Rye’s future – you decide

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As we run up to the Referendum on the Rye Neighbourhood Plan on 27 June 2019, some still question the need for a plan and its future weight. In the leaflet which we sent out with all copies of Fixtures and in earlier articles in Rye News and Rye’s Own we summarised what the plan was about and its value.

The Mayor of Rye, Councillor Michael Boyd is on record as saying that: “Neighbourhood Plans enable communities to protect valued spaces, have more say over the location and nature of future development, influence buildings design, manage change and retain more of the money paid by developers towards infrastructure improvements.”

The Rye Neighbourhood Plan is more comprehensive than most and some have been daunted by its size and detail. During the five-plus years of work, there have been many twists and turns but the community has had its say. What we have submitted meets majority wishes. On June 27 Rye constituents will be asked whether they want Rother District Council to take full account of the Plan in determining all planning applications. Here are three good reasons to VOTE for that to happen.

– Given that Rye has to meet part of the national housing and business development target to 2028, this is the first time that Rye has been able to set out where it wants to see development and how it might fit with the Ancient Town’s distinctive character. Previously the Rye view carried little weight.

– Because of the three rivers, the surrounding designated protected natural areas and the ancient townscape, space in the Town is at a premium. Rye citizens have made clear that they value green space, such as the Salts and Gibbet Marsh and facilities such as the two statutory allotments. The Plan lists these and more to provide future protection.

– For each significant development, the proposer is required to make a contribution for associated local works. Communities with a Neighbourhood Plan secure more for local projects of their choosing than those without.

These are just three examples; there are lots more. After all, with around 2,000 designated areas in England where communities are working on a Neighbourhood Plan and over 600 completed plans, many volunteers across the country are clear about the value of the work. The Plan, which sets out the community’s vision for Rye, may be viewed here.

Copies remain in Rye Library and Rye Town Hall and on the Rye Neighbourhood Plan website.

[Editor’s note: Voters should note that there is only one polling station – the Community Centre in Conduit Hill. The usual second polling station, more convenient to residents of Tilling Green, Valley Park and Udimore Road, will not be operating on this occasion.

In the interests of impartiality, readers should also note that, although because of its importance, we have treated this article as a news item, the views expressed in it are those of the Vice-chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee. It is up to you to look at the plan and decide if you agree. If you do – or even if you don’t – go and vote on the June 27.This is the future of our town and it is important.]

 

Image Credits: Rye Neighbourhood Plan .

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