HERITAGE STATEMENT

in connection with

ROCK CHANNEL RYE EAST SUSSEX

on behalf of

Martello Developments

Ref: DGC21910 Date of Issue: 8th March 2019 Web: www.dgc-onsultants.com

Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Table of Contents

1.0 Overview and Summary ...... 3

2.0 Heritage Policy and Guidance Summary ...... 3

3.0 Methodology ...... 9

4.0 Statement of Significance ...... 10 5.0 Historic Overview ...... 11

6.0 Significance Assessment ...... 22

7.0 Proposals ...... 40

8.0 Impact ...... 42 9.0 Conclusion ...... 44

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

1.0 Overview and Summary The site is located adjacent to the northern bank where the River Tillingham converges with the River Brede on riverside land at the foot of the low hill upon which the Citadel and the medieval town of Rye is contained.

The site is adjacent to Bridge Point, a new development of five contemporary and architecturally distinct three storey terrace houses with car parking beneath.

On the site a number of warehouses formerly associated with Bournes remain and it is these that are the subject of proposed development to convert into an art gallery and artists workshops, along with the construction of 8no houses, 3no. flats in addition to the demolition of the existing café and replacement with new café with 1no. holiday flat above.

The site has been the subject of a separate archaeological desk-based assessment.

This report considers the heritage value and significance of the surrounding heritage assets, and the impact the proposals will have upon the assets significance, as well as the impact on the character and appearance of the Rye Conservation Area.

2.0 Heritage Policy and Guidance Summary Legislation The primary legislation relating to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas is set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 66(1) reads: “In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a listed building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.” Section 72(1) reads: “Special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area.” The Courts have determined that “preserve” in the context of the Planning Acts, means the minimum requirements of the Act would be met if there is an absence of harm. This statutory requirement relates to designated heritage assets. The NPPF and Historic England’s Good Practice Guide in Planning No. 3 - The Setting of Heritage Assets (Historic England) [GPA3] makes it clear that the setting of a heritage asset in the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced is a material consideration. “The Courts have held that it is legitimate in appropriate circumstances to include within a conservation area the setting of buildings that form the heart of that area (R v Canterbury City Council ex parte David Halford, February 1992; CO/2794/1991) and NPPF paragraph 80, for example, makes it clear that historic towns are regarded as having a setting.”1 And

1 GPA3, ‘The extent of setting’ Box 1, page 2

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

“In primary legislation, the setting of conservation areas is not a statutory duty. However, the NPPF states that the setting of a designated heritage asset can contribute to its significance.”2 Revised National Planning Policy Framework A revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in February 2019 and revoked all past Planning Policy Guidance and Statements and now embodies national policies and objectives. Under the heading ‘Achieving sustainable development’ we are advised in paragraph 8 that “Achieving sustainable development means that the planning system has three overarching objectives, which are interdependent and need to be pursued in mutually supportive ways.” Under an “economic objective” this is defined as: “to help build a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right types is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity; and by identifying and coordinating the provision of infrastructure’’ Under “a social objective” we are advised that this involves: “to support strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by ensuring that a sufficient number and range of homes can be provided to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by fostering a well- designed and safe built environment, with accessible services and open spaces that reflect current and future needs and support communities’ health, social and cultural well-being;” Under “an environmental objective” this is referred to as: “to contribute to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; including making effective use of land, helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.” Although there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, footnote 6 makes it clear that it is not an automatic presumption where designated heritage assets are concerned. Paragraph 124 sets out that “good design is a key aspect of sustainable development” and that planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments: a) will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development; b) are visually attractive as a result of good architecture, layout and appropriate and effective landscaping; c) are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change (such as increased densities); d) establish or maintain a strong sense of place, using the arrangement of streets, spaces, building types and materials to create attractive, welcoming and distinctive places to live, work and visit; encourage the effective use of land by re-using land that has been previously developed (brownfield), provided it is not of high environmental value, conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.

2 GPA3, ‘The extent of setting’ Box 2, page 2

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Chapter 16 relates specifically to ‘Conserving and enhancing the historic environment’ with paragraphs 184 – 202 being relevant to the consideration of proposals affecting heritage assets. Paragraph 189 indicates that: “ …. local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance.”

The definition of a heritage asset as set out in the NPPF Glossary includes: “A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).” Attention is drawn to paragraph 185 which requires, inter alia: “the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets … the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring; the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of place.” Paragraph 192 states that: “When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation (and the more important the asset, the greater the weight should be). This is irrespective of whether any potential harm amounts to substantial harm, total loss or less than substantial harm to its significance.” Paragraph 195 indicates that where a development will lead to substantial harm to (or total loss of significance of) a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or total loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss, or all of the following apply: a) the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and b) no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; and c) conservation by grant-funding or some form of not for profit, charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and d) the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. Paragraph 196 refers to cases that will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm is to be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including where appropriate securing its optimum viable use. Paragraph 197 requires that consideration be given to the impact of development proposals, directly or indirectly on non-designated heritage assets. This would include unlisted buildings in conservation areas. Again, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Paragraph 198 specifically states that LPAs should not permit the loss of the whole or part of a heritage asset without taking all reasonable steps to ensure the new development will proceed after the loss has occurred. It is noted that Paragraph 200 indicates development is not prohibited within the setting of heritage assets where proposals would enhance or better reveal their significance. Proposals that preserve those elements of the setting that make a positive contribution to, or better reveal the significance of the asset are to be treated favourably. The NPPF therefore recognizes the need to clearly identify relative significance at an early stage and then to assess the impact of development proposals in that context. Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) The Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) was published in March 2014 as a companion to the NPPF, replacing a large number of foregoing Circulars and other supplementary guidance. In respect of heritage decision-making, the PPG stresses the importance of determining applications on the basis of significance and explains how the tests of harm and impact within the NPPF are to be interpreted. The PPG also notes the following in relation to the setting of heritage asset: “A thorough assessment of the impact on setting needs to take into account, and be proportionate to, the significance of the heritage asset under consideration and the degree to which proposed changes enhance or detract from that significance and the ability to appreciate it.” (Ref I D: 18a-014-20140306) Historic England Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance 2008 Historic England sets out in this document a logical approach to making decisions and offering guidance about all aspects of the historic environment, including changes affecting significant places. It states that: “New work or alteration to a significant place should normally be acceptable if: a. there is sufficient information comprehensively to understand the impacts of the proposal on the significance of the place; b. the proposal would not materially harm the values of the place, which, where appropriate, would be reinforced or further revealed; c. the proposals aspire to a quality of design and execution which may be valued now and in the future; d. the long-term consequences of the proposals can, from experience, be demonstrated to be benign, or the proposals are designed not to prejudice alternative solutions in the future” (page 59). Historic England Making Changes to Heritage Assets Advice Note 2 (February 2016) This advice note provides information on repair, restoration, addition and alteration works to heritage assets. It advises that: "The main issues to consider in proposals for additions to heritage assets, including new development in conservation areas, aside from NPPF requirements, such as social and economic activity and sustainability, are proportion, height, massing, bulk, use of materials, durability and adaptability, use, enclosure, relationship with adjacent assets and definition of spaces and streets, alignment, active frontages, permeability and treatment of setting." (page 10)

