Aldi discussions continue

Two months on from the planning decision about the new Rye Aldi supermarket, the final paperwork has still not been signed. Work to clear the site on Winchelsea Road had been expected to begin in the spring, but July or August now seem more likely.

Aldi was given the go-ahead for the new store on 12 February at a meeting of Rother District Council’s planning committee. It followed a lengthy process which began when proposals were formally submitted in June 2024.

The decision was subject to legal undertakings, known as Section 106 agreements, committing Aldi to certain conditions which have yet to be signed. In the case of the supermarket these include rulings on employment and bio-diversity, supporting bus services, two hours’ free parking and improvements to the walk into Rye town centre.

The new supermarket is just one part of the development on the former Jempson’s yard, which also includes a project by Decimus for 16 homes and a larger building by McCarthy and Stone with 43 units for retired people.

These two applications have been delegated for approval by Rother’s planning officers and are also subject to the Section 106 agreements.

Spokespeople for Aldi and Decimus told Rye News that work is continuing with Rother District Council’s planning officers to reach agreement.

A final sign off may be achieved by the end of the month, however the timing remains uncertain and could extend further with the earliest site clearing work slipping to July or August.

Image Credits: Harris Partnership .