Rother District Council has given the green light to proposals for a 66-bedroom residential care facility in Bexhill.

The council published its decision on Tuesday, August 18, giving permission for the development on a parcel of land situated south of the Barnhams. The site comprises previously developed ground alongside redundant telecommunications infrastructure.

Developers LNT Care Developments and Arqiva Limited had contended in their application that the facility would fill a gap in available care accommodation across the district.

This position was endorsed by council planning officials, who determined that evidence submitted by the developers proved an evident and considerable shortage of care provision.

A council planning representative stated in a supporting document that when considering the development plan comprehensively and weighing all relevant factors, the scheme was found to offer substantial social and economic advantages. The representative noted it would make productive use of a partially developed area within Bexhill’s built-up zone, deliver much-needed specialist housing for elderly residents responding to a documented and increasing requirement, boost housing supply, serve the growing older population, generate employment in the neighbourhood, and bring additional economic advantages to the local area.

The document indicates the facility would generate approximately 58 positions upon completion, translating to roughly 44 full-time equivalent posts.

The report also emphasises that the operator maintains an existing programme covering recruitment, staff development and career advancement.

According to a council planning spokesperson, this initiative encompasses supported orientation, practical instruction, specialised training, apprenticeships, mentorship, funded qualifications in health and social care, leadership development and internal promotion pathways. The spokesperson noted this would give local people chances to obtain work, develop new competencies and advance their careers in the care industry.

The planning consent includes a section 106 agreement between the developers and local authorities.

This agreement includes a payment of £78,643 toward the construction of additional primary healthcare space. NHS Surrey and Sussex had sought this funding, citing inadequate existing primary healthcare facilities to meet the demand the development would create.

The developers have also agreed through the agreement to contribute £34,320 toward bus services and make a £3,058 payment to cover the council’s expenses for monitoring Biodiversity Net Gain commitments.

Details of the scheme can be found under application reference RR/2026/0059/FULL on the Rother District Council website.