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Historic England Managing Significance in Decision Taking in the Historic Environment Historic Environment Good Practice Advice (GPA) in Planning Note 2 (March 2015) This advice note sets out clear information to assist all relevant stake holders in implementing historic environment policy in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the related guidance given in the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). These include: “assessing the significance of heritage assets, using appropriate expertise, historic environment records, recording and furthering understanding, neglect and unauthorised works, marketing and design and distinctiveness.” (page 1)

Historic England The Setting of Heritage Assets Historic Environment Good Practice Advice (GPA3) in Planning Note 3 (July 2015) This document presents guidance on managing change within the settings of heritage assets, including archaeological remains and historic buildings, sites, areas and landscapes. Bullet point 4 on page 2 of GPA3 states that: “Setting in urban areas, given the potential numbers and proximity of heritage assets, is therefore intimately linked to consideration of townscape and urban design and of the character and appearance of conservation areas. The character of the conservation area, and of the surrounding area, and the cumulative impact of proposed development adjacent, would suggest how much impact on the setting should be taken into account.” Under the heading ‘Views and setting’ we note that the contribution of setting to the significance of a heritage asset is often expressed by reference to views which can be static, dynamic, include a variety of views across or including that asset, and views of the surroundings from or through the asset.3 At the same time it is noted that one does not need to be in direct view of a heritage asset to be within its setting. It does not depend on public rights or the ability to access it.4 GPA3 sets out a stepped approach to assessing setting and the role that it plays in contributing to the significance of a heritage asset/s. This process requires one to have an understanding about the significance of the asset/s in order to be able to determine if harm would arise. It is advised that the following steps are undertaken: ● Step 1 - identify which heritage assets and their settings are affected; ● Step 2 - assess whether, how and to what degree these settings make a contribution to the significance of the heritage asset(s); ● Step 3 - assess the effects of the proposed development, whether beneficial or harmful, on that significance; ● Step 4 - explore the way of maximizing enhancement and avoiding or minimizing harm; ● Step 5 - make and document the decision and monitor outcomes. It is acknowledged that this is not the only method of assessing setting, the role that it plays and if a site falls within that setting. It has however stood the test of time and has been accepted by Inspectors at appeal and public inquiries.

3 Appendix 3: GPA3, ‘Views and setting’ paragraph 5, page 3 4 Appendix 3: GPA3, ‘Setting and the significance of heritage assets’, page 4

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Local Policy Rother Local Plan: Core Strategy 2014. • Policy RY1: Policy Framework for Rye and Rye Harbour

This strategic policy for Rye seeks to encapsulate past, present and future of Rye, including securing of infrastructure, economy and development within a unique historic environment. The policy states:

“Proposals for development and change in Rye should be compatible with and, wherever practicable contribute positively to the following objectives:-

i) to maintain the small market town residential and employment functions together with its character; ii) to protect the unique historic Citadel and its landscape setting, particularly the levels surrounding the Citadel; iii) to maintain and enhance navigation on the River Rother and the viability of the Port of Rye as a harbour; iv) to enhance the commercial and tourism attractiveness of the Citadel and the wider area as far as is compatible with preserving their character and environment; v) to promote economic regeneration, including further job opportunities at the Harbour Road employment area; vi) to maintain a strategic gap between Rock Channel and the industrial development at Harbour Road.”

• Policy EN2: Stewardship of the Historic Built Environment This general development management policy is focuses on the presumption in favour of the heritage asset, and within it scope places important on understanding the special interest of heritage assets, proposing and managing change which does not cause harm to the unique historic environment found generally with the district. The policy states: “Development affecting the historic built environment, including that both statutorily protected and the non- statutorily protected, will be required to: (i) reinforce the special character of the district’s historic settlements, including villages, towns, and suburbs, through siting, scale, form and design; (ii) take opportunities to improve areas of poor visual character or with poor townscape qualities; (iii) preserve, and ensure clear legibility of, locally distinctive vernacular building forms and their settings, features, fabric, and materials, including forms specific to historic building typologies; (iv) make reference to the character analysis in Conservation Area Appraisals, where relevant; (v) reflect current best practice guidance produced by English Heritage and HELM; (vi) ensure appropriate archaeological research and investigation of both above and below-ground archaeology, and retention where required”.

