Rye Town Council has agreed to share its concerns about proposals for new homes off New Road with planning officers. Fears about flooding, access, traffic and the lack of affordable or social housing were raised at the council’s meeting on Monday 20 July.
Martello Developments has submitted proposals to Rother District Council planners for 55 homes and commercial premises on the site of the Freda Gardham School and swimming pool, the current home for the Rye Creative Centre.
Anthony Kimber from the Rye Neighbourhood Plan updated councillors on the proposals. “The footprint of the development is larger than in the Plan going from 1.6 to 1.8 hectares. The proposal also has more homes on the site. A report from the developers says affordable housing is not viable. There is a 700-page flood plan for the development but is it adequate given the complicated pumping system? Plus it’s a busy road and the developers are proposing two entrances. There are no plans for traffic lights or yellow boxes.”
Councillors were united in their worries about the development.
“We should be heard,” said Councillor Boyd. “There’s no affordable housing and it encroaches onto the middle field. It is far from satisfactory.”
Concerns were also raised about the future of the artists at Rye Creative Centre. The meeting heard plans were still thought to be going ahead for studio space for the artists on Rye Harbour Road.
You can read the full application here.
Image Credits: Martello Developments .