dwelling of similar landscape impact; or d) As a ‘rural exception site’ to meet an identified local affordable housing The current planning application does not meet any of these requirements. Policy DEN2: The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) states “All development within or affecting the setting of the High Weald AONB shall conserve and seek to enhance its landscape and scenic beauty. This planning application does not meet these requirement as it is outside the development boundary, provides an important green space within the area to maintain the open rural characteristic of the lane. It would also have a great impact on the wildlife and biodiversity of the neighbouring protected trees due to the close proximity to the proposed retained trees. It is likely that significant root damage would be caused during the development along with disturbance to the local wildlife. Although there is a ‘right of way’ across the frontage of Tree Tops this is only to access the land. There is no permission to lay down a permanent road into the adjoining land nor is it suitable in its current state to support regular vehicle access or any heavy duty vehicles. If officers visit the site it is clear the access into the site is next to a steep bank also making the regular usage for vehicles not sustainable as this would in time undermine the bank itself. The proposed access also runs along side the 1066 footpath. Increased vehicle traffic down this road on a well-used footpath should be strongly discouraged in favour of walkers of this route.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
  • RR/2021/1647/P – Little Hides Farm Cottage, Stonestile Lane, Westfield TN35 4PH. Change of use from land that is non-compliant with agricultural occupancy to curtilage of an existing residential property. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: GENERAL COMMENT – The Parish Council sees no evidence of why it is necessary it increase the residential curtilage of this property as none has been submitted. The land is agricultural so Council questions whether this needs a change of use from agricultural to residential with all the relevant evidence for such a change. The applicant states they are “seeking the change of use…to increase the size of the curtilage and keep the whole scenery of AONB intact; this is in line with paragraph 115 of the NPPF in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.” However there is no evidence of how this is achieved. Until these matters have been addressed the Parish Council asks that the RDC Officer seeks to defer any decision until further evidence has been obtained to answer these questions.
    • Rother Decision – REFUSED.
  • RR/2021/1824/P – 3 Cottage Mews, Main Road, Westfield TN35 4QE. Proposed alterations including garage conversion, enlargement of existing rear raised decking and erection of garden shed. Click here to view application.
    • Parish Council Comments: SUPPORT – The Parish Council supports this application subject to no neighbours being overlooked.
    • Rother Decision – APPROVED CONDITIONAL
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