Don’t let college‘destroy’ FE Centre

This effectively cures an apparent irregularity in the original planning procedure in 2004, whereby both the public and the statutory consultees were deprived of a clear understanding of what is at stake.

It is now clear that the college, supported by the Rye Partnership, wishes to destroy a significant Victorian building in the centre of the town.

Built around 1897, in substantially the same style as the rest of the Lion Street Board School, the Art Room has been used by generations of artists over the last 50 years, who have appreciated the quality of its light.

The Art Room is of course a Listed Building, protected by law as part of the nation’s heritage. It is also in a Conservation Area.

There might be reasons for its demolition if, for example, it had deteriorated beyond repair, or no alternative viable use could be found for it.

Even so, it would be a legal requirement that whatever replaced it must be shown to make a substantial enhancement to the character of the Conservation Area.

The current application fails all these tests: the building is soundly constructed and weather-tight; moreover, there is an assured life ahead for it, if the Fletcher Theatre proposal proceeds to fruition.

The building is attractive in appearance in its own right and it contributes character to the complex of listed buildings of which it forms part.

There is no way that Rye should allow the destruction of this building

KENNETH BIRD

Chairman Rye Conservation Society