FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
GP surgery
- by email at sxicb-esx.patientfeedback.wmg@nhs.net
- or voicemail on: 01892-577730
Why does the GP surgery have to relocate?
Whilst the building is safe to use in the short term, substantial work is needed to bring the building up to modern, safety compliant requirements. This work involves replacing the outer walls of the building. The extent of this work means the surgery could not remain in situ whilst the compliance work is carried out.
In addition, the significant investment required to make the building compliant, means that refurbishment is not a financially viable option for us. We have therefore decided to clear the site and replace the existing buildings with homes that better meet the needs of the local community.
We are working closely with Wadhurst Medical Group to ensure a smooth transition for patients and staff. For more information about the GP surgery, please contact Wadhurst Medical Group (see below).
If the Ticehurst site does not meet fire regulations, why is it ok for patients and staff to go there now?
As part of our pre-planning exploratory work, we completed a FRAEW (Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls) survey of the block we intended to retain.
The report found the walls of the building occupied by the surgery are not compliant with modern safety standards. Putting that right would involve replacing the walls, which is not practically or economically viable.
We took advice from both organisations' fire safety teams. Whilst the building is no longer considered safe for residential use, it is acceptable for patients and staff to continue to use the ground floor in the short term, as long as additional safety steps are taken.
We are working closely with the surgery team to ensure a smooth transition while they complete extension works at Wadhurst to ensure there is no reduction in capacity.
How can I contact the GP surgery about this?
You can contact Wadhurst Medical Group about the relocation of patient services
New homes
When can we see the plans for the new homes?
We are still working with the design team to develop our proposal. We will share the plans at a pre-planning event in the early part of 2025.
What does 'affordable' mean?
A definition of affordable homes can be found in the glossary of the Government's National Planning Policy Framework.
In short, it's housing for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market (including housing that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/or is for essential local workers) and which complies with additional criteria as set out in the glossary.
What is shared ownership?
The Shared Ownership FAQs on our website explain this in detail.
How do I apply for one of the shared ownership houses?
If our planning application is successful, the Shared Ownership houses will be marketed by our Sales team. This will be closer to the time of completion, which we currently expect to be in 2027.
When the properties are ready to be marketed, the Sales team will advertise them on our website here. You’ll then be able to register your interest and receive an alert when the new homes are available to view.
Will the new homes be offered to local residents?
Rother District Council manages nominations for affordable rented homes in the area. They'll offer any new social rent homes to people on their needs-based waiting list.
There may be local people who'd like one of the new homes for themselves or family members. We're fully supportive of a local lettings plan. This is an agreement between the Council, local tenants and residents that restricts lettings in the area to specific households.
We'll discuss this with the Council if there's demand for a local lettings plan.
How do I register for social housing?
Sussex Homemove, also known as the Housing Register or choice based lettings, is the scheme that Rother District Council uses to advertise social housing properties available in Rother.
You'll find information about how to register, how the Sussex Homemove scheme works and answers to frequently asked questions on the Council website
How sustainable will the new homes be?
Our new homes are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or above. EPC is a guide to how energy efficient a property is. It includes estimated energy costs and a rating (or band).
Bands range from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. The average EPC rating in the UK is D.
Planning process
When do you expect to submit the planning application?
We hope to be ready to submit a planning application in Spring 2025
Construction
- When we submit our planning application
- How long it takes to achieve planning permission (approx 12 weeks)
- How long it takes to complete the tender process to select a contractor.
When will construction begin if the new homes get planning approval?
We estimate that construction will begin towards the end of 2025, but the start date depends on a number of factors including:
The chosen contractor will then need to carry out investigative and site enabling works ahead of construction.
How long will the construction take?
We anticipate construction will take around 21 months.
How will you minimise disruption during construction?
During the tender process, contractors will be asked to provide a logistics plan which explains how they will minimise disruption during construction. This will form part of our decision-making process.
All contractors in our selection process will have accreditation by the Considerate Constructors Scheme. You can read more about what that means here: The Code of Considerate Practice - Considerate Constructors Scheme (ccscheme.org.uk).