Plans for new housing at the former Freda Gardham school on New Road in Rye will be submitted early in the new year. Rye Town Council's planning committee received a preview of the developer's proposals at their meeting on Monday 10 November.
Martello Developments confirmed it intends to build 52 homes on the land - an increase of four from the proposals announced last year.
To make way for the homes the buildings which currently house Rye Creative Centre will be demolished. The meeting at the town hall also heard plans for a new centre for artists at the Atlas Business Park on Rye Harbour Road.
The new homes will be built on both the site of the old school and the former swimming pool next door. Discussions continue with East Sussex County Council.
They will consist of flats and 2/3/4 and 5 bedroom houses. The exact amount of affordable housing has yet to be decided, however the site has a 30% allocation.
The need to provide cheaper housing in Rye was raised by councillors during the meeting. "It is what we are focussed on," said Councillor Boyd. "Without affordable homes the viability of Rye is in question. We need homes for the young people who work here but are forced to live in Hastings and Ashford and commute here."
Rob Pollard from RX Architects explained that a decision on potential social housing would be made following an independent viability assessment which will be part of the planning process. "We have been in constant contact with Rother District Council planners throughout who have made many suggestions."
The new homes will have no ground floor bedrooms because of the flood risk.
In November last year, Rye News revealed Martello's proposals for 140 new homes on four sites in Rye. The company says it is now prioritising the new homes on the Freda Gardham school site and the new creative centre.
The company's plans for housing on Rye Harbour Road, Rock Channel and Tilling Green were described as "on hold for now" by Alex Cheneviere from Martello.
In October, East Sussex County Council confirmed it is selling the land next to the Tilling Green Community Centre.