*This is an edited reposting to amend the error with the next date of the September BPC meeting, and includes an additional comment about community housing.

Brightling Parish Council recently asked residents for their views on the possible transfer of land at Park View (north of 4 Park Cottages, Title ESX293377) from Rother District Council to the Parish Council, under the Service and Asset Devolution Framework.

The consultation ran from 21 July to 18 August 2025, with responses accepted online and by post.

Response Rate

• 23 responses received in total.

Headline Results

• 87% (20 people) supported Brightling Parish Council exploring ownership of the land.
• 13% (3 people) were unsure.
• No respondents opposed outright.

Key Themes – What Residents Valued

• Protecting the land from speculative development.
• Preserving the land for community benefit and informal use.
• Suggestions for enhancement, including biodiversity planting and a possible community orchard.

Key Themes – Concerns and Considerations Raised

• Ongoing costs and maintenance.
• Differing views on whether a community orchard would be desirable.
• Ensuring access is safe and clear.
• Risks of littering or dumping.
• Some respondents raised community housing: some saw affordable/retirement housing as a positive use for locals, while others expressed caution about infrastructure and access challenges.

Next Steps

The results will be considered by the Parish Council at its meeting on 10th September 2025, alongside a light business case and financial implications. At that meeting, councillors will decide whether to proceed with a formal Expression of Interest to Rother District Council.

Brightling Parish Council thanks all those who took the time to respond. Your views are invaluable in shaping the future of this piece of land.