Box 15 - Preferred Strategy for Rye and Rye Harbour

Comment

Representation ID: 19354

Received: 29/01/2009

Respondent: Mrs Ann Hamilton

Rye is in the process of becoming one of the few towns in East Sussex to achieve FairTrade Town status. Important to recognise the value of this status in contributing to Rye's reputation as a destination for sustainable tourism.

Support

Representation ID: 19355

Received: 16/02/2009

Respondent: Mr Andrew Franklin

I support the strategy of ensuring economic growth, affordable housing, improving education, and all in the context of taking account of Rye's special qualities and the environmental impact of such growth and change. This is planning at its best.

Comment

Representation ID: 19356

Received: 16/02/2009

Respondent: Mr Andrew Franklin

The seasonal nature of tourist employment (30 per cent of jobs) is a problem for Rye, but not amenable to change in the short term. The plan must take account of any planning changes which would (a) diminish Rye's appeal as a tourist destination and (b) reduce the money that visitors spend in the town when they come. It should ensure that as high a proportion of the spend as possible stays in the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 19357

Received: 16/02/2009

Respondent: Mr Andrew Franklin

The importance of keeping the character the High Street - which has kept its personality much better than many small towns should be identified as a priority for the plan. The High Street shops are a significant draw for tourists and provide significant employment. The plan should be alert to any developments which could damage the High Street or lead to the closure of key shops.

Comment

Representation ID: 19358

Received: 16/02/2009

Respondent: Mr Andrew Franklin

The plan identifies the shortage of low price convenience shopping as a drawback for the town. However granting permission to a second supermarket within the context of the plan would have long lasting repercussions for the wider economy of Rye.

The plan should EXLUDE building of any new large 'sheds' like the Tescos in Tenterden, Jempsons in Peasmarsh, or Budgens in Rye. These buildings are all eyesores which damage the unique positioning of Rye,

A second large supermarket (after Budges/Jempsons) would damage local trade and drive imcome out of the region.

Comment

Representation ID: 19359

Received: 16/02/2009

Respondent: Mr Andrew Franklin

The plan highlights the importance of preserving and enhancing the quality of the conservation area and the AONB. It must also recognize the importance of views - the wide sweep over the countryside which makes Rye so recognizable and famous.

The environmental constraints identified in the plan - flooding, sustainability, the character of Rye, the pressure of the AONB must be given primacy in the plan. Any future development must be rigorously assessed against these benchmarks.

Comment

Representation ID: 19473

Received: 24/02/2009

Respondent: Environment Agency

Whilst it is accepted that the Environment Chapter 12 does state that developments should not impact on priority habitats, it would be beneficial to clarify this point within Box 15 that is specific to Rye and Rye Harbour.

Object

Representation ID: 19630

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Provision for sporting activities
The need to have adequate facilities for community sport in Rye needs to be further emphasised. This must include adequate access to sports fields. (Box 15b,Box 21b,c.Comment).

Support

Representation ID: 19632

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Cycle paths
The provision of a suitable cycle path around Rye has long been part of the public agenda. We welcome and support such schemes. (Box 8.7.iv.Support)

Comment

Representation ID: 19638

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Strategic sites
a) These include the former Freda Gardham, Tilling Green School sites and the Thomas Peacock Lower School site, with land north of the railway. The future of these sites must be subject to full local public discussion before development takes place. They must be used for the greatest benefit of the community.

b)The proposed Rock Channel Development
has only been discussed in bare outline. Extended public discussion is also required on plans for this area, and possibly in relation to a Marina.

If SPDs are not appropriate, then other forms of comment should be instituted before sites are specifically allocated.

Design quality in the built environment is of great importance for Rye. This does not always happen.

Comment

Representation ID: 19657

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Rye Chamber of Commerce

5. We note and support your plans to support tourism in the town. Tourism is extremely important to the town. However, we note that you limit yourself to green tourism initiatives. We would suggest all tourism initiatives are considered - but clearly green ones would be best.

Comment

Representation ID: 19664

Received: 02/03/2009

Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry

Care needs to be taken in promoting "green" tourism. There is nothing green about attracting cars into Rye Harbour, so that tourists can walk across the Nature Reserve.

Comment

Representation ID: 19666

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Rye Chamber of Commerce

You therefore have an excellent mix of nature, tourism, retail, commerce and industry all set within the medieval backdrop. All strategies and plans must keep this to the fore.

Comment

Representation ID: 19667

Received: 02/03/2009

Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry

The document proposes "proactive co-ordinated marketing and town centre management" in Rye. There is a widespread lack of confidence in some of the responsible partners. Rye Partnership has suffered a succession of town managers/partnership secretaries/consultants leaving, sometimes under a cloud, and has exposed itself to criticism about lack of accountability and financial opaqueness. Events surrounding the TIC suggest a lack of co-ordination and trust among other partners. The Preferred Strategy for the economy of Rye needs to include improved standards of governance and management.

Comment

Representation ID: 19702

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: T. Bourne & Son Ltd.

Bournes accept and agree with the outline core strategy proposed for Rye. With regard to the redevelopment of the Rock Channel area it is of concern to us that the plan does not maximise the benefit of such a key area of the town. Bournes Rock Channel site has river frontage with mooring facilities. It is therefore possible that a housing development complete with a mooring facility would enhance the development of the area raising the visual profile whilst ensuring the project enhances but remains in keeping with the local area.

Subject to appropriate alternatives Bournes are willing to relocate from the site.

Object

Representation ID: 19735

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Tesco Stores Ltd.

