Wish Street Car Park Under Threat

Planning approval is being sought for two blocks of five story flats on the old Gas Works site behind the Kettle O’ Fish.

The site was originally deemed unsafe for building purposes because of the high chemical content in the ground left by the residue of tens of years of waste disposal from the gas producing process. It has been used as a car park since it was sold into private hands after the Gas Works was closed and is now the subject of a building planning proposal that goes before Rother this month.

The proposal, which envisages thirty-four flats in two high rise blocks, has caused great concern to owners of adjacent properties and to other Rye residents who claim the buildings will be an eyesore and completely out of keeping with the area. Objections against the scheme have been made to Rye and Rother Councillors and to the Rother Planning Committee.

George Angele owner of the Kettle O’ Fish, has just completed a multi thousand pound improvement to the business adding a large restaurant to the building. He claims that “losing the car park would be detrimental, not only to his business but to many others in Rye. There are too few car parks as it is and the loss of every parking space is another nail in the town’s coffin.” he went on to say “Visitors, tourists and shopkeepers will all be worse off, views of the historic town will be spoiled and the risk of contamination from the disturbance of the site will affect visitors and townspeople alike”.

The plans (No. RR/2004/871/P) come before the Planning Committee on 18 May.Kugis

“Rye’s Own” May 2004

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