Aldi decision “in the coming weeks”

Aldi has told Rye News it hopes to hear a decision on planning permission for its new Rye store “in the coming weeks.” One of the other developers in the Winchelsea Road site has also said it expects news soon.

Proposals for the new store, along with retirement homes and housing, were submitted in June 2024 to Rother District Council. The plans also include 107 customer parking spaces with two hours free parking.

Rob McClellan, Real Estate Director at Aldi said, “We appreciate that, like us, a huge number of people in Rye are very keen to see the plans for a new Aldi store on the edge of town – providing improved shopping choice and 50 new, local jobs – delivered as soon as possible.”

He said the developers are also making a contribution to improving bus services and the walking route into town. “We are grateful to Rother District Council for their continued engagement and hard work and hope to receive a decision on planning permission in the coming weeks.”

On Monday 12 January, Rye Town Council’s Planning and Townscape committee received an update from Decimus, who are also hoping to develop the site. “We are pleased to say that ESCC Highways and National Highways confirmed they have no objections to the proposed access arrangements, which include safety measures such as new kerbs, clearer signage and anti-slip surfacing. We’re awaiting news with reference to the council making decisions on the applications – there may be some news this week but timescales are ultimately up to the council.”

Councillors noted the high level of support for the proposed Aldi store. The committee also received updates on the other planned housing developments and the latest on the Rye Neighbourhood Plan.

Plutus are leading on the Ferry Road site, with 88 homes planned for the former Thomas Peacocke school site. The company said, “The team are just concluding some additional work for statutory consultees who requested some extra information on the plans.” Plans for the site have been under discussion for over a decade.

Martello hope to build homes on the former Freda Gardham school site, the current home of the Rye Creative Centre. A meeting is planned in early 2026 to hear progress on the new arts centre on Harbour Road, the timing of which will determine when work could start on the school site, if plans are approved.

A Rye Community Land Trust has plans for Tilling Green and is waiting on a response from East Sussex County Council on proposals for social housing on the land next to the community centre. A positive response will then allow detailed plans to be developed.

There are also plans from the Community Land Trust for homes on the area next to the Cricket Salts and Rye Cricket Club. Contrary to some rumours, councillors were assured that any proposals here will not impact the cricket field or the Salts, with development limited to the replacement of the current storage structures and limited related accommodation opportunities. The development has the full support of the Cricket Club.

Delays continue on finalising the Neighbourhood Plan, with Anthony Kimber advising councillors of bureaucratic hold ups at Rother District Council and, more importantly, significant discussion on the housing targets that will be mandated as part of the its approval.

A target of 325 new homes is currently being explored, based on central government pressure on all councils to increase their housing provision. Councillors were told this new target may be achievable but land availability still needs to be agreed with Rother and East Sussex County Councils, along with ensuring housing density remains compatible with the current levels of around 40 homes per hectare.

The next Planning and Townscape meeting is scheduled for Monday 26 January, following the main Rye Town Council meeting. Members of the public are welcome at both meetings

Image Credits: Harris Partnership , Juliet Duff , RX Architects/Martello .