Plans to sell off council-owned land at Tilling Green have been given the go ahead by a senior county councillor. On Thursday September 25, Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for resources and climate change, agreed officers could begin the process of marketing the playing fields, next to the community centre, for sale.
The ESCC report says the sale of the land, which would be expected to involve the council breaking the existing lease, could allow homes to be built. The land is listing as a potential site for housing in the Rye Neighbourhood Plan, with at least two organisations expressing interest in developing the site. Twenty homes could be built.
In the report, a council spokesman said: “It is recommended that the site is marketed on the open market to ensure a fair and transparent disposal process. Offers received will be considered by the lead member at a future decision making meeting.”
A consultation into the sell-off plan in April only saw four responses. Two respondents objected to the sale, while the other two respondents were supportive.
Objectors’ concerns included the loss of community space and the impact of additional housing on local infrastructure.
ESCC says it has no intention to dispose of Tilling Green Community Centre.
Image Credits: James Stewart .
It seems to me that the consultation was kept very low key ,I personally don’t actually remember seeing the document. When it’s gone it’s gone ,If we are looking after the environment it should be left as a green space and more imaginative thought be given to where houses are built .Developers do not want to touch old industrial sites because of the environmental clean up ,a green field is a nice cosy option sadly.
There should have been an open meeting for all to attend and have their say .
Let’s hope East Sussex Council tell us who has purchased the site when sold,unlike the recently sold old swimming pool, that they are keeping secret,for some unknown reason.
If built how many will be social housing?
I understand we need more housing but surely we need to leave this as a green space for children to play in and dog walkers. This makes me feel quite sad that we might lose it.
ESCC are just trying to fill the financial hole they have dug through mismanagement and corruption. There is no way a commercial developer will buy the site as it’s not viable given the location. If housing is to be put there it should only be Social Rented housing that way providing much needed housing for Rye. The RTC have recently ditched my idea of a CLT (Community Land Trust) to take the project forward as they took a fright and withdrew. Probably when it comes down to it, they talk the talk but won’t walk the walk. Easy to say you want Social Housing when it’s not there, soon as it becomes a possibility it’s not so comfortable for them.
There should be a public meeting now before the site is offered up, a public vote as to what people actually want for the site, ESCC should be made to abide by that vote in true democratic style. The Rye News had the power to launch a public meeting and I would certainly support it… Cone on guys, as with toilets. DO SOMETHING!!
This indeed smells similar to the Rye toilet debacle of RDC.
I’d love to see the history of Council Management wage rates, pensions and increases, for a start.
I am totally against building on this green land. It has been used for fund raising events and can be used for future events linked to Tilling Green Community Centre. Or used as a communal space. Yet another green space destroyed. Could also pose more flood issues.
With reference to Jonathon Bennett’s contribution to the discussion, a Rye Community Land Trust (CLT) had been identified as a suitable vehicle to deliver cheaper accommodation before he, independently, came to the same view. Furthermore, the Town Council has not abandoned the idea of a CLT – registration of Rye CLT has still to be concluded.
The school playing field at tilling green, should only be sold to a housing association, for much needed social housing,let’s forget about the excuses of flood plains, and loss of a green space,as there is masons field opposite,for communal use.
Rye Town Council could obtain funding to build a small number of really affordable homes for social rent. (Not as many as the 21 mentioned). Icklesham Parish Council managed to do it.
Then 50% of the field could be kept as a public green space.