Appeal Rejected Over Woodland Used As 'Military-Style Training Ground'

A planning inspector has upheld an enforcement notice ordering woodland near Udimore to stop being used as a military-style training ground.

The appeal related to land known as Bois De Saussac, where Rother District Council said activities including airsoft, paintball and skirmish events had taken place alongside the construction of various structures.

Landowner Xiang Wang argued the site was only used by family and friends, was covered by permitted development rights, and that the enforcement action was excessive.

However, the inspector found the scale of equipment and structures on site suggested a commercial operation and concluded the activities had likely taken place for longer than the 28 days allowed under permitted development rules.

The appeal was dismissed, meaning the landowner now has up to six months to comply with the enforcement notice and restore the site.

The case is linked to two other enforcement notices concerning nearby woodland and alleged unauthorised development.