Mill Site, Robertsbridge

“This brownfield site is part of a larger site that includes greenfield land. The whole site, including the greenfield part, is allocated in the Salehurst & Robertsbridge Neighbourhood Plan. Estimates of the housing capacities of the sites have varied; those in the submission Neighbourhood Plan and those of the Local Authority gave figures ranging from 85-100 dwellings. The Examiner found that the capacities of each site allocation in the Neighbourhood Plan were presently uncertain and that they will be a reflection of the size and mix of units within any planning application, having due regard to Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan policies. Policy HO2 of the Neighbourhood Plan allocates at least 1,200sqm of employment floorspace including 280sqm of Class A3 uses and 920sqm of B1 uses. A scheme will be subject to both the sequential and exception tests given the location of part of the site in the flood zone. The site is also affected by some surface water flooding. Due to the flooding issues, a safe access will need to be provided to the A21 that is useable during a flood event. The site is partially located within the Conservation Area and Public Rights of Way pass through the site. See Policy HO2 of the Salehurst and Robertsbridge Neighbourhood Plan (http://www.rother.gov.uk/Salehurst-and-Robertsbridge-Neighbourhood-Plan). On this site an application (RR/2017/382/P) has been granted permission for 96 residential units, non-residential floorspace comprising of 280 sqm (use class A3) and 920 sqm (use class B1) with associated access, car/cycle parking, open amenity space, strategic landscaping and green infrastructure and including restoration works to the Mill Building and Oast House. December 2024 - whilst this application has lapsed the site will remain on the register as it is an allocated site.