Outline plans for 8 apartments, 29 garages and 58 car parking spaces, on the two strips of land either side of the railway line west of Ferry Road between Ferry Road and the Mill and Cyprus pace and the River Tillingham, came up for approval at the Town Council Planning meeting on Monday 28 April.
The land, formerly owned by the Railway, was put up for auction recently with a guide price of £5,000. The auctioneers and the sellers were amazed when the ‘wasteland’ realised £240,000.
Rye Town councillors objected to the development on several counts. Risk of flooding, access, might ruin chances of reverting to double tracking of the railway, the site is of historic value, endangered species (Barry Yates will be conducting a bio diversity study on the ground), but even more serious than these, a danger of blockage to the single track exit for the fire appliances in emergencies.
A unanimous rejection by Rye Town Councillors is only advisory and Rother could reverse their decision when it comes before them. Councillor Osborne pointed out that as serious money had been paid for the site by a developer he felt that this was not the last Rye would hear of the proposals.
Prime Minister Involved Over Rye Post Office Closure
“Rye’s Own” has learned that Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s help was sought by Rye M.P. Michael Foster when Rye Post Office was closed for three days recently.
Mr. Foster was so incensed that he went straight to the top, explaining the problem to the P.M. at a private meeting. He subsequently had a long conversation with the Post Office Minister and his senior officials.
On Thursday, with the door at Rye Post Office still firmly closed he spoke to the senior network manager responsible who told him she was confident it would be open by Friday but could give no guarantee.
At this stage the MP for Rye & Hastings admitted getting “Somewhat angry”. He even offered to open the Post Office himself!
The Rye Post Office was open again that Friday and because of the “Foolhardiness of the closure” Post Office Services will now review the issue of the adequacy of Post Office services in Rye.
Rye & Winchelsea Rotary Club
10th Annual Walk
Sunday May 18th 2008 Start 9am
In aid of League of Friends Rye Hospital, Sussex Air Ambulance, St Micheals Hospice and other good causes.
From Phillips & Stubbs, Rye office, go down the Station Approach into Udimore Road; Immediately after no78 turn left into West Undercliff and follow the 1066 Country Walk under Cadborough Cliff for 1.75 miles, left into Winchelsea Lane, past Winchelsea Station, at the A259 turn right and follow the footpath round Winchelsea to the beacon and into Mill Road, then Hiham Green, past The New Inn and follow the signs to Newgate vial Pannel Lane, pass the cottages and left into the field, following the footpath to the Sea Wall. Left and follow to the end of the Ridge, turn left to Morlais Ridge and over the stile to Camber Castle lane, turn right join the bridle path past the Castle back to Rye via the gate to River Brede Farm. Maps etc issued on the day.
The walk is estimated about 10 miles with a shorter 6 mile route for those who prefer it.
Late News Extra May Diary
1. Last day of public enquiry into the land north of Udimore Road, Rye Community Centre.
5. Bank Holiday Monday
5. Jempsons Boot Fair, Jempsons Peasmarsh Car Park, 7am.
11. Standing Room Only Well not quite, for Friends of Rye Wurlitzers next Theatre Organ concert presentation on Sunday May 11th featuring resident organist at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Mr Blackpool himself for the past 30 years – Phil Kelsall. Coach parties from Deal and Chatham will swell the usual strong band of supporters but there will be tickets available on the door (£5.50) as well as the usual fun and surprises. Doors open 1.30pm for a 2.30pm start at Thomas Peacocke Community College, Rye.
“Rye’s Own” May 2008
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