Other Material Considerations Rye possesses a high degree of archaeological interest, the entire citadel area being within an Archaeological Notification Area. A second notification area is contained within the extents of the Martello Tower Scheduled Monument. However, the site falls outside of these areas. A desk-based Archaeological Assessment has been carried out by Chris Butler Archaeological Services Limited which has identified that the site was once located on tidal mudflats at the base of the south cliffs and that reclamation of the mudflats had occurred by 1840. The site being an access route to surroundings buildings, later it became a timber yard.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Between 1971 and 1991 the low-level use of the site changed with the construction of a series of warehouses which are evident today.

3.0 Methodology The aim of this Statement is to assess the value or significance of the identified heritage assets including their settings and to consider the sensitivity of the assets to accommodate change. Beyond the criteria applied for national designation, the concept of value can extend more broadly to include an understanding of the heritage values a building or place may hold for its owners, the local community or other interest groups. These aspects of value do not readily fall into the criteria typically applied for designation and require a broader assessment of how a place may hold significance. In seeking to prompt broader assessments of value, Historic England’s Conservation Principles categorises the potential areas of significance (including and beyond designated assets) under the following headings: Evidential value – ‘derives from the potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity…Physical remains of past human activity are the primary source of evidence about the substance and evolution of places, and of the people and cultures that made them…The ability to understand and interpret the evidence tends to be diminished in proportion to the extent of its removal or replacement.’ 5

Evidential value therefore relates to the physical remains of a building/structure and its setting, including the potential for below ground remains, and what this primary source of evidence can tell us about the past. Aesthetic Value – ‘Aesthetic values can be the result of the conscious design of a place, including artistic endeavor. Equally, they can be the seemingly fortuitous outcome of the way in which a place has evolved and been used over time. Many places combine these two aspects… Aesthetic values tend to be specific to a time cultural context and appreciation of them is not culturally exclusive’.6 Aesthetic value therefore relates to the visual qualities and characteristics of an asset (settlement site or building), long views, legibility of building form, character of elevations, roofscape, materials and fabric, and setting (including public and private views). Historic value – ‘derives from the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present. It tends to be illustrative or associative… Association with a notable family, person, event, or movement gives historical value a particular resonance...The historical value of places depends upon both sound identification and direct experience of fabric or landscape that has survived from the past but is not as easily diminished by change or partial replacement as evidential value. The authenticity of a place indeed often lies in visible evidence of change as a result of people responding to changing circumstances. Historical values are harmed only to the extent that adaptation has obliterated or concealed them, although completeness does tend to strengthen illustrative value’.7 To summarize, it relates to the age and history of the asset, its development over time and the strength of its tie to a particular architectural period, person, place or event. It can also include the layout of a site, the plan form of a building and any features of special interest.

5 Conservation Principles (2008) page 28 6 Conservation Principles (2008) pages 30-31 7 Conservation Principles (2008) pages 28-30

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Communal Value – Commemorative and symbolic values reflect the meanings of a place for those who draw part of their identity from it, or have emotional links to it… Social value is associated with places that people perceive as a source of identity, distinctiveness, social interaction and coherence. Some may be comparatively modest, acquiring communal significance through the passage of time as a result of a collective memory of stories linked to them…They may relate to an activity that is associated with the place, rather than with its physical fabric… Spiritual value is often associated with places sanctified by longstanding veneration or worship, or wild places with few obvious signs of modern life. Their value is generally dependent on the perceived survival of the historic fabric or character of the place, and can be extremely sensitive to modest changes to that character, particularly to the activities that happen there.”8 Communal value therefore relates to the role an asset plays in a historic setting, village, town or landscape context, and what it means to that place or that community. It is also linked to the use of a building, which is perhaps tied to a local industry or its social and/or spiritual connections. Historic England’s Conservation Principles (2008) also considers the contribution made by setting and context to the significance of a heritage asset. Setting is an established concept that relates to the surroundings in which a place is experienced, its local context, embracing present and past relationships to the adjacent landscape.

Context embraces any relationship between a place and other places. It can be, for example, cultural, intellectual, spatial or functional, so any one place can have a multi-layered context. The range of contextual relationships of a place will normally emerge from an understanding of its origins and evolution. Understanding context is particularly relevant to assessing whether a place has greater value for being part of a larger entity, or sharing characteristics with other places” 9 In order to understand the role of setting and context to decision-making, it is important to have an understanding of the origins and evolution of an asset, to the extent that this understanding gives rise to significance in the present. Assessment of these values is not based solely on visual considerations but may lie in a deeper understanding of historic use, ownership, change or other cultural influence – all or any of which may have given rise to current circumstances and may hold a greater or lesser extent of significance. Once the value and significance of an asset has been assessed, the next stage is to determine the ‘magnitude’ of the impact brought about by the development proposals. This impact could be a direct physical impact on the assets itself or an impact on its wider setting, or both. Impact on setting is measured in terms of the effect that the impact has on the significance of the asset itself rather than setting being considered as the asset itself.

4.0 Statement of Significance Significance is considered to be the sum of the cultural and natural heritage values of a place, as defined by its evidential value (the potential of a place to yield evidence about past human activity); historical value (the ways in which past people, events and aspects of life can be connected through a place to the present), aesthetic value (the ways in which people draw sensory and intellectual stimulation from a place) and communal value (the meanings of a place for the people who relate to it, or for whom it figures in their collective experience or memory) (Historic England, formerly English Heritage, Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance 2008).

