Rye Town Council met on Monday, May 12 with councillors discussing a last minute challenge to publishing the neighbourhood plan, the latest on the swimming pool, and the state of Rye’s pavements. The meeting at the town hall also included a lengthy discussion on committees, steering groups and representing the council.
Anthony Kimber informed the council that there had been an unexpected glitch to the final submission of the Rye Neighbourhood Plan. A legal dispute has arisen between Rother District Council and the official plan examiner, primarily over the presentation of the report and how it was reviewed. He assured the council this was not a reflection on the quality or content of the plan, but was more a difference of opinion that needed to be resolved by Rother. A quick resolution was needed to allow the plan’s approval.
Cllr Hansen submitted his report on the latest status of the leisure centre. The town council took on a twenty year lease of the centre on April 1, with the day to day management run by a locally run organisation. He noted attendance figures are significantly exceeding expectations, but establishing a stable long-term future for the centre will require the establishment of higher commercial income. The full report is available here.
In the context of the Highways Forum, an organisation that includes council representatives, Cllr Hughes raised the need for footway as well as highway safety to be addressed. It was noted by several councillors that the recent mobility awareness day had clearly identified major issues in the town. Cllr Hughes also pointed out funding may be available as part of the establishment of the King Charles Path, especially over safety concerns at the junction of raised Rye Harbour Road and New Winchelsea Road.
Councillors also reviewed and approved its membership of multiple committees and organisations (19 in total) that have been formed to support the town. Several councillors also pointed out that some of the committees were inactive or less effective than may be required. The council also runs eight “task and finish” groups, designed to address key issues affecting Rye such as affordable housing, climate change and the upcoming local government reorganisation. Councillors observed that, in many cases, external events will drive progress in these areas but that increased effort may also be required in some of the groups.
Rye Town Council next meets this Monday, May 19 when affordable housing in the town will be discussed. The meeting at the town hall starts at 6:30pm.
Image Credits: Stuart Harland .
In case anyone attends the Town Council meeting on the 19 May expecting a general discussion on affordable housing, the purpose of the agenda item is to discuss financial support for the emerging Rye Community Land Trust.
The remaining agenda items are to consider (quite a few!) applications for grant funding; a request from Cinque Ports Radio for help extending/improving its coverage – and assisting with grounds maintenance at the Leisure Centre.