Local Plan proposes 325 new homes for Rye
Rother District Council's latest Local Plan proposes around 325 new homes for Rye by 2042, as part of 737 homes across Rye and its surrounding villages. Residents have until 11.59pm on Tuesday 24 November to comment, the last chance for the public to do so before the plan goes for independent examination.
Rye Town Council's draft response accepts the figure for Rye, but raises concerns about affordable housing, GP waiting lists and flood risk. Comments can be made through Rother's consultation portal, by email to draftlocalplan@rother.gov.uk, or by post to Planning Policy, Rother District Council, Town Hall, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 3JX. Late comments will not be accepted.
Rye station to close from 3pm on Bonfire Night
Rye station will close from 3pm on Saturday 14 November, the day of Rye Bonfire, until the normal start of service on Sunday 15 November, Southern has announced. Trains will run through without stopping.
Paul Wyborn, Southern's area manager, said, "Rye railway station will be closed for reasons of public safety, from 3pm on the day of the town bonfire celebrations." The closure, which has been made in previous years, has the backing of Rye Bonfire Society, Sussex Police and the local multi-agency Safety Advisory Group. More information on Saturday's event can be found HERE.
Parking changes proposed for Rope Walk and Camber verges
Parking on the verges and footways of Lydd Road in Camber would be banned, and a daytime waiting restriction in Rye's Rope Walk would become "no waiting at any time" under proposals from East Sussex County Council. Rope Walk currently has no waiting from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.
The proposals are part of Rother Parking Review 4, which also covers roads in Bexhill, Bodiam and Hurst Green. The informal consultation closes on Friday 20 November. Comments can be made through the online survey, by email to parking.escc@eastsussex.gov.uk, by phone on 01323 466244, or by letter to the Parking Team, East Sussex County Council, County Hall, St Anne's Crescent, Lewes BN7 1UE. The council asks respondents to give the road, the map number and whether they support the proposal.
Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's - you must register your tree by 20 November to take part
St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival runs from Friday 27 November to Monday 4 January at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, open daily from 9am to 4.30pm. Admission is free, with donations to the church welcome. The trees will be switched on during the Advent service at 10.30am on Sunday 29 November.
New this year, visitors can vote for their favourite tree, with prize hampers for the winner and runner-up. Local groups, clubs and businesses can enter a real, artificial or handmade tree, with battery-operated lights only, but must register by Friday 20 November by emailing hilarymorfitt@mac.com. The festival is sponsored by Reggie's Place Doggy Daycare.
A259 to close overnight from 16 to 19 November
National Highways will close the A259 in both directions overnight from Monday 16 to Thursday 19 November for maintenance, including vegetation and drainage clearance and sign cleaning. Work will run from 8pm to 5am, and the closed section moves each night:
• Monday: North Road (Guestling Green) to Mill Lane (Hastings)
• Tuesday: North Road to Monks Walk (Winchelsea)
• Wednesday: Monks Walk to Sea Road (Winchelsea)
• Thursday: Sea Road (Winchelsea) to the Kettle O'Fish roundabout in Rye
The road will be closed to through traffic between Hastings and Rye, with a signed diversion via the B2093 The Ridge, A2690 Queensway, Whitworth Road, A21, A28 Westfield Lane, B2089 Udimore Road and Wish Street. Access to properties and businesses will be maintained, but may be restricted at times, with short waits. The works may change because of weather or unforeseen circumstances. For information, call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or see its daily closure report.
.... and finally
The Annual Opera evening organised by Rye Tennis Club will take place in the new location of Rye College this year. Featuring past and current members of the Jette Parker artists programme of the Royal Ballet & Opera it will be held on Saturday 28 November at 7pm. Tickets are available from: sharon.massey@ryelawntennisclub.org.uk or 07912 268552
