Core Strategy Consultation on Strategy Directions 2008

Object

Representation ID: 19623

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Any plan for the future of Rye must take account of the overriding need to conserve the older parts of the town .The historic centre of Rye needs protection from noise, traffic and inappropriate development.
This is insufficiently stressed in the document..
Local distinctiveness
There is a need to maintain a good mix of retail outlets, and professional services in the town centre both for local residents and for visitors. There are a number of shops of an unusual and specialist nature which add to its attractiveness (Box 15a,15c Comment)

Object

Representation ID: 19624

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

There is an urgent need to bring in better traffic management to preserve the fabric and character of the towns historic core. The tonnage of vehicles using cobbled streets needs to be restricted. Rye is one of the few medieval towns with unrestricted access for trucks of up to 7.5 tonnes. (Box 15e.Comment).
Car Parking
Recognise the importance and availability of affordable car parking for Rye. (Box 15e
Comment).
Rail Travel
There is a need to improve rail travel to Rye by electrification and dual tracking of the line between Hastings and Ashford. This could greatly reduce car use.(Section 13 Comment). Restriction of developments near the railway line which might impede improvements ,Box 15d. Comment).

Object

Representation ID: 19625

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Public conveniences
There is a need to recognise the need for adequate public toilets across the town especially for a major tourist centre. (Box 15e. Comment)
Cultural activities of all kinds are important in attracting tourists to Rye .Its festival is nationally known. Many in local villages see it as a cultural focus. There is a need for a major centre encompassing theatre, cinema and meeting hall. A new library, which is badly needed, could be part of the complex. There is no reason why Rye should not copy St Ives, Aldeburgh or Chichester .The economy of the town could only gain from this (Boxes 15a,b.Comment)

Object

Representation ID: 19626

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

We object to the disproportionate number of new houses allocated to Rye . (450 in total). It is said that 1 house is to be allocated in Rye for every 12 people, but in Bexhill the number is 1 for every 12.5.
Rye is not well placed to deal with much extra housing. It lacks infrastructure and employment opportunities. Traffic congestion will increase. The character of a historic town will be materially affected .
There needs to be much further discussion on the type of housing needed for a steadily ageing population. (Box 15f. Object)

Object

Representation ID: 19627

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Retail developments
The proposal is that "1650 sqm additional convenience goods sales areas" be provided within or near to the town centre. We consider this to be excessive. Many consider this would be damaging to existing shops within Rye. On the other hand, it is evident that there is considerable dissatisfaction with the towns existing supermarket arrangements.a recent survey appears to suggest that most Rye residents do supermarket shopping in nearby towns.

More debate with the public is needed. No potential sites for supermarket delineated at this stage without these discussions.(Box 15e,ii. Object)

Comment

Representation ID: 19628

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

There are clearly major risks to Rye from flooding and these will increase, as climate change accelerates during this century. The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment has already identified areas of Rye at risk. Clearly development on these sites is highly undesirable.
Equally, other developments could increase the risks of flooding to existing sites (Box 33f. support)

This important topic needs full public scrutiny and information. (Box 15f Comment).

Object

Representation ID: 19629

Received: 30/01/2009

Respondent: Campaign for a Democratic Rye

Allotments
The importance of these is recognised. Their integrity against development must be recognised. Proposals to construct public footpaths through them should be resisted.
(Box 21c.Comment).

We object to the accessibility standard of 20 minutes to allotments. We should return to the previous standard of 15 minutes. (Box 21c .Object).

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.