Agent: Development Planning Partnership

Paragragh 8.34: Box 15- Preferred Strategy for Rye and Rye Harbour
To be consistent with the above comments, it is requested that item e) Preferred Strategy for the town centre should be amended as follows:

'Increase day to day services and facilities for the community, in particular main foodshopping, and to retain more local trade.

Support

Representation ID: 19736

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Tesco Stores Ltd.

Agent: Development Planning Partnership

Item e) (ii) refers to the provision of additional convenience floorspace 'within or adjacent to the town centre'. We welcome acceptance that a preferred site should be in or adjacent to the town centre which is consistent with PPS6 and the sequential test. This is of particular relevance given the lack of suitable sites within Rye town centre.

Support

Representation ID: 19738

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Tesco Stores Ltd.

Agent: Development Planning Partnership

Item e) (ii) is based on indicative figures set out in the 'Rother District Wide Shopping Assessment (June 2008)' and is not intended to be prescriptive. This figure excludes existing floorspace commitments such as the Budgens/Jempson store extension.
This preferred strategy for the town centre is further supported given the sustainability benefits available in retaining retail expenditure within Rye. The distances involved in Rye residents travelling to alternative main food shopping locations is not sustainable and the development of new convenience floorspace together with complementary comparison shopping will facilitate linked trips. The provision of local services will also contribute to encouraging non-car modes of transport. Furthermore, the sustainability benefits in developing local needs are inherent in retaining expenditure within Rye.

Object

Representation ID: 19745

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: RSPB

Rye and Rye Harbor
The recreational and environmental pressures associated with the proposed housing in the Core Strategy could, alone or in-combination with other proposed housing development in surrounding areas, lead to an adverse effect on the surrounding Natura 2000 sites. 8.30 - An additional consideration is that the proposed development site is within 3km of Dungeness to Pett Level SPA and even closer to Walland Marsh SSSI.
We are also deeply concerned with the proximity of Dungeness to Pett Level SPA site to the proposed development activities in the Rye Harbour area. The preferred option for employment directly conflicts with the strategy to safeguard the integrity of Dungeness to Pett Level SPA.

Comment

Representation ID: 19763

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: East Sussex County Council

Rye Harbour (Box 15 (ii) and supporting text.

Although no obvious conflict is evident the County Council would be concerned if the strategy option to promote additional port activities were to compromise the operation of the existing permitted minerals wharf.

The County Council would welcome the opportunity to work with the District Council on the matters outlined above.

Comment

Representation ID: 19945

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Add: '(including consideration of some form of pedestrianisation of the High Street between certain hours)'

Comment

Representation ID: 19947

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Prefer insertion of reference to the need to maintain and protect the historic core.
There are a number of strategic sites in Rye - notably the former Freda Gardham and Tilling Green school sites and land north of the railway line (including the former Rye College lower school site) - which are considered to be publicly-owned assets.
The document should recognise the need for an overall strategy prior to the disposal of these sites and how the town's need for community faciliteis could be fulfilled.

Comment

Representation ID: 19948

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

The document should provide for an embargo on development on - or close to - land adjacent to the railway line that might impinge on improvement of the line in respect of electrification and dualing.

Comment

Representation ID: 19950

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Document should recognise the need for an appropriate traffic management strategy to protect the fabric and character of the historic core. There is a need to restrict the tonnage of vehicles using cobbled areas in order to protect surfaces. Rye is one of the few medieval towns with unrestricted access for trucks of up to 7.5 tonnes.
The document should recognise that, as a town dependent on tourism, there is a need to provide/maintain no fewer than four public conveniences.

Comment

Representation ID: 19951

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

The document should recognise the need for the Core Strategy to focus on culture and its importance for the public realm - and also its economic importance in relation to the development and maintenance of tourism.
The document should recognise the value of long-term cultural institutions - for example, museums and galleries - and the importance of their role in the tourist economy.
The document should recognise the economic and social advantages of the development of a cultural centre for Rye as a central focal point for physical and cultural activities (as achieved in Aldeburgh, Chichester - encompassing a theatre, cinema and meeting hall).

Object

Representation ID: 19954

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Objection to the disproportionate number of houses allocated to Rye due to:
The limited availability of employment
Detrimental effects on congestion on A259
Infrastructure is inadequate for such large scale development
Cumulative effects of increased activity on the character of the historic town.

The proposal to provide 'approximately 1,650 sqm additional convenience goods sales area within adjacent to the town centre' appears excessive and disproportionate when assessed againsts existing retail space.
Retail development should be determined after full consultation with the community - particularly because opinion within the community is divided. Planning briefs for the former school sites may help to inform this matter.

Comment

Representation ID: 19955

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Concerns about providing safeguards against flooding still need to be addressed. The situation should be monitored and managed effectively and be subject to regular reassessment.

Comment

Representation ID: 19958

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

The document should address the provision of community sport in Rye in greater detail and include a commitment to respond positively to proposals to address clubs' identified shortfalls in terms of quantity, quality or access. (Example: Rye United FC's inability to meet League requirements on its existing site.)

Support

Representation ID: 19960

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Ewhurst Parish Council

Support the strategy for supporting agencies that will work collaboratively to grow tourism sustainabillity, including raising the profile of Rye as a centre for green tourism initiatives at box 15.

Support

Representation ID: 19997

Received: 04/01/2009

Respondent: Rye Conservation Society

Support the expansion of the Port of Rye by allowing additional wharfage, warehousing space for outside storage of imported minerals north of the present commercial wharf (in return for rescinding an extant planning consent for a marina and housing).