Rye planners give approval to Tesco’s bid

But they criticised the design of the proposed building which was described as “bland and “unattractive”

Just three committee members voted to approve the application with four abstaining.

At the same time Rye rail action group Marshlink slammed the plans claiming a supermarket entry so close to the Rye’s busy rail crossing would cause “havoc”

They say extra traffic generated when the Valley Park development is built would add to road chaos.

There is an ongoing battle between supermarket heavyweights Tesco and Sainsbury’s to open a store on the former Thomas Peacocke Lower School site.

Sainsbury own the land but Tesco hold the Queen Adelaide pub which could stand in the way of an access road.

Cllr Bernardine Fiddimore said: “I do not like the design of the building.

“The original rustic look of the building we saw at the Tesco exhibition bears no relation to the plans I have seen.

“I have bee a great supporter of a second supermarket for Rye but the design must be right.”

Planning committee chairman Cllr Frank Palmer said: “A number of people have mentioned that it is not a very attractive building.”

Cllr Granville Bantick said: “Access is of great concern to me, it is 30 metres away from a crossing that has 46 trains a day passing through.

“Heavy vehicles use that road and Valley Park will generate more traffic.

“It is close to a medical centre and a fire station. It is a nonsense to have an access road in that position.

“Cllr Mary Smith said: “This is the wrong site in terms of traffic and impact on the environment, it will cause all round misery.

Cllr Shaun Rogers said: “There is no proof that the road will be more busy or that people’s house prices will fall.

“Rye needs a new supermarket but what seems crazy to me is the company putting in the application doesn’t even own the site.

“It will be a case of who blinks first and I can’t see either blinking as they have put a considerable amount of money into the site.

Marshlink Action Group chairman Stuart Harland said: “We are very concerned – this would cause traffic havoc.”

The planning committee did put the following conditions on its approval:

1) The provision of a building which is in keeping with, and complementary to, the character of the town.

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The design of the building is considered bland and uninspiring – and differs significantly from that indicated at the public exhibition. Given the position of the site, at the very least the Council would expect to see a pitched roof.

(2) Preservation of the green ‘buffer corridor’ (the subject of a TPO) between the site and the railway line.

Some dead and cut material should be left in situ to provide a habitat for flora and fauna.

(3) Removal of the permitted parking on the SW side of Ferry Road between Mill Road and Magdala House – and provision of equivalent replacement parking for residents and their visitors elsewhere in the immediate vicinity.

It is considered that this action would minimise the risk of increased traffic congestion arising from use of the new access at certain times – and would improve traffic flow.

Tesco spokesperson Mark Harison said: “Tesco welcome the town council’s decision to approve our planning application for the Lower School site in Ferry Road, subject to conditions being met.

Although the final decision will be made by Rother District Council’s planning committee, we regard the support of the town council as a positive and important step in the planning process as we seek to bring a new supermarket to Rye.”

The plans will now go to Rother District Council who will have the final say on whether they are approved.

Sainsburys are in town today (Friday) and Saturday holding a public exhibition of their plans for the site at the Lion Street education centre.

Sainsburys planning application is expected to be submitted early in the new year.