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 .
As before I and, I expect, the vast majority of Ryers, plus people in surrounding villages, who use, rely on and love Rye Hire stand four- square behind Andy Polley and his team.
Rye Hire is both physically and metaphorically the glue around which this community is built.
Let’s all make Rother know our feelings of unwavering support for Rye Hire.
Rye Hire plays a pivotal role as a business, for both commercial and residential customers. It would be a great loss if they have to close entirely, because of costs or location. And a great loss to other small businesses in the town who frequently use RH as part of their own services.
The proposal for housing on the site I would suggest isn’t necessary right now, as more housing in Rye is due to be built as part of the Aldi/Jenpsons Yard site. Perhaps RDC should reconsider this site in a few years, allow the business time to relocate and see out its lease, and assess the reality of already approved developments in a few years time.
If Rye Hire’s premises is under threat, that means ANY business leasing their venue is vulnerable. Rye Hire provides a much needed service for the area. It has to stay…where it is.
Not just business. What about all the green areas in Rye? What about the playgrounds, bowling green, community areas, cricket pitch? Are all these amenities that make Rye such a great place to live at risk too?
We went around this course a couple of years ago and Rye Hire survived.
Because Rother (shortly to be disbanded) has earmarked the site for development, that doesn’t make it inevitable.
Andy and his team are irreplaceable, in the range of materials and services, but most of all, advice!
Where would I go to get my secateurs sharpened !!!! We must save this valuable business… It was saved once let’s save it again.
Rye Hire is a key asset to the town and it would be an act of cultural vandalism to force them to move out of their current location. Yes, housing is important (especially so, affordable housing) but the gains of a few dwellings should be measured against the undoubted (and to my mind, overriding) benefits provided to farmers, smallholders, the fishing community, builders, DIY’ers, visitors and the townspeople generally – the wide range of services offered by Rye Hire and its ultra-convenient location are unparalleled. The suggestion of waiting to see the long term impact of the arrival of Aldi is a sensible approach and would allow for a properly balanced plan rather than blindly going for broke in gobbling up sites in the quest to meet enforced housing goals. When will authorities learn that ripping the heart out of local towns by way of forcing out small businesses, is, in the long term, detrimental?
RDC leave Rye hire alone! The services Provided by Rye hire are vital to numerous businesses and charities operating in the area. It is also the best hardware service and tool hire in the Rye district for residents. It is ideally situated in the centre of town. Why would RDC want to squeeze 7 properties into this location – crazy idea! I feel sorry for Andy having to deal with this again. Rye and district must fight for Rye hire.
What would we do without Andy and his team? They are such an asset. I have written to my Councillors and MP. Let’s hope if we shout loud enough Rye Hire will survive where it is – in the centre of the community where it is most needed
Rother District Council care little about sacrificing a family business that has been on the same site since 1994, but auction off a brownfield site,the Camber field,for a song. A part of this site used to be home too many Ryers,before the council estates were expanded, This field would have been ideal for social housing, not just 7 terraced houses,which will not be for for locals,who desperately need affordable accommodation.
wonderful firm. There is a large plot of derelict land in Rye Harbour!? Owner ? lives in Mexico?
Unless there is significant support for Andy and Rye Hire from the council and RDC in order to cost effectively and practically relocate to a site that would not impact future business, then this should be vigorously opposed. It is an invaluable business to the local community.
Agree to all of the above but we must do more and give our opinion on Rother’s website
We’ve been here before! Let us just value what we have by way of essential domestic and DIY retail in Rye and not jump on the housing for profit merry-go-round.
The old Skinners site on the roundabout became 7 innovatively designed homes for Rye. Apparently, only 1 is lived in permanently (rented) and the other 6 are all holiday lets. So much for local housing provision, much needed in Rye. Can the Council actually ban second homers from purchasing in the town?? Just an idea.
Rye Hire iis brilliant, a vital part of our town. Leave a successful firm alone. I guess picking on a small business is what RDC would do. Shame on them, never give a thought to what the people want.
Andy and his team have been more helpful, more competent and of more practical use to myself (and Ryers) than Rother District Council “management” ever have. Hands off Rye Hire!
I would like to correct Bet Luckhurst. I know as a fact that at least 3 of the apartments on the Skinners roundabout development are long term rentals by people who work in Rye. I agree Rye Hire is a vital part of the town and needs to be protected.
All terrific comments, but, as per the article, do visit the RDC portal and make an official objection! Rye Hire is a strategic asset for the community.
Rye Hire is an invaluable asset to the town – nowhere else to go for the services it provides.