Friday February 9 may not hold significance for many but for Alex and Katie Clark it is a day they will never forget. They are of course the owners of The George Hotel in Rye, a prominent, iconic and important building occupying centre stage on Rye High Street.
Last month, Rye News featured an article entitled Appeal to overturn George planning decision which referenced Rother District Councils refusal of a retrospective planning application for the repainting of the external elevations of the building which you see today. The article obviously hit a chord and produced an unprecedented number of readers' comments which showed how important this controversial issue was to so many people. We campaigned for our readers to lodge their views with the planning inspectorate to help with the decision-making process on the appeal which Alex and Katie Clark had no option but to lodge.
So why was Friday February 9 such an important day? It was the day the planning inspector, Mr S M Holden BSc (Hons) MSc CEng MICE CTPP FCIHT MRTPI published his report and decision on the Clark’s appeal against Rother District Councils planning refusal.
The inspector found in favour of both appeals and agreed that the existing colour scheme does not need to be changed.
This is a fascinating report and I would encourage you to read it here.
This is a total vindication for the owners' actions and it is worth noting that the inspector states that “the intrinsic character of Rye is one of architectural variety not uniformity” and his comment that “even the Georgians welcomed innovation and change” is also an interesting statement to remember.
It seems that common sense has prevailed and it’s business as usual at the George Hotel in Rye. This decision must also come as a great relief to many of the Rye businesses and residents who would have been inconvenienced for quite some time, had the owners been instructed to repaint the external elevations.
It does make you wonder if this whole situation could have been avoided: the stress, uncertainty and disruption is difficult to quantify however no doubt the financial costs can be quantified.
However, on point No 3 of the inspectors report it states that: “Applications for costs have been made by The George on High Street Ltd against the decision of Rother District Council. These applications are the subject of separate decisions.”
