The scale of the waste dumped in the former Thomas Peacocke Lower School site in Ferry Road in Rye is clear from pictures taken on Tuesday, November 27. The derelict site has seen increasing amounts of illegal fly-tipping, including piles of asbestos, building waste and an abandoned caravan.
Rye News reported in August (Fly-tippers strike again) that waste including asbestos had appeared in the site while developers Plutus (Rye) Ltd wait for a decision by Rother District Council for planning permission to build retirement flats and houses, which had been due to be decided on in August this year.
Despite assurances from the company in August that steps would be taken to clear and secure the site, no action was taken. The entrance gates have remained unsecured and access has been made even easier now, as hoarding at the entrance has blown down in the recent storm.
Much of the site is strewn with rubbish, with piles of household, garden and building waste covering a large area. An abandoned caravan and camping equipment complete with mattresses, clothes and children’s toys has been left amongst the rubbish.
Rother District Council Environmental health and pollution department have been informed and are looking into it. However, Rother District Council can only remove fly-tipped waste if it is on the public highway or on their land. It is the responsibility of owners of the land to remove any waste although a council has “the power to require landowners to remove waste which is detrimental to the amenities of a neighbourhood (an eyesore) or prejudicial to health” (https://www.rother.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling/fly-tipping/).
Plutus (Rye) Ltd have been contacted for a comment.
Image Credits: Rye News reporter , Rye News library .
surely this can be stopped quite quickly ,why such delay and no action taken.As we know fly tipping is a police matter , or is it not an offence any more.
I am surprised no one has put cameras up – controversial but maybe worthwhile
Why are so many people such scumbags. Flytipping, littering, dog mess . . It’s all the same selfish problem.
What is the matter with these people?
Perhaps better waste tipping/recycling facilities at this end of Rother might provide some relief from this kind of problem? Our nearest facility is either New Romney (for which Kent Council make a charge for East Sussex residents) or Mountfield – both a significant drive away on the assumption that a vehicle is available. This is surely totally inadequate, particularly as Rother closed the mini facilities in the town as they were being over utilised. Is it any wonder?
If RDC used to own the Thomas Peacock site but no longer does, then who does now own it ? Someone does – and is responsible to secure the site? A couple questions which need to be answered. An element of vigilance alongside a few cameras would soon reveal a truth we look forward to learn.
Plutus (Rye) Ltd are the developers awaiting Planning Approval so do they own the site? If not the council should know from the DA applications, in which case the owner should be fined with an escalating level if remedial action isn’t taken. It’s the owners responsibility to secure the site. I agree with the suggestion that cameras would be sensible.