BP’s appeal against Rother District Council’s rejection of its planning application on Udimore Road has been further rejected by the Planning Inspectorate.
The decision, made on Thursday, November 22, followed two visits to the site on 25 September and 8 October by DJ Board, the planning inspector.
The key issues were around light intrusion and how the petrol station would impinge on the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The inspector said “The construction of a petrol filling station would appear as noticeably isolated urban intrusion into the open countryside that encases this part of Rye.”
One of her concerns was that when leaving the main built-up area of Rye it very quickly becomes much darker with no street or other significant sources of light. She concluded, “That the proposals would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area, having regard to the setting of the High Weald AONB.”
The strength of the rejection of the appeal should put to rest BP’s plan for a petrol station on Udimore Road. In addition, the soon to be finalised Rye Neighbourhood Plan has identified an alternative site for an additional petrol station on the A259 at New Road.
You can read the full decision here.
Image Credits: Planning Application document .
Thank heavens for common sense. I am surprised that BP ever considered this site, never mind appealing against the initial refusal. The location was totally unsuitable in so many ways that it begs the question of what was the real reason?
DJ Board is a lady. It shouldn’t be assumed that all planning inspectors are men!
Tremendous news! Thank you and well done all those people who worked hard to preserve the character of the town against very determined opposition.
I see common sense has prevailed.
But it would have been nice to have
A local shop for local people.
Of course DJ Board is a lady
Why can’t we have a cheap food shop to rival jempsons crazy bring in aldi. Or lidl
This is fantastic news. It really was a ridiculous location to apply for in the first place.
It would’ve made a very unwelcome change to the area. So many other suitable areas it could be located in. I hope this is the end of it.
Sadly competition which is healthy for all towns doesn’t exist anymore in this town, that is why so many people shop out of Rye or have their groceries delivered, as for the petrol prices in Rye, one of the highest in Sussex and Kent, and we are constantly told to support our town, sadly many have not got bottomless pockets.
One area where Jempsons at Peasmarsh do appear keen to compete on pricing is their diesel and petrol. Which is normally the lowest in the Rye area and on a par with that charged at Ashford or Hastings, witness the queues of cars usually present. With regard to other shops in Rye, it is unfortunate that unless you are looking for a gift and souvenir shop, then the choice is very limited. Sometimes I compare it with a theme park…..
Regarding my comments on competition is healthy for our town, I fully support the local family shops,that may be a tad more expensive, but give value for money with a smile, the neighborhood plan is quite right to say there is room for another petrol station and small supermarket, to keep the big boys in town on their toes,that we do not like to be taken for granted, with their high prices.