The first brick has been laid in the development of 200 new homes on the Blackfriars site in Battle marking the end of years of work to make the much-needed housing development a reality.
This really is a major milestone in the project on land that has been earmarked for development for decades but never came to fruition because of the countless obstacles faced.
The laying of the first brick marks the start of development of the new properties which include 130 affordable homes – 84 shared ownership and 46 affordable rented homes.
Rother District Council and Rother DC Housing Company have worked so hard to get to this point and I am excited to see The Tapestry, as it will be known, take shape over the next couple of years.
Building homes in a largely rural district like Rother presents many significant challenges, not least the constraints of protected landscape and limited infrastructure, and there is no easy answer.
That’s why I was delighted to learn that Rother District Council had been selected to be a frontrunner for a new Government-funded service aimed at boosting housebuilding.
We are one of just 10 councils chosen to join the Council Housebuilding Support Service (CHoSS) which will provide tailored support to help councils establish, enhance, or accelerate delivery of high-quality, affordable council homes.
The Local Government Association (LGA) will provide bespoke support to councils shaped by their specific needs and Rother District Council will receive that support whilst helping to co-design the service for use by councils across the country.
Providing ample, high-quality housing for our residents is extremely important and this is a great opportunity to get the expert advice we need to be successful.
Last month I welcomed the news that Bexhill’s under-threat Post Office was to remain open after it was announced in November last year that the branch in Devonshire Road was being considered as part of a nationwide closure programme.
The branch is to be operated as an independent franchise and the Post Office are currently running a consultation exercise on its opening hours. Although, the new opening hours gives residents an extra half hour of service.
If you want to have a look at the new opening hours and make a comment to the Post Office you can do so by visiting Consultation Hub – Bexhill On Sea TN40 1AA
The Government has now agreed to move forward with a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) for Sussex and confirmed the first mayoral election will take place in May 2026.
Whilst this is separate from the Local Government Reorganisation that will see a new single authority replacing district, borough and county councils, it is an important change that will affect the lives of residents.
There is still a way to go and still discussion to be had about how the MCCA will work, but the Government announcement is a big step forward.
Work continues on final proposals for Local Government Reorganisation, which have to be submitted to Government in September, and I will update residents when we have more information.
Ends.
Published: 25th July 2025
