The National Trust’s recent planning application to Rother District Council (RDC) to open up more of Lamb House and to attract more visitors has received an immediate local response. More than a dozen responses have been submitted with the majority objecting to the Trust’s proposal. The majority objected to the extension of the opening times, to seven days a week, and felt that the doubling of visitor numbers to 27,000 per year would cause a strain on local infrastructure as well as queues along a narrow pavement.
Some local residents, who back on to Lamb House’s substantial garden, were also concerned that it could be used for wedding receptions and night-time entertainment that would disturb the peace of this quiet residential neighbourhood.
However the response to the planning application hasn’t all been negative. A supportive submission to RDC felt that the opening of more of the house would allow a greater interpretation of both the house and its two most famous literary residents – Henry James and EF Benson.
There is still time if you would like to comment. A decision on the National Trust’s planning application is expected on April 20, 2018.
Photo: National Trust
Dear Sirs,
I strongly endorse the application for extended opening times for Lamb House. As the proprietors of a long established hotel in Mermaid Street, we are aware of the many guests who have been disappointed to find that Lamb House has been closed during their visit to Rye.
It must surely be of benefit to the local economy to encourage more visitors.
Some of the objectors are worried about parking on pavements and encouraging more unwanted extra visitors. There are an increasing number of unregulated Air B&Bs in the centre of Rye including one or two close to Lamb House. One wonders where these visitors are going to park when they unload their luggage, presumably on the pavement outside their premises. One hopes that they will then be directed to the various town car parks and hopefully not leave them to add to the congestion of the High Street.
Lamb House is a very important part of Rye’s heritage and nearly always features in the publicity material (including the Air B&Bs’) which encourages many people to visit and stay in the town.
Viva Lamb House!
I would dearly love to visit Lamb House but for me, it isn’t going to be possible but I do have a suggestion! The house has general opening for some days per week and I can understand the problems this could cause but why could there not be restricted opening on other days – by appointment only and for specific times! Visitors could book their visit when they book their accommodation and arrive on time, without queues and without their car – solo simple!
As for weddings etc – considering the position of the house I would not recommend it – you need to be on good terms with neighbours. Perhaps small weddings with only photos outdoors would fit the bill, especially if buffet facilities were available indoors! This would make the venue truly exclusive and thus more valuable – perhaps!