Plan for homes on protected landscape approved

The site in Rock Lane, Hastings, is currently grassland

Plans for a housing development on a protected landscape on the edge of Hastings have been approved.

Hastings Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved proposals from Jerboa Homes Limited to build 26 homes on land to the west of Rock Lane.

The development is set to include 10 affordable homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

"We desperately need homes for people and it is good to see that some of the properties on there will be affordable," said councillor Judy Rogers.

Ms Rogers praised the layout of the estate, saying it would not feel cramped

A previous application from the same developer was refused primarily over concerns that the new homes would harm the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The committee heard how the new scheme would still result in some "low level harm" to the AONB.

The council received 45 letters of objection to the plans, with people claiming that the project would have an unacceptable effect on infrastructure and result in loss of green space.

Guestling Parish Council also objected, raising concerns around drainage and traffic.