New build in Battle narrowly given thumbs up

A new build home on the outskirts of Battle has been narrowly approved despite concerns about its impact on the AONB.Today (Thursday April 18) Rother District Council’s planning committee granted planning permission for a two-storey home and detached double garage on land adjoining Marley Lane.The application had been recommended for refusal by officers due to concerns about its sustainability and potential impact on the High Weald AONB, but was narrowly approved by the committee despite these concerns.Before making its decision, the committee heard arguments in favour of the proposals from Kevin Dixon (Lib Dem), who represents the Battle ward.The committee also heard the proposals had significant support from Battle Town Council, a number of local residents and other district councillors.They included ward councillors Kathryn Field (Lib Dem) as well as Sally-Ann Hart, who is a member of the council’s Conservative cabinet.While there was some support among committee members, several raised concerns about going against of the council’s planning policies. Concerns were also raised about what effect approving the application could have on further development in the district.In light of this Cllr Barnes put forward a motion to refuse planning permission.However, the motion was narrowly defeated by five votes to six, with the application then granted planning permission by the same margin.