We welcome acknowledgement of the 'duty to co-operate' and a specific reference within the Local Planning Strategy. However, we do not consider adequate evidence has been provided, since the duty was introduced and the South East Plan abolished, to show that Rother and Hastings Councils have done enough to consider the potential for new housing at Breadsell Lane.

The Rother Local Planning Strategy is yet to be adopted because of uncertainty regarding the overall housing provision. Similarly, the Hastings Strategy is yet to fully justify its low housing requirement in light of recently published figures that suggest it should be increased. Meanwhile, Mr Simmons' land provides an exceptional opportunity for both authorities to deliver much needed additional housing, yet the site remains excluded only on the basis of a 'holding objection' from Natural England.

The decision to exclude land at Breadsell Lane was taken prior to the introduction of the duty to cooperate and the revocation of the South East Plan. Therefore, we consider that there is a requirement for both Hastings and Rother Council's to further explore Mr Simmons' site in order to deliver much needed new housing. Failure to do so would be entirely contrary to the Government's agenda for a proactive and positive planning system.