Comment

Representation ID: 25357

Received: 13/07/2024

Respondent: Catherine Isbell

Mixed-use sites are absolutely the best option as it avoids building on greenfield and, as transport is needed for both employment sites and residential, it serves both needs. Even the traffic flow benefits because of the complementary timings.

It is unfathomable that we still have supermarkets and stores being built without apartments above. It has worked well in many commuter towns but only where adequate provision for parking is made.

Comment

Representation ID: 26206

Received: 24/07/2024

Respondent: New Road Artists Association

Number of people: 3

ECONOMY – RESPONSE TO Q159 and 160
We very much support the policy ECO2 to support existing economic sites and premises. However there is no recognition in the assessment of Site RYE 0004 (page 78 of the Draft Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA)) that Rye Creative Centre on New Road in Rye is an existing employment site, with premises currently occupied by 35 individual design studios, all of which are fully occupied. This has been the situation since around 2009. If this site is developed only for 30 dwellings as proposed, it would mean a loss of this existing employment site. We feel this is contrary to the proposed policy ECO2 that seeks to retain floorspace currently in employment use. It is also contrary to existing RDC Core Strategy Policy EC3: Existing Employment Sites, which we believe is still extant. There is a proven case that the studio spaces currently provided at Rye Creative Centre are in much in demand by local artists and creative businesses.

We are of the view that the creative industries sector is an important and growing part of Rye’s economy and that the Local Plan should include policies and encourage development that fosters growth of this sector. This sector contributes not only to the local economy but to the attractiveness and uniqueness of Rye as a tourist destination.

Comment

Representation ID: 26382

Received: 17/07/2024

Respondent: Burwash Parish Council

Sensible balance between protecting commercial sites and allowing sensitive development where commercially viability is clearly not possible. Proof of this will need to be clear and concise to ensure consistency in approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 27158

Received: 22/07/2024

Respondent: Westfield Parish Council

See points 216-218 in the attached submission.

Comment

Representation ID: 27830

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: Rye Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Proposed Policy ECO2: Protecting Existing Employment Sites and Premises P298 Q154 - 155
Rye agrees that the key for change of use is whether or not the the existing business is viable and the importance of the business to the community. Where conversions are made then amenity of neighbours should be a major consideration.
P300: Rye has a second supermarket proposed for an H6 allocated site on Winchelsea Road West. Rye agrees the forecast.

Comment

Representation ID: 28236

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: Mr W Gowland

Agent: BATCHELLER MONKHOUSE

Part A of this draft policy seeks to protect existing employment premises but recognises that in some cases mixed use development can offer a solution to retaining some employment use where its sole operation is no longer viable. The recognition of the place enabling development might have in this context is fully supported. Part B of the policy also supports the intensification, conversion, redevelopment and/or extension of existing sites and premises, as well as access and environmental improvements, which in itself is welcomed and fully supported. However, this is caveated by the requirement to adhere to policy EC01 which as detailed above we consider does not fully align with this objective and presents a tone of restraint rather than encouragement.

Comment

Representation ID: 28307

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: Powdermills Prop Co UK Ltd

Agent: Corbil Planning Ltd

Policy ECO2: Protecting Existing Employment Sites and Premises

Wording of this policy should encourage the sustainable expansion and growth of existing businesses, particularly in protected rural areas, as a means of retaining their employment base and securing their viability into the future. Otherwise, the policy is negatively worded, and deters growth.

Under section B of this policy, rather than simply permit those re-use of existing buildings where access and environmental impacts can be controlled, the policy should seek to actively encourage the reuse of these buildings as part of the sustainable growth of rural enterprise. This includes the reuse of vacant or under-used buildings associated with hotel and holiday accommodation within the district.

Policy should include a paragraph that deals directly with the reuse and conversion of buildings in the historic environment to support the growth of existing businesses, providing for the long-term protection of designated heritage assets.

Comment

Representation ID: 28382

Received: 23/07/2024

Respondent: Laurence Keeley

Needs protecting as above.