Friday February 9 may not hold significance for many but for Alex and Katie Clark it is a day they will never forget. They are of course the owners of The George Hotel in Rye, a prominent, iconic and important building occupying centre stage on Rye High Street.
Last month, Rye News featured an article entitled Appeal to overturn George planning decision which referenced Rother District Councils refusal of a retrospective planning application for the repainting of the external elevations of the building which you see today. The article obviously hit a chord and produced an unprecedented number of readers’ comments which showed how important this controversial issue was to so many people. We campaigned for our readers to lodge their views with the planning inspectorate to help with the decision-making process on the appeal which Alex and Katie Clark had no option but to lodge.
So why was Friday February 9 such an important day? It was the day the planning inspector, Mr S M Holden BSc (Hons) MSc CEng MICE CTPP FCIHT MRTPI published his report and decision on the Clark’s appeal against Rother District Councils planning refusal.
The inspector found in favour of both appeals and agreed that the existing colour scheme does not need to be changed.
This is a fascinating report and I would encourage you to read it here.
This is a total vindication for the owners’ actions and it is worth noting that the inspector states that “the intrinsic character of Rye is one of architectural variety not uniformity” and his comment that “even the Georgians welcomed innovation and change” is also an interesting statement to remember.
It seems that common sense has prevailed and it’s business as usual at the George Hotel in Rye. This decision must also come as a great relief to many of the Rye businesses and residents who would have been inconvenienced for quite some time, had the owners been instructed to repaint the external elevations.
It does make you wonder if this whole situation could have been avoided: the stress, uncertainty and disruption is difficult to quantify however no doubt the financial costs can be quantified.
However, on point No 3 of the inspectors report it states that: “Applications for costs have been made by The George on High Street Ltd against the decision of Rother District Council. These applications are the subject of separate decisions.”
Image Credits: Alex Clarke .
So pleased this decision was made to accept the colours of The George! Thanks for publishing link to the verbatum report on this issue which makes interesting reading for conservationists in particular.
“We campaigned for our readers to lodge their views with the planning inspectorate to help with the decision-making process” – not strictly true: you campaigned for The George by providing a template of reasons to support their case, not to oppose it. No neutrality here – as evidenced by the celebratory tone of today’s article and especially the opening line of the third from last paragraph: “Common sense had prevailed…” There will be many residents and visitors alike thinking the exact opposite. As for the inspector’s assertion that “the intrinsic character of Rye is one of architectural variety not uniformity; even the Georgians welcomed innovation and change”, I’m confident that this will be referenced in the future when unscrupulous developers force through all manner of equally hideous “innovations”. What a terrible – and entirely avoidable – shame.
Really? This is The George’s original, historic 18th century paint scheme, hardly a “hideous innovation!”
The previous whitewash only dates back to a 1930’s repaint.
The current colour scheme is far more authentic to Rye and its history than the modern 20th century whitewash.
Sometimes I think Ryers have lost the ability to see the town objectively. The paint colour is not only beautiful (to this professional designer’s eye anyway), it also makes the high street more interesting. I would love to learn more about colours that were de rigeur centuries ago and see more of them replacing the drab white and black of so many old towns. But one thing is sure: Ryers love nothing more than having a good moan, so at least they’ll have this to harp on about for years to come now.
Well done to The George, for pushing back against that ridiculous retroactive decision and for the win. Quite apart from anything else, the town will not now have to put up with months more scaffolding and disruption, none of which can have impressed our visitors very much.
I completely agree with Amyb comment regarding the bias article about how common sense has prevailed.
We need to stop the practice of allowing retrospective planning with listed buildings.
I think that Rye is blessed to have the ability to express views on this platform – and to have those views put forward in the decision making process is an outstanding demonstration of democracy in action. Well done to everyone who contributed – and to Rye News.