8 Conservation Principles (2008) pages 31-32 9 Conservation Principles (2008) page 39

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

5.0 Historic Overview Historic Development: The publication Rye Rebuilt, written by David and Barbara Martin catalogues the historical context of Rye and its development from Medieval until the mid 18th century. The introduction identifies: “Rye, located near the eastern end of Sussex on the south coast of England, is a compact town, the historic part of which occupies a small, low hillock with the parish church at its highest point. The island-like site, today somewhat colourfully known by the local residents as ‘The Citadel’, stands adjacent to the southeastern extremity of one of the heavily wooded Wealden ridges, to which in historical times it was linked by a vulnerable, low land link. In most towns the surrounding geographical features can be regarded as fixed points of reference, but the shoreline in the vicinity of Rye has undergone such radical changes that the coast of today provides no guidance to its various forms and alignments during the medieval period”… “only the contours of the upland should be regarded as relatively unchanging”... “The marshes to east, south and west were once tidal estuary — simply referred to in documents of the 17th century and before as ‘the sea’ — whilst St. Mary’s Marsh (the band of low land which separates the town from the hill to the north) has until relatively recent times been liable to periodic flooding by salt water. It is now mostly built over. Today the diminutive River Tillingham skirts to the west of the town, meeting the slightly larger Brede which passes close under the low, c.15-metre (c.45-feet) southern cliffs before converging with the largest of the trio — the Rother — making its way through Walland Marsh to the east of the town, flowing down from the heartland of the Weald.”10

Fig i) Contours superimposed upon base map of then town and its immediate environs as in 1771 (Outline map based upon town plan of 1771)11

The publication identifies that it was the lesser of the three tributaries, the River Tillingham which provided the town its late medieval and Tudor quayside strand to the North West of the site.

The publication identifies that whilst Rye is now two miles inland of the sea, throughout the medieval period the port town of Rye fulfilled a significant role and enjoyed much prosperity as a seaport in the 13th and 14th centuries,

10 Rye Rebuilt Regeneration and Decline within a Sussex Port Town 1350-1660, page 1 David and Barbara Martin 11 Rye Rebuilt Regeneration and Decline within a Sussex Port Town 1350-1660, page 1 David and Barbara Martin

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

albeit in a secondary role to its much larger sister town Winchelsea.

Both towns owed their importance to their shared, protected natural harbor and to their strategic position near the shortest crossing of the English Channel to Normandy.

More than any other feature, it was the ever changing character of the river estuary which most affected the prosperity of the two towns, both of which were forced to make considerable adaptations during periods of rapid change. Three of these periods were pivotal. The first occurred in the second half of the 13th century and resulted in Winchelsea’s forced move to its present site. The second was in the early years of the 16th century when continued silting in Brede channel finally prevented all but the smallest of ships reaching Winchelsea, allowing Rye to usurp that town’s seaborne trade. As a result, Winchelsea collapsed and became near deserted, whilst Rye experienced meteoric growth both in terms of population and prosperity. But Rye’s period of greatness was very short, for within less than a hundred years the problems which befell Winchelsea were visited upon it too, causing the third of the three great changes. During the final decade of the 16th century and throughout the following century Rye was forced to accept the role of a local market town, much reduced in both size and wealth.

From the 11th century onwards shipping in the English Channel increased and a number of small ports grew up, based on fishing and a developing cross-Channel trade. The sister towns of Rye and (Old) Winchelsea were most probably two of these ports, although nothing specific is known of their origins. Even at this early stage the two towns appear to have shared a common harbour, though whereas (Old) Winchelsea occupied an exposed coastal location, Rye’s site appears at this time to have been more protected, perhaps occupying the landward side of the combined Tillingham and Brede river estuary, partly protected from the sea by a shingle barrier.12

The Rye Historic Character Assessment identifies that the old town of Wincheslsea was to bear the brunt of storms that hit the coast from 1236 onward. These storms raged, damaging sea defences, and were attributable to the loss of a quay and part of the adjacent church and finally destruction of old Winchelsea town which took place 1287-1288 when three great storms occurred within 18 months of each other, sweeping away a considerable length of shingle barrier, in the area where Winchelsea had stood, remodeling the River Tillingham and Rother to form a combined outlet to the sea and exposing Rye to the tides previously not experienced.

Whilst considerable change took place during this period to the low lying marshes, mud flats and shingle barrier, the town of Rye, contained upon the low hill it remained largely unaffected by storm damage. During the next century however, serious losses were experienced along its eastern fringe, low lying properties were lost during the first half of the fourteenth century through inundation and erosion including 2 acres belonging to the Austin friars upon which stood five messuages.

the inundation of these low lands allowed the sea to wash against the foot of the cliff on this eastern side of the town. In this respect it cannot be coincidence that in the early 15th century an elevated populated area of the town known as ‘The Ness’ (implying a peninsula) ceases to be mentioned in the town records. Erosion along this side of the hill continued through to the end of the 16th century, and perhaps a little beyond.13

The economy of Medieval Rye was thoroughly reliant on the sea, inland transportation was inhibited by the Wealden landscape of high ridges, although some movement was possible via ridge top highways and along the rivers of Rother and Brede via barge, and the hinterland was agriculturally relatively poor.

12 Rye Rebuilt Regeneration and Decline within a Sussex Port Town 1350-1660, page 1 David and Barbara Martin 13 Rye Rebuilt Regeneration and Decline within a Sussex Port Town 1350-1660, page 1 David and Barbara Martin

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The principal activities were trading, fishing and shipping, both commercial and naval.

Rye was a collection centre for regional commodities shipped to London and for the distribution of goods transferred into the Weald from the capital and elsewhere. Representatives of the Port town regularly attended London markets and participated in a well established coastwise trade, exploiting the Wealds staple resource – bulky low value wood for fuel and timber for construction, we are informed by Martin and Martin. Meat products from the region’s woodland pastures were also of importance, as was initially the salt extracted for the town’s surrounding marshlands all of which were exchanged for cereals and other general goods.

Rye has always been important as a place of shipment and storage of Iron which was mined in abundance locally, probably as early as Roman times. In 1336, as a reflection of its importance, economically and geographically, Rye became a full member of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports, with associated obligations and privileges.

The town’s staple industry was fishing and not all the catch was destined for local consumption. Records show that Rye supplied fish to the Benedictine abbey at Battle and the royal household a trade which continued into the Tudor times. Despite the distance from London a healthy over-land trade in fresh fish developed with the capital.

