Council to sell off Fairlight woods and Rye land?

Cash-strapped Rother District Council could be about to sell off more of its land, after last month's auction raised £265,000.
Bexhill Town Hall SUS-160623-112311001Bexhill Town Hall SUS-160623-112311001
Bexhill Town Hall SUS-160623-112311001

Hoad’s Wood and Mountain Field, a combined 30 acre site off Peter James Lane in Fairlight, are among the parcels of land Rother is looking to off-load.

Also potentially up for sale are an area of open space between 5 and 7 Wish Road in Rye, measuring around 54 square metres, and a piece of land adjoining Rye Harbour bus turning circle and verge land adjoining Rye Harbour Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson for Rother District Council said: “Following the sale of four parcels of land at auction in May, we have given notice of our intention to dispose of further sites.

Residents have until July 1 to put any objections in writing, which will be shared with Cabinet when they make a decision on the next steps in September.

“The notices include Hoad’s Wood and The Mountain Field in Fairlight.

“Rother’s Cabinet currently would only allow a sale to an organisation that would preserve the woodland for public enjoyment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have been in discussions with potentially suitable organisations, who may be willing to take on the freehold and maintain the area for public use.

“The outcome of these discussions will be reported to Cabinet.

“As we continue to face severe financial pressures, we need to ensure that we make the most of our limited resources.

“Disposing of land, which costs the taxpayer money to maintain, will enable us to divert funds to protect vital council services.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Full details of the sites and how to register objections can be found at www.rother.gov.uk”

Highwoods, St Mary’s Wood and land off Ninfield Road, all in Bexhill, could also be sold off.

* Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter Text to display

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.