Why does Rother need a new Local Plan?
National planning policy requires Councils to plan for future development needs, including for new housing, employment space and infrastructure, and to set these out in an up-to-date Local Plan. The Local Plan is the starting point for all decisions about new development.
Once adopted, the new Local Plan will replace Rother’s Core Strategy (2014) and Development and Site Allocations (2019) Plans. Planning applications that comply with relevant policies in the Development Plan (including the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans), will be granted planning permission unless there are material considerations that indicate otherwise.
Without an up-to-date Local Plan, development will still come forward but with much less local control over where, and what. With speculative development such as this it also then becomes much harder to plan for, and deliver, required infrastructure.
Why does this Local Plan plan for more houses than in previous Rother Local Plans?
In late 2024 the Government significantly increased the housing target for Rother. The Local Plan needs to respond to this increased target from central government, albeit the Council considers that there are good planning reasons for not meeting the full Government figure given that 90% of the District is either within the High Weald National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) or is a protected habitat site.
What about infrastructure needed to support development?
We recognise that impacts on infrastructure such as roads, doctors and schools are key concerns of local residents. We have consulted with infrastructure providers while preparing the Local Plan to ensure the right infrastructure can be provided in the right places to support development. This is set out in detail in our Infrastructure Delivery Plan on our website: Supporting Evidence Base – Rother District Council
What is the process for adopting a new Local Plan?
- First public consultations on the draft Local Plan. These were carried out in summer 2024 and also January-March 2026. This is known as the “Regulation 18” stage. The Regulation 18 versions of the Local Plans can be viewed here (2024) and here (2026).
- Publication of the “submission version” of the Local Plan, for final public comments. This is known as the “Regulation 19” stage. This is the stage we are currently at. The Regulation 19 Local Plan can be viewed here.
- Council decision on whether the Local Plan can be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination. This is due to take place in December 2026.
- Submission of the Local Plan, with all the public comments received, to the Planning Inspectorate. We are aiming to do this by the end of December 2026.
- Examination of the Local Plan by an independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. This will include a series of hearings in public, and the public will have the opportunity to attend and take part. This is likely to take place in 2027.
- Recommendation of the Planning Inspector. When the examination has finished, the Inspector will decide whether the Local Plan meets all the tests to allow it to be adopted by the Council.
- Council decision on whether to adopt the new Local Plan.
- On adoption, the new Local Plan will have full weight in decisions on planning applications.
What has happened to all of the comments made by the public during the last consultation stages?
All the comments have been read and considered by the Council, and taken into account in preparing this final, “submission” version of the Local Plan. You can read about what people said, and what we did, in our Consultation Statements which are published on our website Supporting Evidence Base – Rother District Council.
Can I make comments on any part of the Local Plan again?
Yes, during this “Regulation 19” stage you may support or object to the Proposed Submission Local Plan, a policy, a site allocation, the policies map, a supporting document, or part of the evidence base. Your representation should explain clearly which part of the plan you are referring to and why. The easiest way to make comments is by using the online consultation portal on the Council’s website, here. Alternatively, you can complete the Consultation Response Form and send it to us by email or post.
Is this the same as the previous consultation stages?
No. Unlike earlier consultations, this “Regulation 19” stage is more formal, meaning representations should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and whether it has met the tests of ‘soundness’.
What does “legal compliance” mean?
Legal compliance means whether the Council has followed the requirements that apply to preparing and publishing a local plan. This includes the relevant planning legislation, regulations, procedures and required assessments. Please see our Consultation Guidance Notes for further information.
What are the “tests of soundness”?
The Local Plan needs to be “sound” in order to be adopted. To be “sound”, a local plan must be: positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with national policy. Please see our Consultation Guidance Notes for further information.
Will there be public exhibitions?
No. Regulation 19 is a stage for formal public representations, rather than a public consultation exercise. There is no need for public exhibitions at this stage (the Regulation 19 Plan has been shaped during previous public consultations and associated public exhibitions).
Can I make comments if I am not online?
Yes. Paper representation forms are available from the Council offices at Bexhill Town Hall and the libraries at Bexhill, Battle, Rye, Northiam and Wadhurst.
How long do I have to make comments?
Six weeks. The representation period runs from Monday 12th October to Tuesday 24th November (at 23:59 hours). We are unable to accept your comments if they are late.
What will happen to my comments when the representation period finishes?
We will collate them and submit them, with the Local Plan, to the Planning Inspectorate. They will then be considered by the Inspector when they examine the Local Plan.
Further Information
If you have any further questions, you can contact the Planning Policy Team:
Email: draftlocalplan@rother.gov.uk
Post: Planning Policy Team, Rother District Council, Town Hall, Bexhill‑on‑Sea, TN39 3JX
