Plans to sell off council-owned land at Tilling Green have been given the go ahead by a senior county councillor. On Thursday September 25, Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for resources and climate change, agreed officers could begin the process of marketing the playing fields, next to the community centre, for sale.
The ESCC report says the sale of the land, which would be expected to involve the council breaking the existing lease, could allow homes to be built. The land is listing as a potential site for housing in the Rye Neighbourhood Plan, with at least two organisations expressing interest in developing the site. Twenty homes could be built.
In the report, a council spokesman said: “It is recommended that the site is marketed on the open market to ensure a fair and transparent disposal process. Offers received will be considered by the lead member at a future decision making meeting.”
A consultation into the sell-off plan in April only saw four responses. Two respondents objected to the sale, while the other two respondents were supportive.
Objectors’ concerns included the loss of community space and the impact of additional housing on local infrastructure.
ESCC says it has no intention to dispose of Tilling Green Community Centre.
