Rye Hire says it will oppose Rother District Council’s (RDC) latest move to oust it from its leased yard in Cyprus Place and has urged people in Rye to support its bid to stay.
The site’s owner RDC wants to build seven homes at the location, declaring, “The site is suitable for redevelopment for a small residential scheme subject to relocation of the current use.” However, it’s unclear whether this means the council is prepared to help Rye Hire relocate.
RDC has designated the small yard as site allocation RY6 and earmarked it for the new dwellings in its recent Draft Rother Local Plan 2025-2042, which is open for public comment until 23 March.
The housing project — a minimum 2.5 storeys — would involve a new road access, an affordable housing component, ensuring the streetscape is consistent with neighbouring buildings and a flood risk assessment. No proposals have been officially submitted yet.
Andy Polley, managing director of Rye Hire, says he is asking Rye Town Council for advice on how his company should respond.
The firm has occupied the site since 1994 and currently employs five people. It has a five-year lease, but there is a three-year “break clause” which means the council could repossess the site as soon as October.
“It would involve a massive cost to us to move,” Andy points out.
When the earlier prospect of RDC redeveloping the yard emerged in late 2021 the company was heartened by the backing it received from the local community. Rye Hire was subsequently able to secure a new lease from RDC.
“Last time the people of Rye got behind us,” Andy says.
He reveals the firm had earlier looked into moving to Rye Harbour Road but was unable to find a suitable location. Rye Hire requires a yard where their hire machines could be washed down.
Many people feel Rye Hire plays a vital role in Rye and would be upset to lose it. The firm offers a huge range of machinery and tool hire, cement mixers, chainsaws, power tools, carpet cleaners, lawnmower and bicycle servicing, building materials and useful DIY products. It even provides bicycle and wheelchair hire.
Local people wishing to comment on the proposal for the site and the Draft Rother Local Plan can contact the council by going to their website and clicking on View and Comment on the Local Plan/View the Proposed Sites/Rye and the Eastern Settlements Cluster, click on Rye and scroll down to section 49 to make your comment. You will need to register for an RDC password.
Image Credits: David Worwood .