Anger at ‘hideous’ manor house plans

The owner of Baldwins Farm has submitted plans for Birchford, described as a new 21st Century manor house, to Rother District Council (RDC).

The six bedroom house, which will overlook the Darwell Reservoir, features an orangery, a giant cupola and a bell tower with hourly striking bells.

Plans also include six ‘eco-lodges’, the restoration of a Grade 2 Listed Farmhouse and the re-routing of a public footpath.

But residents and visitors to the area have expressed their dismay at the plans, which have been branded “hideous”, “outrageous” and “monstrous”.

Objectors claim the development would be out of keeping with the area, harm wildlife, increase traffic and create light pollution.

They claim the house would be visible from Kent Lane and would have a negative affect on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The planned development is located next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

More than 70 people have put forwarded their objections to RDC.

In her objection, Judy Petty said: “Permission will represent ‘the thin edge of the wedge’.

“Land in this area has recently been sold off in small parcels and to allow this development will be to open the floodgates for such applications.”

Claire Casselden said: “The idea of eco-lodges is absurd when taking into consideration the damage that would be done to the location.”

Nicola Magill said: “To allow this planning application to proceed in any form would be a complete injustice.”

The RSPB, Open Spaces Society, The Ramblers Association, Natural England, Battle Ramblers and Sussex Wealdmen have also raised objections.

A spokesperson for Darwell Conservation Group said: “This alien development will be visible by the whole community and will cause significant damage to an Area of Outstanding Beauty, to footpath rights and ruin an irreplaceable landscape forever.

“ It appears to flout both the Rother Local Plan and the National planning Policy Framework.”

A handful of people have written to Rother in support of the plans.

Steve Ekins praised the applicant for the work he has carried out on the Baldwins Farm site to date.

RDC will make the decision on the plans at a later date.