ROTHER VALLEY FARM

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Rother Valley Farm is situated on Lossenham Lane in Newenden, Kent. It comprises approximately 19 acres of land made up of fenced paddocks, with a centrally located yard surrounded by a number of farm buildings in various states of dilapidation. To the South of the farm site there is a dilapidated residential bungalow.

Recent development

Most recently a 4.5 acre field on the farm has been planted to woodland, and a wildlife pond installed in one corner. The pond was created as part of a county wide initiative conducted and executed by the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership (21/00155/AS).

2022

As many local people will know, the farm has for many years been used to keep various horses and ponies, owned by both the Landowner family and local people. Most recently local residents have used the farm for DIY livery.

At the time the current landowner took possession (early 2022) the buildings on the farm were not fit for the keeping of horses to modern standards, and the Landowner wanted to begin the regeneration of the farm by safeguarding its use for equestrian purposes into the future.

In April 2022 Ashford Borough Council granted planning permission for the replacement of one of the barns for stabling and storage, as well as a riding arena, round pen and 2 field shelters (21/01941/AS). This application includes "change of use" for the operation of a small equestrian business, suitable in size for the space available. All information and plans can be found on the Planning page of the Ashford Borough Council website application number (21/01941/AS).

Tom Mitchell is a well-respected and experienced Equine Behaviourist with an established business in training and "starting" horses. Tom has been heavily involved in the development of the new equestrian facility, from where he will run his business. Over the last 3 months the site has really started to take shape. As of mid July 2022 the arena was complete and the new building to house the stables was going up. It is hoped that the facilty will be completed by September 2022.

2018 - COMMUNITY PROJECT

Over the course of a year or so, starting in early 2018, the Landowner committed to a period of community engagement. This involved 2 workshops with selected local residents, and culminated in an open event held in The White Hart in Newenden.

The aim of this engagement was to see whether there was interest or appetite within the community to dedicate the land at Rother Valley Farm to the sustainable future of Newenden. At this point there were no plans to speak of, the events were designed to offer the community a chance to suggest ideas as to how the land could be used to benefit Newenden and its residents, current and future.

Some ideas that came out during these engagement sessions included a solar field to power the village, live/work units for local craftsmen, open spaces / allotments, affordable housing, multi-generational housing, self-build plots.

Unfortunately there was simply not sufficient support or interest locally to pursue the Landowners initial desire that a community led initiative could define the future of the farm.

The report generated following the completion of the community engagement events can still be downloaded here.