Retirement homes approved in Peasmarsh
A charity’s plan to build retirement apartments in Peasmarsh has been approved unaminously, writes Huw Oxburgh, Local Democracy Reporter.
On Thursday 16 April, Rother District Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for a two-storey apartment building at the junction of Main Street and Tanhouse Lane, next to the Jempson’s Superstore and Grade II listed Pond Cottage.
Council planning officers recommended refusal of the scheme, citing concerns around its impact on the listed building and the character of the High Weald National Landscape. But committee members felt the proposals, which involved a charity building affordable retirement homes, carried enough public benefit to outweigh these harms.
Proposing approval, Councillor Jimmy Stanger (Ind) said, “I think the scheme delivers much needed housing for older people. The council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the proposal would secure the restoration for long-term use of the listed building and the site is in a sustainable location to services. In my mind, the public benefit outweighs the harm.”
The committee heard how officers would seek to secure appropriate arrangements around the affordable housing, use of the listed building and further evidence around the flood risk of the site.
Thatch fire in Pett
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called out at 5am on 18 April to reports of a fire at a thatched roof home in Cliff End Lane, Pett Level.
Firefighters used three jets, pumping equipment and fire hydrants to tackle the fire. Four fire engines attended the scene and a dual purpose truck was brought in from Uckfield.
The operation was scaled back from 8am. No casualties were reported.
New authority meets
The inaugural meeting of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority was held on Wednesday 15 April at Brighton Town Hall. Created in March 2026, the authority brings together East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, and Brighton and Hove City Council after joining the Devolution Priority Programme in 2025. Its aim is to establish a single strategic voice for the region.
At this first meeting, members set up governance arrangements and appointed board members, a chair and vice-chairs. They began shaping early priorities and the authority’s work programme ahead of the first mayoral election in May 2028.
The authority will oversee significant devolved powers and funding.
Flag pole repaired at Ypres Tower
In March, the 8-metre flagpole at Ypres Tower was taken down to replace its broken lanyard.
When the fibreglass pole was taken down, it was found that it had been rubbing on the stonework and it was holed.
Geoffrey Austen, volunteer at the museum, explained. “To repair the pole we needed expert advice, so, who did we turn to? Who else but Andi Rivett who looks after the flagpoles on the Landgate and the town hall.
“A call for help went out and soon Andi was on the case. As ever, he was extremely helpful. He took the flagpole to his works at Rock Channel, repaired and strengthened it and returned it to Ypres Tower, putting it up in time for St George’s Day on 23 April.”
Homes for Ukraine event
On Monday 20 April, the Rye Hub of Homes for Ukraine met for the 40th time for tea, writes Anthony Kimber MBE, Lead Rye H4U. Fifteen members were joined at the River Haven Hotel by guests including two of the remaining hosts, the Mayor of Rye Councillor Andy Stuart (in his last month of office), Helen Jempson and Susan Gedge of Rother Voluntary Action, which provides professional support for the scheme in this part of Sussex.
As usual, members took the opportunity to speak their language and provide delicious Ukrainian pastries. Inna provided Ukrainian paska, a traditional Orthodox Easter bake.
There was some talk of the situation at home and hope this could be the last year of the war, with opportunities to re-join family and friends on home soil.
Fundancing success
Over a hundred people of all ages, both locals and visitors, danced the night away to Geoff’s rare vinyl reggae collection, while raising £1000 for Greenpeace at the Spring in the Air dance on Saturday 18 April. Rye Reggae Association’s first event was wholly sustainable with 99% of waste recycled. Sandi Bain, who organised the event, said, “Huge thanks to the team of volunteers and the staff of the community centre. Thanks also to Andy Bantock of Station-Z Media Production for the sound, to Dave Roder of the Waterworks for his supplies for the bar, and to members from Intensified. We have ideas to make the next one, on 27 June, even better and welcome your suggestions or offers.” Details of the next dance, Summer in the Citadel, and tickets can be found here.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Oak Tree Homes Trust. , Bella Sankey , Stephen Masters , Anthony Kimber , Andy Stuart .