As a result, it’s unclear when the decisions will be made. While the rulings will reportedly be decided at Rother District Council (RDC) planning officer level, there’s a strong chance that a development of this size will be tabled at the council’s planning committee.
That committee next meets on Thursday, 4 September at Bexhill Town Hall, with the agenda due to be published next week. The proposals were officially submitted over a year ago.
The main element of the three part project, an £18m Aldi supermarket, has managed to overcome several environmental and road access-related obstacles, though problems remain. For instance, there has been ongoing discussion about the retail impact of Aldi and associated town centre planning policy issues. A debate has arisen over whether the German company should subsidise the 313 bus service between Rye Harbour and Rye to the tune of £49,950. Also, the lead local flood authority (ESCC) has demanded very strict conditions for flood risk management on the development site.
The Environment Agency has assessed the applicants’ Flood Risk Assessment addendum and says it has “no objection to the above proposal” — which makes planning approval more likely. A deal on an Aldi subsidy for the Rye to Rye Harbour bus service could be close and it now appears that two bus stops close to the Aldi site in Rye would be upgraded
Meanwhile, a part three / part four-storey 43-unit McCarthy Stone apartment block for retirees also proposed for the location is being actively opposed by Rye Town Council, which has publicly asserted: “Rye needs cheaper accommodation for younger local people — rather than more expensive accommodation aimed at retired people generally”.
McCarthy Stone’s financial viability assessment stated that it could not viably provide any affordable housing, but this was robustly challenged in a report by RDC’s consultant, Altair. The High Weald AONB unit has also opposed the retirement building on grounds of its size.
Tunbridge Wells based developer Decimus plans to build 16 homes on the site.
A year ago, an internal consultation document appeared which contained comments from “Conservation & Design” — apparently aimed at giving early specialist advice to RDC’s planning division. While there was a warning to third parties not to take the comments out of context, the advice regarding Aldi’s application was that “a contemporary designed retail unit using materials that reflect the colour palette of the surrounding local vernacular would preserve the character and setting of Rye conservation area, and as such would accord with policies EN2 and RY1 of the Rother Core Strategy, policy DHG9 of the development and site allocation plan and policy E3 of the Rye Neighbourhood Plan”.
A number of complex issues subsequently emerged that needed addressing and which have delayed all three planning decisions — which still hang in the balance.
However, if Rye’s second supermarket is approved, it will likely take two years to build and employ 35 construction workers. Aldi will offer 50 full-time equivalent jobs in the store, which will also create 28 indirect jobs. The supermarket could add £2.3m in gross value added (GVA) per year and a further £2.4m as a result of indirect employment.
As of 1 August, out of 318 public comments lodged on RDC’s website, 92% express support for Aldi’s planning application.
Rye’s only large supermarket, Jempson’s, has vigorously opposed the German giant’s bid to establish a presence in the town.
Image Credits: Harris Partnership , David Worwood .
“As of 1 August, out of 318 public comments lodged on RDC’s website, 92% express support for Aldi’s planning application”….so what is the problem RDC?
Regarding Aldi coming to RYE, my main concern is the traffic congestion it will cause in what is already a very busy road with so many car parks and businesses trying to access Winchelsea Road . Not to mention the hold ups we already get along Winchelsea Road, South Undercliffe, and The Strand, leading up to Ferry Road, especially when the crossing gates are closed or HGVs and wide loads are trying to get through. That whole area is dangerously busy already and with another bus stop proposed near to Aldi, the congestion and frustration can only get worse.
Lee, it is an accident waiting to happen – we need double yellow lines on the South Undercliffe which is a bottleneck when people park outside the houses. This I am sure, would alleviate a lot of congestion and allow a free flow of traffic.
One asks why have we got permanent gridlocked on most of our roads in Rye,because National highways and traffic police, along with our councils couldn’t careless about the illegal parking all over town, instead of blaming Aldi or anyone who wishes to locate to this town,it’s time they got their act together and sort the mess out, which they have ignored for far too long.
And stop the parking on the roundabout at the fish and chip shop, this has become a regular occurrence now causing traffic problems, why does the shop owner allow this?!
There is already a single yellow line along South Undercliff which signifies no parking between 8.00 and 6.00pm which is totally ignored and never enforced. Who will enforce the double yellow line?
Aldi funding Stagecoach for the 313 Rye Harbour-Rye service is surely a joke. The bus frequently fails to run either way, often being chopped when they’re running late/delayed by roadworks or traffic jams. Which of course there would be due to the heavy increase in traffic visiting Aldi, bunging up that section of the route. It amazes me other people fail to anticipate this simple concept, and that it would affect all other routes around the town as residents from surrounding villages “visit” Rye to shop at Aldi. Sorry, is it just me ??!!
Perhaps Aldi could run a bus the way another local store ran one many years ago. Collecting people from surrounding villages and running them straight to Alfie, fee. That was the system back when villages still had small shops.
Shouldn’t we be encouraging locally grown and produced seasonal food, and supporting our local grocers? Lower food miles, healthier and tastes better.
A major supermarket chain setting up in Rye is not progress. It will without doubt have negative impacts upon our town, its residents and local businesses. Increased traffic and noise pollution, deterioration of air quality, the list goes on. It baffles me how some refuse to see the bigger picture.
The reason why people want to see the bigger picture Rod, is people in this own are fed up with a monopoly,that’s why so many people do online shopping, or travel to other local towns to do their weekly shop.As for increased noise and pollution, let’s thank the nimbys who stopped this town getting a bypass back in the 90s,and stop the excuses, for a much needed supermarket, that so many wish for in this town.
Still no decision on Aldi
Sorry rod I can see the bigger picture over 50 full time much needed jobs, 30 part time jobs. More groceries to the pound.And of course Sunday opening.also given people a choice
Vic v
How is it possible for Jempsons to hold such sway in the planning application for a new supermarket in Rye?
They have been responsible themselves for the demise of several small local shops in the area
It’s about time Rye people and visitors had a choice and a store that’s open on Sundays