Small scale holiday lets in a sensitive rural setting
Battle, East Sussex
Overview
This project is about making good use of a small, well-located site near Battle, East Sussex. The site forms part of land owned by a nearby private school, with the aim of diversifying income while keeping the school’s day to day operations unaffected.
Our client wanted to introduce a modest number of holiday rental units that support local tourism while sitting comfortably within the surrounding landscape.
The proposal delivers three one-bedroom, single-storey homes, carefully arranged and set back from the road behind landscaping. Each unit includes its own living space, private garden and parking, creating simple, self-contained places to stay.
The challenge
- A site just outside the defined development boundary
- Located within the High Weald AONB, where sensitivity to landscape is essential
- Nearby heritage considerations, including a Grade II listed farmhouse
- The need to justify new development in a rural setting
- Balancing tourism use with a residential character
The vision
- Create a small group of homes that feel like they belong.
- Not a noticeable new development. A quiet addition to the edge of the village.
- Keep the scale low. Keep the materials familiar. Keep the layout simple.
- Design something that supports visitors without disrupting the character of the area.
The solution
A modest and appropriate scale
- Three one-bedroom units arranged as a short terrace
- Single-storey form to reflect nearby buildings
- Set back from the road to reduce visual impact
Homes designed for short stays
- Open plan kitchen and living spaces
- Simple, well-proportioned layouts
- Private rear gardens for each unit
- On-site car and cycle parking
Landscape-led approach
- Existing hedgerows retained to preserve natural boundaries and wildlife corridors
- New planting to soften the development and reinforce the rural setting
- Buildings positioned to sit quietly within the plot rather than dominate it
Respecting the local character
- Forms and proportions guided by local vernacular
- Materials selected to reflect surrounding homes
- Low, horizontal massing to maintain a calm streetscape
Planning strategy
The site sits just outside the development boundary of a small village, which required a clear and well-supported planning approach. We demonstrated that the site is in a sustainable location, with:
- Direct access from the A259
- Nearby bus connections between Rye and Hastings
- Walkable access to local services in surrounding villages
- A train station within reach at Three Oaks
The proposal aligns with:
- Local policy encouraging sustainable development in accessible locations
- The need to contribute towards housing targets across the district
- National guidance supporting efficient use of land and boosting supply
The scheme also includes ecological considerations, with a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal informing the design and ensuring all recommendations are followed.
The outcome
- A carefully considered proposal that introduces new accommodation without overdeveloping the site.
- The homes are modest in scale, well connected and designed to sit comfortably within their surroundings.
- They support local tourism, make use of a sustainable location and retain the natural character of the land.
Why it works
- Right scale for the setting. Three single-storey homes keep the development low and unobtrusive
- Strong planning rationale. The location, access and policy alignment support the proposal clearly
- Landscape first approach. Retained hedgerows and new planting anchor the scheme in its environment
- Simple, usable homes. Each unit is practical, comfortable and suited to short stays
Looking ahead
This project shows how small sites on the edge of villages can be used thoughtfully, by responding carefully to context. It creates new places to stay, supports the local economy and respects the landscape it sits within.