Box 15 - Preferred Strategy for Rye and Rye Harbour

Object

Representation ID: 20002

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Mr Christopher Atkinson

The strategy themes that form Part 3 of the document identify a need to expand the range of employment land and premises, including new strategic sites, together with retention of existing employment sites. However the preferred strategy does not identify the need to provide for relocation of existing businesses such as Jempsons that are inappropriately or sub-optimally located. Rather it seeks to retain existing business sites and premises in employment use wherever practicable and compatible with local amenities.
if the preferred strategy is not amended to make adequate provision for the relocation of existing employment uses Jempsons will have no alternative but to formally object to this element of the Core Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 20030

Received: 29/01/2009

Respondent: Mr. Grey Metcalf

Why is there no mention of a bypass in the Core Strategy document? Removing the A259 to the south of Rye would do more to revitalize the town than anything else. It would also enable the industrial area at Rye Harbour Road including the harbour itself to reach its full potential, at present stranged by poor access.

Object

Representation ID: 20062

Received: 19/01/2009

Respondent: Mr. Helmut Freitag

I object to any public foot/cycle path through the South Undercliff Allotments and suggest an alternative. This is option B2 of the present draft Development Brief for Rock Channel Supplementary Planning Document. Please note that there is a perfectly good solution to improve on the narrow section of the existing footpath. About 60% of the length of the 'new footpath' is unnecessary because the existing layout especially at the eastern end is perfectly adequate as it is. No allotment in this country has a public footpath leading through because temptation for thefts and vandalism is just too big

Object

Representation ID: 20067

Received: 27/01/2009

Respondent: Musgrave Budgens Londis

Agent: GR Planning Consultancy Ltd.

Paragraph 8.34 + Box 15(e)(ii)

1,650 sq.m net of convenience floorspace to 2016 has not been justified, is based on a number of errors and inaccuracies and is a significant overestimation of potential future capacity for convenience floorspace in Rye and should be deleted.

Has not taken into consideration the current and future turnover of the store. Acceptability of providing the recommended scale of floorspace not justified in relation to PPS6 tests and Rye. No assessment of whether the continued expansion and enhancement of the foodstore could accommodate this need. Projections should not be regarded as targets. No assessment of sequential tests.

Object

Representation ID: 20126

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Highways Agency

Paragraphs 8.36, 8.37 and 8.38

The HA has concerns regarding the proposed new commercial activity in Rock Channel and the access arrangements to/from Rock Channel. Any further intensification of use could cause serious safety implications on the A259 trunk road.

It is noted that the Rock Channel Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document recognises that junction and road improvements will need to be implemented to serve any future development. The HA look forward to working with Rother in the development of any road/junction proposals that also address the safety concerns raised above.

Suggest including the Highways Agency in the accessibility line of the 'Lead Agencies/Partners Table' at paragraph 8.38.

Comment

Representation ID: 20245

Received: 28/01/2009

Respondent: Mrs. Sara Nixon

The Shopping Study comprised "the view of key stakeholders.....". Rye and District Chamber of Commerce was not contacted, this body represents businesses in the area but no views were sought.

1% sample of residents is extremely low to form an opinion. I know of no one consulted. What "published data" was used. It has been proved that much published data contains significant errors.

Conclusions drawn without proper consultation.

It would not be appropriate to allow Tesco, an aggressive supermarket, to set up in Rye and destroy the town as has been proved it has already done across the country.

Object

Representation ID: 20309

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Millwood Designer Homes Ltd.

Agent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

The preferred strategy is not 'holistic' and it does not take into account some of the key factors that effect economic development. This is particularly the case in the approach to Rye.

No attempt has been made to balance the social and economic needs of Rye against the "environmental factors". The Council's approach is to use environmental constraints as a reason for minimising the level of development.

Rye is suffering unacceptable levels of social and economic depriviation. It is not acceptable to implement policies that preserve the status quo in terms of the environment if those policies do not bring about socio-economic improvements.

Object

Representation ID: 20333

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd

This land provides a major regeneration opportunity but only if its value is enhanced. A proper viability appraisal is needed. This analysis will show that a major new catalyst for development is required.

As regards Rye Harbour, port facilities would never be acceptable in terms of ecology or landscape.

