Rother’s Local Plan – consultation until 24 November

Dear Resident,

Go to www.rother.gov.uk/draftlocalplan to read and comment.

The Local Plan “Reg 19” focuses on site allocations and strategic policies.

There are proposed allocated sites in Fairlight (Wakehams Farm), Guestling and Icklesham, among others.

Rother’s website indicates that this stage of the consultation process is of a technical nature, but the press release encourages comments from residents and groups. Don’t hold back if you have something to say.

“What Happens Next 

All duly made representations will be collated by the Council alongside the submission documentation. 

The Council intends to submit the Local Plan, evidence base, and all representations to the Planning Inspectorate before the end of 2026. 

An independent Planning Inspector will hold an Examination in Public (EiP) to determine whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. The EiP is expected to take place during 2027. 

If the Inspector finds the plan sound (with or without recommended modifications), Rother District Council will consider whether to formally adopt the Local Plan”

Residents will have an opportunity to make representations to the government Inspector / Examiner

Best wishes,

Andrew

Cllr Andrew Mier

Southern Rother Ward

Fairlight Preservation Trust

It has been a busy year for the Fairlight Preservation Trust, wth major work organised on the sea defences. Whether or not you are a member, why not come and hear what has been achieved at our AGM on Sunday 18th October, 14.30 at the Village Hall. After all, preserving the cliffs is in everyone’s interest. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Alastair Mitchell, Secretary of the Fairlight Preservation Trust.

Halloween Gardens Competition

Dear residents,

This October the FRA are running a competition for the best dressed house or garden over the Halloween period.  So roll out the pumpkins, spooky decorations or even dress up any scarecrows you may still have, which made a wonderful appearance a few years back.

The committee will judge the decorations on 31st October. The first prize will be £100 and the second prize £50.  These will be announced shortly after.. 

So that we don’t miss any, we are asking for nominations to be sent to fairlightresidentssec@gmail.com.  

These nominations should be with the Secretary by 29th October. So whilst you are out and about, if you are particularly impressed with a Halloween decoration, please send in that nomination (address only of the decorations is needed)..

We are looking forward to your creations. Which will brighten up the autumn days and make the village a place to be proud of.

Charity Quiz night

Hello Fairlighters,


I would like to draw your attention to a charity quiz to be held in Fairlight Village Hall on Saturday 31st October at 7 pm.

The quiz is being run by Fairlight Bowls Club to raise funds for  the Fairlight Preservation Trust and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.


Tickets are priced at £6 each, teams of 6, nibbles and a pay bar.


Please reserve your tickets either with Penny eveleighpje@ gmail.com or Terry @ Terry.rogers530@gmail.com, or call me on 07709874328.

Many thanks

Penny (social secretary @FBC)

New Government Planning Policies

Dear Resident,

I note that within the last few days there has been a major revision of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and I attach a copy. I have not had time to analyse the changes, but they appear directed towards achieving the government’s stated policy of building more houses.

This link (other sources are available) may help –

National Planning Policy Framework August 2026 – Key Changes | Berrys

Best wishes,

Andrew

Cllr Andrew Mier

Southern Rother Ward

(The villages of Fairlight, Guestling, Icklesham and Pett)

NPPF Aug 2026Download

Cartridges

Thank you yet again, from The Preservation Trust,  for donating your printer cartridges.   The last box sent raised £41.66.

If you wish to drop any used printer cartridges, there is a box at the village hall, 

Please keep them coming. 

Thank you.
Jill

The Fairlight Art Calendar

 A Calendar Worth Keeping

Fairlight Art are delighted to present their 2027 Calendar, featuring twelve beautiful local scenes painted by members of their talented club.

Professionally produced and printed to a high standard, this is far more than just a calendar – it’s a collection of artwork celebrating the beauty of our local area that you’ll want to keep long after 2027 has come to an end.

They cost just £10 each, or 3 for £25, with free delivery to TN35 Fairlight addresses.

Calendars are available to order now. Simply email fairlightcalendar2027@gmail.com with your requirements and leave the rest to us.

If you’d rather buy in person, they’re also available from Hair Base, DISH, and MOPP.

Best of all, every calendar sold helps support local charities and community groups – so while you’re treating yourself (or finding an ideal Christmas gift), you’ll also be helping the village.

The Fairlight Art Calendar – Twelve months of Fairlight    and not a roadworks diversion sign in sight!  

Pickleball – Open Sessions this Summer

Fairlight Tennis Club has adapted the tennis court so that we can now play Pickleball as well.

