Annual awards will be presented by the Rye Conservation Society on Friday December 2 at its Christmas Party in the Town Hall. Applications are invited in five categories for: a new building of architectural merit; an alteration or refurbishment of an existing building; the re-use of an historic building for a new purpose; a good example of sensitive redecoration and use of colour; and repair using and demonstrating craft skills. Suggestions should be sent by November 18 (preferably by email) to David Bookless, Hon. Secretary ryeconservationsociety@gmail.com or post to 3, Faraday House, The Mint, Rye TN31 7EW. An ad hoc awards committee will then consider the entries.
In the Society’s latest newsletter dated October 2016, the committee member for Planning Liaison, Wayne Jones, writes: “Attempts to reduce the proliferation of advertising banners around Rye have met with only partial success.Whilst a few of the most unsightly have been removed, some of the largest are still very much in evidence. Some retailers seem immune to requests even when backed up by the involvement of Rother planning enforcement officers”.
The rapidly deteriorating condition of the historic pump next to the water cistern has caused much concern. The Society has been working with Rye Town Council to press for action from Rother District Council and Historic England. The Society’s offer of financial support has been matched by Rye Town Council. It is hoped that consent for renovation of the wooden pump housing will shortly be forthcoming and the original 1826 hopper restored to something approaching its original state.
The Landgate has been a major focus of attention. Julian Lockett, in his planning report, says: “the Society would welcome potential owners with the funding, private, public or a mixture of the two, who could take on this long term responsibility”, recognising its probable future as a managed ruin.
On the Grist Mill site, Winchelsea Road, the Society notes that the application for a three-storey building was rejected by Rother, but expresses concern that a mandatory maximum height of two storeys along this road will blight future development and result in “bungalows on stilts”.
The proposed development of the Lower School site with plans for 77 new homes has been criticised by the Society in a detailed response to the developer’s questionnaire, on the grounds that “the scheme as drawn is unachievable. It does not address the physical constraints due to possible flooding, provides inadequate parking and must deal with questions relating to adequate surface water and foul drainage. The proposals do not indicate whether affordable housing is to be provided, the likely numbers or the location of the units. The extensive tree barrier along the railway line to the east, which is the subject of a blanket Tree Preservation Order granted in 2007, is virtually eliminated with only individual trees being retained.”
Advice is given to those living in a Conservation Area regarding what additions and alterations to property may require planning consent. Owners of listed buildings have a special responsibility for the privilege of living in them, says the Society.
Residents’ views on planning matters are welcomed at any time: email ryeconservationsociety@sky.com
Source: Rye Conservation Society Newsletter
Photos: Nick Taylor and Kenneth Bird