Plans for hundreds of new homes in and around Rye were discussed at the Tilling Green Community Centre on Friday 6 March.
The meeting was part of the consultation into the Rother District Council’s development strategy and draft Local Plan (2025–2042), with council planning officers on hand to take questions from local people.
This plan sits above the Rye Neighbourhood Plan. The strategy, in its 600 pages, outlines proposed development, including some 495 new homes per year across Rother District, which is only half of the number required by government (912 homes per year).
As the Rother plan is subdivided into six areas, at the event, the sub area of most concern was “Rye and village cluster”, for which the housing target is currently 791, with 325 in Rye.
In the first hour of the event there were some 50 attendees, many from the villages, who were able to see what land was being “allocated for development” and to discuss a raft of issues, such as flood risk, housing density, the conservation of green spaces, affordable and social housing, enhanced infrastructure needs and so on.
It is generally recognised that because of flood risk, protected biodiversity and conservation areas, there are serious constraints on any development in the Rye area.
It was possible to lodge key points at the event, but Rother planners preferred comments to be left online via their website. The consultation continues until 23 March.
With some difficult discussions expected to come about housing targets this week, Rye is expecting further advice from Rother Planners on its Neighbourhood Plan so that progress can be made on its five year review.
Image Credits: David Worwood .