We support the desire to provide guidance on design quality which is important to preserve the unique qualities and environments of settlements. However, we have concerns that the policy will not be sufficient to prevent inappropriate design, especially for larger developments, in Rye outside of the Conservation Area. The current local plan has not been able to prevent inappropriate design being approved i.e. the new school where the design has many merits but it did not reflect its position within the setting of the Conservation Area and on the edge of the High Weald AONB. The same can be said for the proposed new supermarket at Ferry Road where a generic design with no local distinction has been approved.

Given Rye's prominent hilltop location it is important that development within the setting and approaches are of the highest quality and reflects Rye's rich architectural inheritance.