We are very pleased that the Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal (Ref: APP/U1430/W/25/3372099) against Rother District Council’s refusal of planning permission for an additional holiday lodge at Downash Wood Treehouses. This was on the edge of Bewl Water. The Inspector concluded that the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area, including…
PRESS RELEASE: Friends of Bewl Water (FoBW) Date: 26th January 2026 FoBW’s Position Claire Moore, Chair of Friends of Bewl Water, said: “These results confirm what we have long believed: Bewl Water is a sanctuary for wildlife and a vital community resource. The public has spoken clearly—nature must come first. We will use this evidence…
An important daytime recreational site and a sanctuary for wildlife Introduction 1) On 8 May 2025, for two hours, the clubs at Bewl Water were invited to view some proposals put forward by Salomons UK, the company which manages Bewl Water. On 9 May 2025, for five hours and 10 May 2025, for three hours,…
Register your objection nowA developer is trying to overturn the decision of Rother District Council and ignores the wishes of the local community. Your help is needed. Please Object Now More information can be found in our leaflet here – 2025 (09) Downash Wood Appeal To object or comment on the appeal (Closing date 21…
Follow the link to see the full article in The Argus Plans for Bewl Water holiday lets and café met with anger | The Argus
The proposed badly designed waterfront 24-hour residential development Step by step a hotelier, has tried to convert Bewl Water from a tranquil site for visitors and wildlife, particularly birds into a Center Parcs-style resort There is a new planning application to convert the old boathouse at Bewl Water with its almost exclusively daytime activity…
We are delighted to share the news that the planning application for Downash has today been refused by Rother District Council’s Planning Committee. This is a significant win for the landscape, wildlife, and all who value the peace and natural beauty of Bewl Water. We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone who contributed to this outcome:…
The controversial Downash planning application is scheduled to be considered by Rother District Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, 26th June 2025. This is a critical moment for the future of the High Weald National Landscape around Bewl Water, and we strongly encourage local residents, supporters, and concerned citizens to attend the meeting in person to demonstrate the strength of public opposition. 🗓 Date: Thursday, 26th…
CPRE Kent are the claimants in the ‘Turnden’ case linked to Wadhurst Parish Council’s challenge of the Secretary of State’s decision to allow permanent camping and yurts at Bewl Water. Specifically, the case raises the question of whether the words “seek to further” as contained in the amended s.85(A1) CROW Act alter the substance of…
The peace and beauty of Bewl Water area is under attack Photo: SuxxesPhoto Step by step a developer has sought to convert protected fields and woodland into holiday lets Stephen Jones, who lists Orpington as his address, has made a series of planning applications in Tinkers Lane, Ticehurst. In 2015, he applied for two tree…