There is need for a major new development at Rye and we have proposed the allocation of land south of Rock Channel as a marina.

There is scope to include the marina development and still retain enough open land to retain the separation of Rock Channel, industrial development and to enhance access to river frontage and new cycle route.

Object

Representation ID: 20348

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Mr. Kenneth Bird

Box 15(e): Paragraph 8.34e ii is weak, misleading and unhelpful. Rother DC claim that there is 'leakage' of shopping, away from Rye, therefore an additional supermarket is required. However, it is highly debatable as to how this will help the High Street and the local economy, indeed there is significant evidence, as seen in many other small market towns throughout the UK, that this will cause considerable damage. It is widely accepted that 80% of all expenditure at any of the large national retailers, such as Tesco, immediately leaves the local economy. Furthermore, there is no suitable site for a large supermarket within or adjacent to the centre of Rye.

Object

Representation ID: 20351

Received: 26/01/2009

Respondent: Mr. Kenneth Bird

Box 15(e) cont: An additional supermarket will no doubt reduce the 'leakage' of expenditure away from Rye, yet will at the same time increase the 'leakage' away from the local economy, in favour of the large multi-national retailer. My strong preference is to see paragraph 8.34.e.ii removed, as no site is available. If it is to be retained, it should not be under the heading 'For the Town Centre' or state that it is 'to retain more local trade' - this is, to my mind, untrue and offensive.

Object

Representation ID: 20363

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Mr. & Mrs. A. McConnell

Object to any proposition that would see the proposal of further shopping space (particularly a supermarket) in Rye.

The arrival of an aggressive supermarket would torpedo the ancient, delicate and unique nature of Rye High Street - which acts as a magnet to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and upon which Rye's economy is largely based.

Goodbye newsagents, goodbye fruit and veg shops and goodbye bakeries.

Comment

Representation ID: 20366

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

Development/Improvement of cycle paths essential. Need more with all weather surfaces and to link up. Important attraction for tourists. Market Rye as destination for cyclists. Would increase green environmentally friendly tourism benefitting the economy and providing recreational resource for local people.

Suggest cycle path next to River Tillingham from Ferry Road Bridge to Tillingham Avenue - from Kettle O'Fish to Military Road - from Kettle O'Fish to Rye Harbour.

Traffic calming measures along Ferry Road and Tillingham Avenue are desirable.

Other cycle path improvements could include a proper weatherproof surface to existing cycle paths at Rye/Rye Harbour/ Winchelsea/ Winchelsea Beach.

Comment

Representation ID: 20367

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(e)

We acknowledge the fact that many people feel the need to go to Hastings and Ashford to use the supermarkets, as they are so much cheaper than Jempsons/Budgens.

Comment

Representation ID: 20368

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(f)

Many people would like to see competition provided in Rye in a sensible location such as along the Rye Harbour Road or on the old Freda Gardham School site.

Object

Representation ID: 20369

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(f)

The suggestion of using a part of the old Thomas Peacocke Lower School site is ludicrous. because there would be insufficient room for a large enough supermarket with car parking to be competition and because there are already serious problems with traffic congestion, accidents and access for emergency vehicles.

Comment

Representation ID: 20370

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(d)

Neighbours in Ferry Road have had the walls to the front of their property completely demolished. Our property has been hit three times by traffic. On each occasion there was the potential for these accidents to cause loss of life. Many people have complained about this situation. This stretch of road is particularly dangerous because of the numerous access points, bends and heavy use by pedestrians. This section of road is also known for speeding traffic.

Comment

Representation ID: 20371

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15 (d)

Tillingham Avenue is especially dangerous because there is no pavement. Very large numbers of dog owners use Tillingham Avenue to toilet their dogs. Unfortunately there are significant numbers of owners who make little or no attempt to control their dogs and allow them to run wildly in the road rather than controlling them. I have seen dogs running out of Tillingham Avenue across Ferry Road. The owners have been a long way away. This junction is especially dangerous as the road is
narrow.

Comment

Representation ID: 20372

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(d)

Large numbers of school children use these roads on their way to the two Rye schools. We often see football played in the streets. We have seen games in Tillingham Avenue and Ferry Road being played without regard for danger.
There have been numerous complaints about both of these dangers in the local press. Signs indicating the need to control dogs on leads and to refrain from ball games would be useful. They have been provided in the cemetery but not in this dangerous place.