During the 16th Century, Rye’s harbour was increasingly favoured over neighbouring Winchelsea, and revenues were far higher than the other most proposperous ports within the Port of Chichester.14 Growth of the town was also stimulated by its growing fishing industry and its supply to the English outpost in Calais. By 1565 the town was five times the size of Winchelsea and many of its population who were employed as fishermen or mariners.

the Strand, which had already gained a new quay in 1480, saw further development during the 16th-century boom, with new jetties built in 1551 and 1569, and a new 27.4m-long stone quay in 1571.15

Fig ii) Extract from Rye Rebuilt, Martin and Martin, page 8

Following the success of the harbour in the 16th Century, Rye experienced an economic decline during the 17th Century, with merchantile activities shifting permanently to London and a decline in the fishing industry due to

14 Extensive Urban Survey of Rye by Roland Harris EUS: para 3.3.1 15 Extensive Urban Survey of Rye by Roland Harris EUS: para 4.3.3

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

competition and new trawling techniques and spiralling harbour costs attributable to abortive works to keep the approaches to Rye’s quayside becoming choked up with silt.

Although the Strand expanded westwards between 1666/7 and 1771 approximately to the present river line, this saw the loss of the inner harbour (i.e. outside the main river channel) and loss of rows of shops and workshops in the fishmarket area on its northern side.16

Fig iii) Extract from Martin and Martin Rye Rebuilt

The image on the lhs shows details from Jeakes map of 1667 whilst the rhs depicts the town plan of 1771. The present course of the river denoted in red.

Jeakes map of 1667 denotes Strand as a rectangular piece of land, considerably narrower than today. Further south of the eastern side of Strand, a number of houses are shown built hard under the cliff. The western, seaward side of Strand is delineated by a quay wall, in which steps leading down to the sea bed are shown.

By 1771, rhs image, the Strand had extended further westwards, giving the river its approximate present-day alignment, with a narrow dock extending eastwards, at right angles to the river. At this time the map clearly shows the central part of the row of houses has been demolished.

During the 18th Century, efforts began to improve the harbour at Rye; three acts of Parliament between 1720 and 1723 led to the creation of a harbour board in 1724 and the beginnings of works on a new harbour channel. The new harbour was not completed until 1787, however it was abandoned within three months and renewed efforts began on the original harbour. Between 1799 and 1808 the mouth of the old harbour was recut, and protected by the construction of a pier and wharfs on its eastern side, and following the sluice gates giving way during a spring tide in 1812, the harbour was much improved to the benefit of existing trade.

The widened southern part of the Strand, however, saw new building in the 18th and early 19th centuries in the form of substantial warehouses17

Martin and Martin’s publication informs us that the former waterfront area comprising Strand, Fishmarket and Wishe is the part of Rye which has undergone considerable alteration:

16 Extensive Urban Survey of Rye by Roland Harris EUS: para 4.3.3 17 Extensive Urban Survey of Rye by Roland Harris EUS: para 4.3.3

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Some of the changes are historic, including gradual, but relentless land reclamation, pushing ever further out into the estuary. Others, very recent, include the cutting of the present A259 across the Fishmarket and Strand in the 1960s18

Ship building was also a significant industry to the town and was concentrated in the estuary of the River Rother and Rock Channel. Like the fishing commerce it was subject to phases of boom and depression and influenced by the physical changes in the harbour as well as war, technical developments and trends in the national economy.

An article on Shipbuilding by Rye Castle Museum states19:

In the Middle Ages two factors were immensely favourable to shipbuilding in the Rother estuary, neither of which can be said to be obtained today. The first was the ready supply of timber from the forest of Andredsweald and the second was the navigability of the rivers Rother, Brede and Tillingham.

There is firm evidence of shipbuilding in Rye in the form of a royal order of 1223 which forbade the export of timber because the King (Henry III) was proposing to build ships and galleys. Eight years later Winchelsea (i.e. the old port before being evacuated) was ordered to send a carpenter for the King’s ship at Portsmouth. Between 1237 and 1243 the King’s galleys were lying at Rye and Winchelsea and in the last year seven were laid up in Rye. By this time Rye and Winchelsea had royal dockyards and storehouses which were essential both to meeting the considerable fishing requirements of the royal household and also for supporting overseas trading which extended to the Spanish coast.

When the Hundred Years War with France started in 1337, Rye was building at least four ships which were to form an important part of the Cinque Ports Fleet. They were La Michael (244 tons), La Nicholas (120 tons) La Palmere (60 tons) and La Edmond (60 tons). These square rigged ships with stern-mounted rudders and forecastles and after castles at bow and stern are well depicted on the seals of the Cinque Ports.

By the middle of the 15th. century there were unmistakable signs that the natural advantages which Rye and Winchelsea shipbuilders derived from the forested hinterland and the navigable rivers flowing down from Sedlescombe (on the Brede) and Bodiam (on the Rother) were diminishing. The iron furnaces of the Weald using water power for smelting had been devouring trees so rapidly that timber for shipbuilding was becoming relatively scarce. Rather late in the day there was legislation (in 1558) prohibiting the use of timber in the furnaces. At the same time geo-physical changes were taking place in the Rother estuary which spelt difficulty and even disaster for some shipbuilders.

The practice of ’inning’ which had brought about the closure of the Port of Winchelsea was also affecting navigation in the upper and middle reaches of the Rivers Rother and Tillingham. The consequential adverse effects on shipping interests were further aggravated by the fitting of merchant ships with guns above the bulwark rail. Such ships had to be deep draught to maintain stability and were therefore quite unsuited to the shoals and shallows of Rye Harbour. Nor could it have been easy for Rye shipbuilders to change from clinker planking construction to carvel as became necessary when water-tight gunports had to be cut close to the water line. Men of war now began to be differentiated from merchantmen and with the reign of Henry VIII the era of impressment of ships came.

