The future of this site, as well as others including land at 9 The Grove, Rye, Rye Pre-School playground in Ferry Road and the bus turning circle at Rye Harbour, had all given rise to public concern.
It has now been decided that Rye Town Council’s offer of £12,000 for the open space in Wish Ward be accepted. The strip of land on the north side of the access road from The Grove to the Leisure Centre is to be retained by Rother. The pre-school playground in Ferry Road is to proceed to auction.
In accordance with the earlier Cabinet resolution, the pre-school playgroup had been invited to submit an offer, prior to the sale of the playground on the open market. Accordingly, it was agreed that they would not to take this further. Accordingly, it was recommended that the property be offered at auction, subject to the tenancy to the playgroup of some 67 remaining years. Estate agents Savills have recommended a reserve figure of £10,000.
In the case of the bus turning circle at Rye Harbour, the Cabinet’s decision was to devolve the land to Icklesham Parish Council, to coincide with the devolvement of public conveniences within Icklesham parish. The potential capital receipt foregone will be offset by the reduction in maintenance liabilities for the public conveniences. The remaining half of the turning circle is held on a lease from the Environment Agency due to expire in 2018. The Council has written to the Environment Agency confirming that it does not intend to renew the lease.
Photo: Rye News library
Image Credits: John Minter .