Decision due on Hodson's Mill redevelopment plans in Robertsbridge

Proposals to build almost 100 new homes on the site of a former mill in Robertsbridge, are set to be decided by Rother planners this week.
Artist's impression of redevelopment plans for Hodson's Mill in RobertsbridgeArtist's impression of redevelopment plans for Hodson's Mill in Robertsbridge
Artist's impression of redevelopment plans for Hodson's Mill in Robertsbridge

Developers are seeking full planning permission to build a 96-home development at Hodson’s Mill in Northbridge Street – a site which has been vacant for close to two decades.

The plans include the conversion of the Victorian former mill building into 26 flats and the conversion of a Grade-II listed oast house into a commercial property.

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The application is due to go before Rother District Council’s planning committee on Thursday (October 11), where it is recommended for approval subject to further information in response to concerns raised by Highways England.

Highways England require the developer to carry out a new road safety audit before signing off on the plans, which a report by a Rother planning officer says is currently underway.  

The report said: “The details of the development including the layout, scale density, and appearance have been the subject of negotiations with officers and the submission has evolved and moved forward from the original submission.

“Whilst, notwithstanding this, there remains some concerns. A balanced judgement has to be made and it is recognised that there is an argument for part of the development having its own local character, associated with the ‘industrial’ character of the historic mill.

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“Being mindful of the recognised need for new housing the proposals for the development of the site would not have an unreasonable impact on the AONB and would recognise the statutory duty to preserve or enhance the conservation area”

Planners received four letters of objection in connection with the development plans – three from local residents and one from an agent acting on behalf of the nearby Grove Farm site.

For further details of the application see planning reference RR/2017/382/P on the Rother District Council website.