Controversial proposals for a ‘luxury’ holiday park are set to go in front of planners next week. 

On Thursday (September 7), Rother District Council’s planning committee is set to consider an outline application seeking permission to build 211 holiday lodges at the Normanhurst Estate — a 140 hectare parcel of private land on the outskirts of Catsfield, within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The proposals also include the construction of new access roads, workspaces and a number of amenity buildings associated with the holiday lodges. These include a reception building, restaurant and resort retail space. 

In a design and access statement, applicant Greystoke Land, said: “The conservation and enhancement of the landscape is critical to the success of the development.

“The design of the lodges, buildings, infrastructure and facilities will be directed to present a consistent visual language and identity to the site. Being within and a part of the Normanhurst Estate will feel unique and bespoke to this specific site in East Sussex.

The Argus:

“This site can provide the opportunity for an exemplary and unique holiday experience in the East Sussex countryside. The proposal outlined has preservation, conservation and enhancement at its heart.”

This view is not shared by council planning officers, however, who are recommending councillors refuse the scheme.

Officers say the development would result in “significant adverse impact on the landscape character, ecological features, and habitat dynamics of the AONB”. They also say the development would also have a significant impact on the village of Catsfield itself.

Concerns have also been raised about the access plans and sheer size of the scheme, which officers describe as being “akin to the development of a new village within the AONB.”

The Argus:

These issues, officers say, would ‘significantly outweigh’ any benefits from the scheme.

The application has also seen objections raised by a number of other parties, including: Natural England; East Sussex Highways; the county council’s ecologist; seven nearby parish councils;  the Sussex Ramblers; and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), among many others.

The proposals have also proven to be unpopular with local residents, who have submitted more than 730 letters of objection at time of publication.  

For further information on the proposals see application reference RR/2023/217/P on the Rother District Council website.