Comment

Representation ID: 20373

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(e)

Most people believe that siting another supermarket in town would be detrimental to the town because:
.the increase in traffic would worsen the existing traffic problems
.it may force small High Street shops out of business
.The High Street shops serve people who walk to the shops and are not in direct competition with the large super'markets that people drive to

Object

Representation ID: 20374

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(e)

Two more sensible sites for a large supermarket would be:

1. Along Rye Harbour Road there are large derelict sites, which would be perfect. A large supermarket here would give easy access to the supermarket for people from Rye Harbour, Winchelsea, Icklesham, Camber and surrounding areas as well as Rye, without adding too much to the existing traffic congestion in Rye. It would be a good idea to improve the turning into Rye Harbour Road. This has already been seen as necessary to allow development along Rye Harbour Road. This site would be less damaging to Rye's unique character and historic environment and have less impact on the High Street shops. There is plenty of space for the necessary car parking which would not be available on the Thomas Peacocke Lower School site.

2. Another site for such a supermarket would be the old Freda Gardham School site. This is a large site with sufficient space for a big enough supermarket to provide competition for Budgens/Jempsons in Rye and the large supermarkets in Hastings and Ashford. There is also sufficient space for car parking and to design a safe and efficient entrance and exit.

Object

Representation ID: 20375

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(e)

The argument that the Freda Gardham site is not suitable because of flood risk is fallacious if the flood defences are to be completed on this side of Rye. A local strategy plan should be a long term plan providing what local people actually want and need, rather than outside bodies forcing ideas on us. Why can't we wait until the flood defences are completed, and then have the type and size of super market that we want in a sensible location?

Object

Representation ID: 20382

Received: 01/12/2008

Respondent: Mr. and Mr M. Partridge

15(f)

We are opposed to the proposed housing development at Udimore Road because it would increase the traffic problems that already exist along Ferry Road and Udimore Road. the issue of flooding must also be dealt with.

Comment

Representation ID: 20383

Received: 22/01/2009

Respondent: Ms. Joyce McLeman

1. Where's the money for it?

2. Restore historic buildings now

3. Stop tonnage ruining our cobbles and buildings

4. Repair our streets sensitively e.g., Conduit Hill - cobbles filled in with tarmac!

5. Stop ruination of natural beauty spots (Tilling river planting) no consultation!

Comment

Representation ID: 20384

Received: 22/01/2009

Respondent: Ms. Joyce McLeman

1. Ask the shops and Jempsons -
Why 80% of trade outside Rye
You are too expensive
You close midweek
You close on the Tuesday before Christmas on Thursday

2. Rye is an ancient town. We are merely its present custodians. Travellers through a thousand years of history. Rye needs us now. PROTECT IT. RESTORE RYE.

Object

Representation ID: 20385

Received: 22/01/2009

Respondent: Ms. Joyce McLeman

We do not need another library. We have a perfectly good one in beautiful setting and building. We do need decent bus shelters. Present ones have been leaking for at least 12 years. Better still a good bus station. The whole of Station Approach is a disgrace. It looks like a slum.

We do not need more housing. Leave Rye alone. Rye is unique - keep it that way.

Object

Representation ID: 20387

Received: 29/01/2009

Respondent: mrs rosemary boucherat

15 (e(ii)

Rye is not large enough to support 2 supermarkets. A national chain supermarket would leech the life out of the High Street, clash with the historic ambience and shock tourists. Would also close the butchers, 2 greengrocers, deli and bakery.

The proposed site encroaches on a large area of publicly owned land which needs a full planning brief and consultation. Alternative uses for amenities, a wild life area all need consideration and public debate.

Flood risks are increasing. Hardcore on flood plain could endanger existing properties.

Object

Representation ID: 20388

Received: 29/01/2009

Respondent: mrs rosemary boucherat

(e) (ii)

Danger of immediate financial gain overriding long term value and benefit for quality of life in Rye and preservation of its unique character.

Object

Representation ID: 20389

Received: 29/01/2009

Respondent: mrs rosemary boucherat

15 (f)

House allocation figures are disproportionate for Rye - too many for its infrastructure and employment opportunities, particularly since the recession has made Government guidelines out of date for the foreseeable future.