John Bailey of architects Thomas Ford and partners has informed Rye Town Council that he is in the process of finalising his report to Rother District Council on the status and condition of the Landgate. It is understood that various options are proposed and these will be considered by Rother District Council (RDC) shortly, with a view to ensuring the structure’s sustainable conservation, following essential repairs and maintenance.
The Landgate has been a subject of controversy for some years. It is the responsibility of RDC to maintain it, however a report – only made public by RDC after a freedom of information request, showed that no work, other than using high pressure hoses to remove pigeon guano in 2015, had been carried out since 2012.
The current estimate for work to stabilise the structure is around £300,000 and, according to a recent statement by RDC Councillor Lord Ampthill, “rising daily”. RDC, however, have made it plain that they wish to spend no money on the building and are anxious to dispose of it to an alternative body on the basis that they might be in a better position than the Council to obtain the necessary funds.
It is hoped that the new report will help to enable the future of the Landgate to be finally resolved.
photo: Nick Taylor
Despite being turned down for Heritage Lottery funding, Winchelsea residents seem to found the money from somewhere to fund the repair of their own ‘landgate’ ……
In fact, Winchelsea has been the beneficiary of the repair of several of their ancient structures in recent months – what do they know that Rye doesn’t?
In the spirit of friendly rivalry (if you can, we can too) should RTC make enquiries re. their neighbouring township’s good fortune?