Object

Representation ID: 19650

Received: 02/03/2009

Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry

Retailing problems in areas like Rye are much more complex than just floorspace. More incisive research is needed. Within the Rye citadel area, there is a need to address the poor mix and quality of retailers, so that the High Street and side roads provide a more compelling destination for shoppers.
Additional floorspace, given that it will have to be outside the citadel and even the town centre, is likely to be destructive to the core of the town. To be transparent, the Core Strategy needs to estimate the impact, in terms of closed small shops, of a new major retailer, particularly if it is out of town or edge of town. There also needs to be balance in the analysis of shopping: although some 80% of residents' shopping is done outside Rye, how much money would stay in the town if a new supermarket appeared from outside the locality and closed locally- owned shops? It also needs to be remembered that a major retailer, particularly if located at the edge of town, would do little to attract residents or visitors to the other shops in the town, as major retailers try to provide a comprehensive service under one roof, and most visits to such a retailer would be one-off weekly shops by car, with little or no time for further visits. An edge-of-town location would also exacerbate traffic problems in Rye, which is at odds with the Core Strategy's environmental objectives.
There is a strong argument for an additional large retailer, because competition is desperately needed for the existing supermarket. However, experience shows that a large retailer is likely to act in a predatory manner against other retailers, large and small, so the initial increase in consumer choice will soon disappear.

We therefore have serious doubts about the proposals for so much additional retail space in Rye. At a minimum, this additional floorspace must not be allowed to be monopolised by one or two retailers, and should be carefully located (as close to the town centre as possible) and constrained in size. New retailers should also contribute to the character and distinctiveness of Rye, and there should be significant contributions expected from major retailers.