Residents oppose ‘psychologically depressing’ Tilling Green development

At least seven objections have been submitted to Rother District Council over proposals to build 32 homes and a new community centre on the site of the disused school.

Many people were worried about the lack of consideration of the flood risk and the damage to the area’s character by four-storey apartment blocks.

John Wylie believes the buildings’ design is ‘psychologically depressing’ and a fire risk due to the anti-social behaviour underground car parks can encourage which can lead to vandalism.

“On the grounds that there are a considerable number of points to be addressed, I feel that the present planning proposal should be rejected until all these points are satisfactorily resolved by the developers,” he wrote.

“The plans can then be resubmitted after a full public presentation of facts, so that the people of Rye are fully informed and the development provides the best outcome for the local people.”

Amicus Horizon and Rye Partnership submitted the plans earlier this month for six two-bed and 14 three-bed houses, nine one-bed and three two-bed flats and a community centre with associated parking, cycle and bin stores.

Tilling Green Residents’ Assocation chairman Dan Lake was in support of the development but it seems some members of the community disagree.

The application was submitted following a public consultation which drew a number of changes to the original plans.

Project manager Tim Harris said at the time that the developers will continue to work with residents.

Jane Thomas, of Udimore Road, said: “It is too big a development, it will bring too much traffic to an already very busy area, the road leaving Tilling Green is already dangerous enough.

“The Victorian drains running downthe main road will be unable to cope with the extra water/waste.”

Chairman of Rye Emergency Action Community Team Anthony Kimber said Mason Road is subject to flooding which is not mentioned in the application’s flood risk statement.

Mr J Donaghay-Spire, of Cooper Road, wrote: “I am fully supportive that new accommodation needs to be provided in Rye, but I feel that the design of the apartment block in the plans is out of keeping with the local area.

“The main reason for this is that its height of four storeys is far greater than surrounding buildings.

“The Tilling Green estate and the Brickyard area is a suburb of bungalows and low rise two storey houses.

“A four storey apartment block will dwarf surrounding buildings and change the atmosphere of the estate to its detriment and is something which I feel strongly that the community should resist.”

Regional development director at AmicusHorizon Neill Tickle said: “We’re delivering plans which will bring much needed affordable housing to the area, as well as a brand new community centre.

“Design is always subjective. However, we have worked hard to balance the costs, local housing needs and design to create a high quality scheme that is affordable and fits well into the existing environment.

“We’ve listened very carefully to the local community in putting together our proposals. Their help and feedback has been key to helping us shape this planning application. “

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about flooding.

“Flood mitigation measures are important to this site and we’ll, of course, comply with Environment Agency’s advice. This is, of course, part of the planning application process.

“And there have never been plans for underground parking – all parking is at ground level.”

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