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Construction will start soon on dozens of new houses near a brickworks and quarry site which were approved despite opposition. In December, Rother District Council refused the development, which would see 89 new homes built on land off Turkey Road, Bexhill. But in September a planning inspector allowed an appeal from Bellway South London and work will start on the development, which will be known as Highwoods View, next spring.
The council had raised concerns about the scheme and expressed fears residents of the development would be “unreasonably harmed” by dust and pollution from existing operations at the neighbouring Ashdown Brickworks and Quarry. But the planning inspector was satisfied with how Bellway addressed concerns and upheld the developer’s appeal. Read more: Opening date announced for new city centre shop with giveaway for first customers A planning agreement is now being finalised between Bellway, Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to secure the provision of affordable housing, highways improvements and financial contributions from the housebuilder.
Construction work is due to begin on site next spring. The development will include 58 two, three and four-bedroom homes for private sale, 27 affordable properties and four self-build plots. The site will also include a central green with a play area and additional open space on the northern edge.
The private homes to be built at Highwoods View will have two-bedroom coach house-style apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom houses in a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached designs. The affordable homes will include one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses, with a mix of first homes (properties for sale at a discount to eligible buyers), shared ownership properties and affordable rented homes. Bellway hopes to release the first homes onto the market next autumn.
Daniel Williamson, sales director for Bellway South London, said: “Highwoods View in Bexhill-on-Sea will provide much-needed new homes for the private market as well as affordable housing for local people. “The homes will be set alongside new green open spaces which will become an important social resource as well as improving biodiversity and wildlife habitats. “We have carefully designed the development to create a seamless extension to the town, with materials, including tile hanging and weatherboarding on key buildings, chosen to reflect the distinct character of the surrounding area.
“The project will also generate wide-ranging benefits for the local area, not least the creation of jobs on site and within the supply chain for the duration of construction work. “We will be contributing £1.6 million via the Community Infrastructure Levy towards local facilities, while under the terms of the planning agreement which is currently being finalised an additional contribution of £97,900 will be made to fund improvements to bus services.
We are also committed to carrying out works to improve nearby footpaths and install a new bus stop on Turkey Road to make it easier for residents to use public transport.”.
