We have detailed some key highlights from the Cabinet meeting, held on Monday 14th September 2026.
Local Plan
Cabinet approved the publication of the Rother Pre-Submission Local Plan for a six-week period of public consultation, marking a big step in the development of the district’s planning framework through to 2042.
The plan will set out how and where future development should take place across Rother and will become the key document guiding planning decisions once adopted.
Cabinet heard that Rother faces significant planning challenges, including a shortage of housing land supply and environmental constraints such as the High Weald National Landscape, protected habitats, flood risk areas, heritage assets, and extensive ancient woodland. The proposed Local Plan identifies suitable sites for development while recognising the need to protect these important environmental features.
Cllr Teresa Killeen, portfolio holder for Planning at Rother District Council said: “The Plan has been developed to support our priorities of fostering a thriving economy, helping communities live well locally, and being green to the core. It seeks to balance the need for new homes, jobs, and infrastructure with the protection of the district’s valued landscapes, habitats, and heritage assets.
“The plan proposes the delivery of around 8,500 homes and 26.2 hectares of employment land, supporting approximately 5,100 jobs across the district up to 2042. It follows extensive evidence gathering and public engagement, including two previous consultations held during 2024 and 2026.”
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders will now have the opportunity to comment on the Pre-Submission Local Plan during the consultation period before it is considered for submission for independent examination later in the year.
Wildfires – Public Spaces Protection Order
Consideration was given to the introduction of a further Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)to reduce the likelihood of wildfires being started by barbeques and open fires, due to the prolonged period of dry weather.
The proposed PSPO restricted certain activities in public spaces and breach without reasonable excuse was a criminal offence. The Council must therefore consider whether the restrictions were proportionate and whether they affected rights to freedom of expression, assembly or association, including community, cultural, commemorative, religious or recreational events involving candles, fireworks or other flames.
Consultation had been carried out with Sussex Police, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, East Sussex County Council Highways, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and parish and town councils, with only one objection from Northiam Parish Council. The Director of Resources had made a temporary PSPO to control wildfires on 26 August 2026 using her delegated powers.
Cllr Kathryn Field, portfolio holder for Environment at Rother District Council said: “Since publication of the report, Rother was no longer a high-risk area, had been mostly low or moderate risk and the prediction for the following five days was low. Therefore, the recommendation from our officers was to discharge the PSPO made on 26 August, which Cabinet agreed to do.”
The decision would be revisited the following year, with consultation commencing in March 2027, enabling a similar Order to be made earlier and therefore avoiding most of the Bonfire Night season. Cabinet resolved that the Public Spaces Protection Order dated 26 August 2026 be discharged.
High Street Rental Auctions
Cabinet agreed the next steps for introducing powers under the government’s High Street Rental Auctions programme, designed to help bring long-term vacant commercial properties back into use and support the vitality of town centres across the district.
High Street Rental Auctions give local authorities powers to intervene where qualifying high street premises have remained vacant for an extended period. The aim is to reduce empty shopfronts, encourage new business activity and increase footfall in town centre locations.
Cllr Christine Bayliss, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Economic Development at Rother District Council said: “These new powers could provide an additional tool to support economic growth and regeneration in the district, complementing the existing work we do with businesses, landlords and community organisations.
“By helping to bring vacant units back into productive use, the initiative has the potential to improve the appearance of town centres and create new opportunities for local enterprises.”
The decision enables officers to continue preparatory work, including identifying suitable locations, and ensuring the council is ready to use the scheme where it is considered beneficial.
Published: 18th September 2026
