Monday February 10 saw the Planning and Townscape Committee at Rye Town Council review two planning applications, with a wider discussion on the status of the Neighbourhood Plan and the three proposed housing developments in Rye.
While the revised Neighbourhood Plan is proceeding through the required process of review and approval, Anthony Kimber told the meeting proposals are being put forward to form a Community Land Trust (CLT) in Rye. This could, if supported and funded, act as an alternative way to develop sites for new housing.
The council was told these ideas are at an early stage, with many potential roadblocks to overcome. However, provisional plans envisage the Tilling Green and Freda Gardham school site to be developed for housing, along with a new Creative Centre to house the artists currently using the old school building.
Cllr Hughes pointed out the difficulty the current occupants of the Creative Centre are facing is that any new facility will take at least two years to develop, either at the current site or as proposed on Rye Harbour Road. The artists are also facing short lease extensions from this summer. Colonel Kimber advised that any development would require some changes in the Neighbourhood Plan but that this should be possible, if required. The meeting also were told that some agreements were already in place between Martello and East Sussex County Council in relation to the ownership and possible development of the site.
Councillors noted that a consultation meeting on the Martello development proposals for 140 new homes in Rye was taking place on Wednesday February 12. Rye News will have a full report next week.
Councillors also reaffirmed the urgent need for affordable housing, which will be discussed further in the council’s affordable housing working group.
Colonel Kimber further advised the committee that planning rule changes were very likely, with the potential of increased centralised control. In this context the Neighbourhood Plan remained a vital statutory document to help manage development in Rye. Biodiversity gain will also be a key part of future planning permission and is under investigation by Rother District Council. It is expected that a “biodiversity” credit system will be put in place to allow developers to fulfil their biodiversity obligations.
In relation to other developments in Rye, a further delay to the Decimus / Aldi / McCarthy Stone project on Winchelsea Road due to traffic issues was noted. Cllr Bookless again reiterated his objection to the creation of a large quantity of expensive senior accommodation across this and the Ferry Road site, when current similar accommodation remains vacant and costs will prohibit most local residents from utilising the facilities.
Several councillors expressed concern that the any influx of new older residents would put unacceptable strain on medical and other critical infrastructure. The Ferry Road site has also received objections from the Environment Agency based on flood risk and sewerage issues, with a request to raise the site by one metre. Cllr Stuart raised the potential of development in Rye Harbour Road and whether the proximity of the Tradebe recycling plant as a controlled chemical site would inhibit possible development. Colonel Kimber thought this likely, along with the flood risk and biodiversity issues related to the proposed development site.
Councillors also discussed the effect of the upcoming reorganisation of local government on planning, with Cllr Rodgers voicing concern that everything might be put on hold until the new structure has evolved.
In relation to the individual planning proposals submitted, the application for new UPVC windows at 63 Cinque Ports Street was supported, despite concerns that they were not completely in keeping with the building and area. On the other hand, the erection of a new summer house at 30 Church Square was not supported, with multiple councillors expressing concerns on the effect on neighbouring properties and the out of character nature of the structure itself.
Image Credits: Stuart Harland , Kenneth Bird , Rye News reporter .