Rye Town Council’s Planning and Townscape Committee met on Tuesday 7 April, to review planning applications and discuss the latest status of the Rye Neighbourhood Plan.
Anthony Kimber informed committee members that discussions with Rother District Council continue, trying to resolve the bureaucratic impasse preventing completion of the plan. Much discussion revolved around the housing target of 325 homes, along with the length of time that the plan will be valid.
In particular, Councillor Andy Stuart, supported by other councillors, expressed outrage saying, “one of the things that’s left me alarmed and furious is the housing allocation”, referring to the fact that the draft plan from Rother has unexpectedly included small development sites in Rye, involving construction of less than 10 dwellings. In particular, targeting Cyprus Place (Rye Hire) and 17-19 Tower Street was seen as a completely unacceptable attack on the development of Rye as a thriving community, as which requires providing jobs and essential services as well as housing. The mayor continued, ” I can’t imagine that anyone, anywhere other parish within Rother will be dictated to that sites of 5 and 7 or whatever it is, have to be built upon”. Previous proposals by Rother to redevelop the Rye Hire site encountered significant public opposition (Rye News – Save Rye Hire)
Anthony Kimber pointed out that smaller sites were normally treated as “windfall” opportunities to increase home numbers, with larger sites being used to meet the required targets.
After further discussion, the committee agreed to continue discussions with Rother to try and resolve the remaining roadblocks to finalising a new Neighbourhood Plan covering the period to 2031.
In other business, submitted planning applications were all supported except for the request for a certificate of lawfulness for the Rother Ironworks, located at South Undercliff.
The next town council events are scheduled as follows:
20 April – Planning and Townscape Committee
4 May – Mayor Making at the Town Hall
11 May – Town Council
Members of the public are encouraged to attend all events.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .