New mobile home for Battle traveller site?

A planning application has been submitted for the siting of a moblie home and ‘associated facility structures’ at Beeches Brook on Telham Lane.

The application, which has been lodged with Rother District Council, says the home is intended for the relative of the applicant, who has herself lived on the site for a number of years.

But Battle Town Council has objected to the plans, expressing fears about potential flooding and councillors say the application does not fit in with Rother’s Local Plan.

The town council added that it believes the application does not include enough information.

The council’s objection said: “The site is on a flood plain and requires a flood risk assessment.

“The application form stated that it is not and this is clearly a false and misleading response.

“The field within the site flooded even before the heavy rain on 12 February 2014.

“The application does not meet the requirements of HG6 - proposals for new gypsy sites, extensions to existing gypsy sites and sites for travelling show people; or HG10 - proposals for new dwellings in the countryside; as set out in RDC’s Local Plan.

“Consent has already been given for one elderly relative and it is not known what justification there is for this application.

“No details have been provided.

“The council very strongly objects to this application and intensification of use of this site.”

Two other objections have also been submitted to Rother.

The objectors have raised a number of concerns including the potential change of character of the area and possible flooding.

Rother District Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at a later date.

All comments must be submitted to the authority by February 25.