Taking into account the cumulative effects of siltation through inning, the diminution of local timber resources, the evolution of deep draught men of war and recent appalling outbreaks of the plague, it is not

18 Rye Rebuilt Regeneration and Decline within a Sussex Port Town 1350-1660, pages 29-36 David and Barbara Martin 19 Rye Castle Museum Shipbuilding Rye’s shipbuilding Industry (adapted from an article by John Collard 1998)

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

surprising that the response of Rye to Queen Elizabeth’s urgent request for ships to fight the Spanish Armada in 1588 was meagre. In the event the only contribution made by Rye was a 50 tonner supply ship which was hired and fitted out with the assistance of Tenterden.

Under the Stuart kings and well into the 18th century orders for new ships from Rye were rare but the shipyards would have been occupied servicing the numerous merchantmen colliers and fishing boats which continued to use the port.

A cross-channel passenger service to Dieppe was running in the 17th century and there were river barges on which the famous gun foundries near Battle, Robertsbridge and Seddlescombe depended for the carriage of their heavy cargoes down to Rye for export.

Even in 1700, except for the roadway leading northwards from the Landgate, Rye was still an island relying largely on water transport… In the absence of bridges, three ferries owned by the Rye Corporation had to be maintained to save travellers undergoing circuitous journeys on bad roads.

While the Industrial Revolution was gaining momentum in the latter part of the 18th century in the Midlands and North, the Port of Rye was being held back first by the disastrous attempt to create the New Harbour mouth at Winchelsea Beach and later by the serious threat of an invasion by Napoleon.

An exceptional event was the launching in 1787 of the Salisbury, a 200 ton cutter which was the only sizeable ship to make the passage out of Rye through the shortlived new outlet to the sea. Unfortunately, little seems to have come to light about the builders of the Salisbury or other shipyards at this difficult time.

Nor is it known whether any of the rafts for the floating batteries manned by the Sea Fencibles were built at Rye before being superseded by the Martello Towers.

By the time the threat from Napoleon had finally lifted, the Industrial Revolution was beginning to have a dramatic impact on shipbuilding along the South and East coasts. After centuries of square-riggers and the battleworthy ‘wooden walls’ of the Royal Navy fundamental changes in ship design were taking place. The requirements of commerce boosted by the development of trade with North America were increasingly for fast sailing vessels which could be sailed close to the wind with the benefit of fore-and-aft rigging.

Prominent amongst the early Rye shipbuilders in the new era was the firm of Harvey and Staffell whose yard was situated below the Green Steps at the end of Watchbell Street and well known for its sloops, cutters and schooners. By mid 19th. century the demand for merchant ships had created a boom of which Rye was taking full advantage.

In the wake of Harvey and Staffell came the brothers Henry and James Hoad. They were the first of several generations of a family which achieved widespread fame both as shipbuilders and shipowners.

By mid-century other builders like Hessel and Holmes had won reputations for the design, craftsmanship and sailing qualities of their ships. Models of ships built in Rye may be seen at the East Street museum.

Several ships were owned and traded on behalf of their Rye builders. One such ship was the clipper schooner Marian Zagury built for the fruit trade. The Illustrated London News credited Hessel and Holmes with having built the handsomest vessel ever built in the Port of Rye.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The firm of G & T Smith succeeded J C Hoad and became celebrated for ketch barges. The Rother Iron Works built steam ships in iron and wood near the mouth of Rock Channel. W E Clark built smacks and river barges off the Winchelsea Road.

The clinker-built fishing boats of H J Phillips were made in Rock Channel are to be seen today all along the Sussex coast.

Fig iv) A sketch map showing the shipbuilding yards of Rye.

A sketch map prepared by researchers for the Rye Museum Association shows that these yards and their sail lofts were all situated near or between the Strand Quay and the confluence of Rock Channel with the River Rother.

In 1855 each of three Rye shipyards was given an order for a £7000 mortar boat destined for the Crimea and all three were launched between February and March 1856. Not long afterwards, the shipyards started to receive contracts for the building of lighters which for the next 50 years were needed to carry caissons made from Rye Harbour shingle to build the new outer arms of Dover Harbour.

Between 1882 and 1890 there was a decline in the number and tonnage of vessels entering the Port attributable to the partial blockage of the harbour mouth which in turn had created a crisis in the Harbour finances. It was therefore an act of faith in the future that induced John Symonds Vidler (Chairman of the Harbour Commission) and a number of friends to pay for a small fleet of ketch- rigged barges to keep the Rye-based coasting trade alive.

Each of five ships ordered was built at the yard of G. and T. Smith in Rock Channel and the enterprise proved commercially successful. Some ships had up to 40 shareholders but nobody who retained his shares until the outbreak of war in 1914 suffered any loss.

During the 1914-1918 war shipbuilding in Rye ceased with the exception of two steam drifters built by G. and T. Smith. The same yard was chosen in the 1939-1945 war first for making wooden pontoons to enable magnetic mines to be exploded at a distance and later for building eight 75 foot minesweepers, two of which sailed to Singapore.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

It was not until the dogs of war had been brought under control in 1946 that any revival of traditional shipyard activity could be contemplated. Remarkably enough, one firm — that of H J Phillips, which started business in 1913 at Rock Channel House — managed to survive the 1930s world slump as well as two world wars and was ready to resume its peacetime role of building and repairing boats for fishing, commerce and recreation. Under the management of Derek Phillips, son of Henry Phillips and grandson of H.J. Phillips, this yard continued to thrive.

The continuing problem of the Harbour mouth, the poor quality of berthing facilities and a Harbour management whose dominant priority was land drainage were not factors to encourage new shipbuilders and shipwrights. Defying these disadvantages several small boatyards and chandlers, in addition to Phillips, established themselves in the Rock Channel area to take advantage of the unprecedented post- war growth in amateur sailing.

