The owners of The George in Rye are seeking to develop a 13-bedroom hotel at 15 High Street, a grade II listed property directly opposite the historic 49-bedroom building.
It would be the owners' fourth hotel in the town, given that they already own The George, The Lookout and The Hope Anchor — together totalling 85 hotel rooms and employing about 100 staff. The company also owns The Falstaff in Canterbury.
On Tuesday 7 April, Rye Town Council's Planning and Townscape Committee supported approval of the 15 High Street planning application by three votes to one, although one councillor expressed concern about the impact of too many hotels on the High Street.
Rooms at The George include a recent eight-bedroom extension after 9 Lion Street was converted.
Planning permission was actually granted last month to convert the 15 High Street property into a 12-unit shared HMO (house in multiple occupation) for hotel staff.
The ground floor front will house a hotel reception with a smaller shop installed on the right-hand side. Number 15 High Street, currently occupied by a clothing shop, was formerly a tea-room/restaurant and care home. It was previously known as The Mariners Hotel in the 1980s.
Owner Alex Clarke told Rye News, “We have been given the opportunity to breathe some new life into a building which has been mostly derelict since the care home closed in 2024. Our investment would contribute to restoring the listed property and conserve the heritage of our town. The jobs it would create can help support the local economy to which we contribute.”
According to the company’s strategic report for the year to 31 March 2025 the group’s revenue has grown 7%, in spite of the economic climate.
“The sector is facing a number of challenges right now,” said Alex Clarke. “There’s rising business rates, utility costs, national insurance taxation and consumer uncertainty in the face of living costs, but we believe Rye has a lot to offer visitors and shoppers, and can continue to compete against other towns in the UK.”
Those interested in viewing or commenting on the planning application for 15 High Street can find it on the Rother District Council website, listed as application RR/2026/0260/FULL.