The Local Plan, site ES6
ES6: UK Power Networks, Hastings Main, The Ridge/ Ivyhouse Lane
- For
- Employment
- Minimum Indicative Capacity (minimum floorspace)
- 1,900sqm
- Site area
- 1.57 hectares
What the plan says about it
The site occupies a prominent position in SIEA2, and is well linked to the B2093 The Ridge with strong links to both the A259 (Brighton-Ashford) and the A21 (London). The site is contained within the Hastings main grid site and is not publicly accessible, with access to the site restricted to field staff due to the danger misuse of the site presents. It is expected to deliver updated operational space for the District Network Operator (DNO), including ancillary office functions.
The site slopes to the North, with TPO trees along the Northern boundary. The site incorporates electricity infrastructure within the curtilage. Care should be taken to minimise risks associated with proximity to this infrastructure as much as possible, including ensuring appropriate overhead clearances for transmission and distribution lines are observed in line with GS6 and Policy SC18 (Pollution and Hazards). Due to the danger to local wildlife presented by the transmission lines, any ecological assessment will need to consider whether good quality onsite ecological enhancements can be delivered through an ecology report. In consideration of the constraints presented by this particular site, faunal enhancements such as bird and bat boxes will not be encouraged. However, ground based measures such as logpiles, hibernacula and hedgehog boxes will be welcomed.
The rest of the plan's explanation (6 more paragraphs)
The site also has potential to accommodate low carbon technologies as part of any development, including heat pump technology where appropriate.
The site is close to the National Landscape. Any development proposal must seek to avoid or minimise impact on these areas during both the construction and occupation phases of the development. There is already well-established boundary landscaping to the North and South sides of the site, which should be retained where possible. To the South side of the site, boundary landscaping should create an amenity buffer between the site and residential premises to the south side of B2093 The Ridge. A landscape impact assessment should inform the design of any scheme.
The site sits within the Impact Risk Zone (IRZ) for Hastings Cliffs to Pett Beach SSSI, and Natural England should be consulted at the earliest possible stage. Any development proposal must seek to avoid or minimise negative impact on designated areas of landscape or environmental importance during both the construction and occupation phases of the development.
A lighting plan will be required and must demonstrate how steps have been taken to reduce light spill from the site, including impacts on nearby residential premises to the south side of B2093 The Ridge.
A small part of the Southwestern part of the site has high vulnerability to groundwater pollution. The introduction of pollutants to this aquifer or nearby surface water systems should be avoided during both construction and occupation phases.
The site already benefits from direct access to the B2093 The Ridge, although there is also potential for a new or additional access to be created from Ivyhouse Lane. Due to the nature of the site, it is anticipated that the main mode of transport used to access it will be motorised fleet vehicles as opposed to more active forms of travel due to the primary purpose being the base facility for operational staff for delivering activity related to large scale electricity infrastructure maintenance and connection. Proposals should seek to provide EV charging infrastructure and work towards decarbonising the fleet where possible. Development proposals will need to show consideration of the transport impact along The Ridge, and a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan will be required.
What a planning application here would have to do
- be designed in a way that contributes positively to the intensification of SIEA2
- include landscape impact assessment, taking into account both its setting and long-range views across the National Landscape
- Be supported by an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and include an Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP) and incorporate appropriate conservation and mitigation measures as recommended by the EcIA. The ECOP should take into account site specific constraints
- include a lighting plan to minimise light spill
- retain and enhance boundary landscaping appropriate to the setting to the north and south of the site, taking into account existing trees and vegetation and continuing to safeguard the amenity of residential premises opposite the site to the south
- ensure drainage schemes, including SuDS, are appropriate for the site and take into account the Impact Risk Zone and ground behaviour. Hydrological monitoring should inform the drainage plans for this site
- be supported by a Transport Assessment and Travel Plan following a vision led and validate approach. The Transport Assessment must take account of the site's proximity to The Ridge. Proposals must also indicate how the conclusions and recommendations of the Assessment have been incorporated within the development proposal and include arrangements to implement a monitor and manage approach to mitigation
- explore opportunities to relocate the main vehicle access for the site to Ivyhouse Lane
- investigate the impact of ground behaviour and land stability and incorporate remediation or mitigation measures as appropriate
- investigate the potential for contamination within or effecting the site, and incorporate remediation or mitigation measures as appropriate; k. be designed to avoid or, where this is not possible, mitigate the impact of potential pollution and environmental hazards to the environment, occupiers and neighbours
- take into account the presence of overhead power transmission and distribution lines within the site and ensure that any scheme maintains easements and safe clearance distances during both the construction and occupation phases
- provide policy compliant green and blue infrastructure within the site
What people said in the spring
In the spring 2026 consultation on the draft plan (called Regulation 18), 1 comment was made on this site: 0 objections, 0 in support and 1 other comment.
How to comment
The council hasn't opened the six weeks for comments yet, as far as we can see. When it does, the dates and how to respond will be on our Local Plan page and on the council's own ↗.
Other council papers that mention it
- Appendix 3-2026 Consultation Report Final for Cabinet 26082026 Redacted ↗
Cabinet, Mon 7 Sep 2026
“ES6: UK Power Networks, Hastings Main, The Ridge/ Ivyhouse Lane 1.”