Pickleball is a new fast-growing sport that is played on a smaller court, and is a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

Through the summer we are running open sessions on Saturdays between 12 & 2pm for anyone to come and have a go.

If you would like to have a game then please turn up at the court at 12pm on any Saturday in July & August.

You can learn about the sport and play a few games.

If you would like more information then please contact me : duncan.brock@outlook.com

Thanks

Duncan

Shuttle Bus

A shuttle service has been arranged as of tomorrow operated by Rambler Coaches.

Note it will only be from Fairlight Cove To Rye.

I will pressure for it to go to St.Andrews/Coastguards Lane and stop at all Cove bus stops.

Geoff Smith

ROAD CLOSURE BY MILL LANE

UPDATE ON ROAD CLOSURE.

The sinkhole has been excavated and it spread to a large void right under the entire road. It is impossible to say how long the road closure will be. I have pleaded with ESCC highways for this to be treated as an emergency.

There are no diversion signs out yet. These are being done asap. Please do not ignore road closure signs. The furthest you will get is to North Seat Picnic Site.

S/W have bern informed and  tankers are being diverted. We are still getting tanker deliveries.

I have insisted on a shuttle bus service to connecting 100/101 buses at the Ship Winchelsea Beach. I will update when I hear anything.

Please be patient with tanker movements on Battery Hill. 

Thank you

Geoffrey Smith

Activate Summer Activity Days

SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS!

Open to all children. This will be held on the 4 Thursdays of August and will include games, activities, multi-sports, dance, craft and more. Children can be booked by email: 

youthclubactivate@gmail.com.

Cost is £3 per day  and we will start at 11am finishing at 2pm. Under 5’s must be accompanied. Bring a picnic. 

More information will be on the consent form that will be sent out on request through the email.

All this takes place at Activate Clubhouse (newly renovated!) on Fairlight Rec’ Ground.

Sponsored by Active Rother.

Wakehams Farm Committee Date  RR/2025/1462/P – 17 Sept?

Dear Resident,

I’m told by the Rother Planning Officer that he is “aiming for” the Wakehams Farm / Pond Field planning application (35 houses south of the Pett Level Road) to come before Rother’s Planning Committee on 17 September. 

Details of the application are on Rother’s website – Viewing Applications, Decisions and Appeals Online – Rother District Council

Best wishes,

Andrew

Cllr Andrew Mier

Post Office Petition

Dear residents

At the request of the Parish Council the FRA are organising a petition on behalf of the village to reinstate a village post office.

The deadline for the petition completion is Monday 13th July.  So pop along to any of the locations on the poster and sign the petition.

Please also see the attached explanation sheet.

Post Office PetitionDownload

Fairlight Dementia Friends training

Dear Fairlight Residents,

Please will you share the following:

A big thank you to all who came along to the Fairlight Dementia Friends training this afternoon. It was fantastic to welcome Sally Hemmings, Chair of Bexhill Dementia Action Alliance, to share with us her wide experience of being a Dementia Friend. Sally taught us about different forms of dementia, how this can affect life and how to be a good dementia friend. Naomi from Rother Voluntary Action spoke about the ways similar groups in other areas are helping their communities. There was time for questions and sharing ideas of what next we might try in Fairlight to help people with Dementia and their carers. As there were 26 of us there was lots of discussion over cake and we will take a look at all the ideas to see what the next step in Fairlight will be. Please do let Wendy Hatch or Sandi Wickens know your ideas and needs too.

God bless,
Sandi

Revd Sandi Wickens
Rector

Westfield, Guestling, and Fairlight

Telephone 07395 106514

Fairlight Preservation Trust

Dear Residents,

Thank you once again for contributing your finished printer cartridges to Fairlight Preservation Trust.  Last month, you raised £19.83 for the trust.

Please keep them coming. Every little helps.  The box is still at the village hall in front of you as you enter the hall.

Thank you to those who took a membership application form from me at the Village Hall.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Have you thought about joining the Preservation Trust?  A good cause, helping to reduce the water in the cliffs to reduce slippage.  Please contact  me or fill in the form on our website  Fcpt.org.uk.

Thank you again on behalf of the trust.

Fairlight Astronomers meeting

Hi everyone.

just a quick reminder that we are due to meet this coming Thursday evening. 

Hopefully you will find the presentations entertaining, interesting and informative. 

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. There might be too many cakes at this meeting, as I know that a few of our regulars are away! As per, seconds will be available 👍🏼