The popularity of boating and sailing for pleasure in the second half of the 20th century contributed to the bulk of the Harbour’s revenue and provided a variety of maintenance and service work for never less than four small yards. H.J. Phillips, the doyen of the builders, continued (albeit infrequently in recent years) to launch small fishing vessels built in wood using time-honoured methods.

Other yards have endeavoured to take advantage of the plastics revolution but competition from large- scale producers of fibre glass yachts and dinghies in the Solent area precluded a steady flow of orders. One firm, Lochin Marine at the mouth of Rock Channel, successfully built lifeboats for the R.N.L.I. before being taken over for other non-maritime purposes.

Historic Maps

The development of Rye and the changes to the surrounding topography including regression of the sea, can be charted through historic map regression.

Fig. v): Norden and Speed Map, 1616

The Norden and Speed Map of 1616 gives context to the town of Rye and the sea, identifying all the ports within the Hastings Rape, including Rye.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Fig. vi): County map of Sussex by Yeakell and Gardner 1778-1783 Yeakell and Gardner’s map compiled in the last quarter of the 18th century clearly identifies the extent of Rye harbour with low lying salt marshes to the eastern shoreline, whilst the town of Rye occupies the west. Rock Channel can be clearly seen due south of the historic core, often referred to as The Citadel.

Fig. ii: Ordnance Fig Fig vii) Survey 6 Inch Map Sussex XLV. Surveyed 1871. Published 1873-5.

The first Ordnance Survey map compiled almost 100 years later depicts considerable alteration, the harbour much reduced leaving a channel of navigational water, referred to as Rock Channel that served the shipbuilding yards which were prevalent in this area.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Fig. viii) Ordnance Survey 6 Inch Map: Sussex XLV.NE. Revised 1897, Published 1900.

By the turn of the twentieth century, only a navigational channel to the River Rother and its estuary remained, all other land being reclaimed salt marshes.

Fig ix) Ordnance Survey 6 Inch Map: Sussex XLV.NE. Revised 1907-8. Published 1910.

The revised Ordnance Survey published in 1910 saw little discernible change to either Rock Channel or indeed the surrounding area. At this time changes related to expansion of residential development rather than the Shipbuilding Industry located on Rock Channel.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Fig x) Ordnance Survey 6 Inch Map: Sussex XLV.NE. Revised 1927, Published 1929 After the first quarter of the 20th century the Ordnance Survey maps depicted an increase in large substantial buildings associated with the commerce on Rock Channel including warehouse structures, saw mills and windlass in addition to the established iron works located to the North East. These structures remained unaltered until the middle of the 20th century.

Fig xi) Ordnance Survey 6 Inch Map: Sussex XLV.NE. Revised 1940. Published 1948. During the second half of the 20th century further development took place including the construction of the residential properties along Shipyard Lane, re-development of the land to the eastern extent of Rock Channel to form Rock Channel Quay, The Moorings and The Boathouse. It was within this period that the warehouses associated with the proposed development site were erected.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Fig xii) Current OS showing the existing buildings proposed for redevelopment.

New Development Bridge Point

Proposed development site

6.0 Significance Assessment Designated Heritage Assets This section identifies heritage assets which surround the development site. In the case of this application the following designated heritage assets are local to the proposed development and have been identified as they may be affected by the current proposals. The identification of these assets is consistent with ‘Step 1’ of the GPA3 The Setting of Heritage Assets.

Fig xiii) Extract taken from Magic.gov showing the surrounding designated Heritage Assets Key Scheduled Monument

Grade II* Listed Building

Grade II Listed Building

Site

The site has no heritage assets contained within its curtilage however its position directly beneath the south cliff and thus the Citadel has the potential to affect the setting of numerous listed buildings and the designated conservation area. In addition, further heritage assets have been identified to the west and south west of the site including scheduled monument. Using the existing buildings and the newly constructed terrace known as Bridge Point, a visualization survey was undertaken to establish which assets may be affected by the proposals. In each case, the

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments potential to cause impact has been identified as high, medium, low or neglible-nil, and only where the potential has been identified as high or medium has further documented consideration been given. Martello Tower, Winchelsea Road Grade II designated on 12th October 1951 and described as: One of the few Martello Towers in Sussex of which the roof has not been altered by refortification for use in the late war. The tower is numbered 30. Circular tower erected for defence purposes during the invasion scare of 1806. Walls built of brick 5½-6 ft thick covered with a coating of cement (which is now peeling off in places). Eaves cornice of cement. The centre of the roof is flat with a narrow sloping portion round the edge. Doorway 20 ft above the ground. Inside originally a magazine and 2 floors above this. This tower has presumably been adapted for residence at one time as a small sash window has been inserted on the east and west sides and 2 small chimneys above the roof level. The Tower is surrounded by a circular earth rampart. This tower is scheduled as an AM. It is also a Scheduled Monument first designated on the 20 August 1954, last amended 20 July 2001

Martello towers are gun towers constructed to defend the vulnerable south eastern coast of England against the threat of ship-borne invasion by Napoleonic forces. Built as a systematic chain of defence in two phases, between 1805-1810 along the coasts of East Sussex and Kent, and between 1808- 1812 along the coasts of Essex and Suffolk, the design of martello towers was based on a fortified tower at Mortella Point in Corsica which had put up a prolonged resistance to British forces in 1793. The towers take the form of compact, free-standing circular buildings on three levels built of rendered brick. The towers of the south coast were numbered 1-74 from east to west, while those of the east coast were identified by a system of letters (A-Z, and then AA-CC) from south to north. Although they exhibit a marked uniformity of design, minor variations are discernible between the southern and eastern groups and amongst individual towers, due mainly to the practice of entrusting their construction to local sub-contractors. Most southern towers are elliptical in plan, whilst the eastern group are oval or cam-shaped externally, with axes at the base ranging between 14.4m by 13.5m and 16.9m by 17.7m. All are circular internally, the battered (inwardly sloping) walls of varying thicknesses, but with the thickest section invariably facing the seaward side. Most stand to a height of around 10m. Many martello towers are surrounded by dry moats originally encircled by counterscarp banks, and/or have cunettes (narrower water defences) situated at the foot of the tower wall. The ground floor was used for storage, with accommodation for the garrison provided on the first floor, and the main gun platform on the roof. The southern towers carried a single 24 pounder cannon, whilst the eastern line carried three guns (usually a 24 pounder cannon and two shorter guns or howitzers). Three large, circular ten- gun towers known as redoubts were also constructed at particularly vulnerable points, at Dymchurch, Eastbourne and Harwich. All three survive. As the expected Napoleonic invasion attempt did not materialise, the defensive strength of the martello tower system was never tested, and the tower design was soon rendered obsolete by new developments in heavy artillery. Many were abandoned and fell into decay or were demolished during the 19th century, although some continued in use into the 20th century as signalling or coastguard stations and a few saw use as look out points or gun emplacements during the two World Wars. Of the original 74 towers on the south coast, 26 now survive, and of the 29 on the east coast, 17 now survive. Those which survive well and display a diversity of original components are considered to merit protection.

