Decision due on plans for new bungalow in Flimwell

On Thursday, Rother District Council’s planning committee is set to consider an application to build a three-bedroom bungalow on land adjacent to an existing property known as Villa Fair, which itself sits on land to the rear of houses in Union Street.

While recommended for approval by planning officers, the scheme has seen objections raised by Ticehurst Parish Council, largely due to concerns around its proposed access — an existing single-track lane which serves as one of two access points to Villa Fair.

The parish council argues this lane would be too narrow for use by bin lorries, emergency service vehicles or deliveries, making the development unsuitable.

The bungalow could be built on land adjacent to an existing property known as Villa Fair, which itself sits on land to the rear of houses in Union Street

Similar concerns have been raised by Conservative ward councillor Mary Barnes, who also raised concerns around highway safety and the potential loss of privacy for existing residents.

Concerns around the access are not shared by planning officers, who point out that the access already exists and can already be used by residents of Villa Fair.

It is also noted that East Sussex Highways have raised no safety concerns around the use of the lane. 

A decision on the Flimwell development is due on Thursday

Overall, planning officers consider the scheme to be sustainable and — given the council’s housing targets — as a result say it should have a presumption in its favour. 

The application had been due for discussion at a previous planning meeting in July, but the committee opted to defer its decision at that time so all its members could visit the site.

For further information on the proposals see application reference RR/2021/2804/P on the Rother District Council website.