Martello tower no 30 survives well and retains many of its original components and associated features, including much of its glacis bank. Furthermore, it was one of only two towers to have been equipped with a cunette at the foot of the glacis slope; the other was situated at Walton Ferry in Suffolk. The presence of a cunette and the unusual, inland location of the tower provide a significant contribution towards our understanding of the need for variations in the basic design of the towers, and the strategic integrity of the martello tower system.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Details

The monument includes a martello tower, set within a dry moat, and the surviving extent of the outer glacis and encircling cunette, situated around 3km inland, on the south western outskirts of Rye. The tower, which is Listed Grade II, was one of a group of three moated towers, constructed in 1805-6 to guard Rye Harbour and important sluices on the Royal Military Canal and the rivers Brede and Tillingham. The other surviving tower of the group, no 28, is located around 2.5km to the south east, and is the subject of a separate scheduling. The slightly elliptical, brick built tower measures around 13m in diameter externally and stood to a height of about 10m. The upper half of the tower protrudes above the lip of the moat, which encircles the base at a distance of around 10m and was intended to provide further protection against cannon fire and ground assault. The moat has been partly infilled, and the retaining wall is no longer visible, although it is likely to survive as a buried feature. An earthen bank, or glacis, slopes away from the outer edge of the moat for a distance of around 23m, beyond which a wet ditch, or cunette, about 7m in width, encircled the foot of the glacis. The eastern and north eastern section of the glacis and cunette has been levelled during the latter half of the 20th century and four modern houses, with associated gardens, garages and access track have been constructed in its place. The tower was constructed on three levels, with battered (inwardly sloping) walls, designed to deflect cannon shot, ranging from 1.6m to 4m in thickness, the most substantial section being on the eastern side, the direction from which an attack was likely to come. The external face of the tower was originally rendered in a cement mortar to strengthen the outer skin of bricks, and traces of this survive. A thick, central column rises from the basement to the top of the tower, from which springs the barrel vaulted first floor ceiling which supports the gun platform on the roof. Access into the tower was by way of a first floor doorway to the north west, which was approached by a footbridge which spanned the moat. The section nearest the tower was designed as a drawbridge, capable of being raised to seal the entrance. The bridge does not survive and the tower is now entered by a modern ground floor doorway on the north eastern side of the tower. The first floor was originally divided into three rooms by wooden partitions and provided accommodation for the garrison of 24 men and one officer. Two fireplaces heated the rooms, which were lit by two windows to the north east and south west. The ground floor was originally reached by a trap door near the entrance, leading down through a suspended wooden floor. Modern steps now rise to the first floor from the ground floor entrance. The ground floor was used to store ammunition and supplies, and provision for these included a single, vaulted magazine, partly recessed into the thickness of the outer wall. The open gun platform is reached from the first floor by the original internal stone staircase constructed in the thickest part of the tower wall. The circular roof space was designed to accommodate a 24-pounder cannon, which had a range of around 1.5km and could be turned through 360 degrees. The cannon was mounted on a wooden carriage, which was supported on a central pivot and traversed by a series of rope pulleys and iron hauling-rings set into the encircling parapet wall. The roof retains many of its original features including the inner, and part of the outer, iron gun rails. All modern fixtures and fittings on or within the tower, all modern material stored within the moat and all modern fences, sheds, greenhouses and other structures are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath these features is included.

The Martello Tower is located to the south west of the site on the western side of the A259 New Winchelsea Road, accessed from Martello Close. Its setting is largely contained to the north west and south west where low-lying open fields remain which informing upon the historical context of its position within the salt marches as a military structure constructed in response to the threat of Napoleonic invasion. To the east and north east modern development has taken place in its immediate setting severing its connection to historic Rye. Whilst glimpses of far reaching views may be afforded from upper levels of the structure of the development site, the context of urban grain and built form already exists. The development of Bridge Point which are substantially larger buildings vertically, has already established through the planning process to have had no potential impact upon the setting of the Scheduled Monument and as such re-development of the proposed site, retaining the larger warehouse buildings, removing others to provide opportunity for new contemporary buildings that add to the visual interest of the site are considered also to have little to no potential for impact.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Potential view to site Retained historic views Site

Fig xiv) Setting of no.30 Martello Tower Where the potential for impact exists, is it is largely contained at the juxtaposition where the river Tillingham and Brede meet beyond the mud flats. This area currently is open grassland with occasional tree to soften the landscape / roofscape. This area is to be retained as public open space including amphitheatre, soft landscaping and bio-diversity enhancements such as tree planting to soften and screen. The position of the proposed open space will retain the perceived line of sight and as such may offer potential for visual improvement. For the purposes of this report the visualisation scoping exercise has determined that there is no potential for impact upon the setting of the designated heritage asset and Scheduled Monument.

Warehouses or Granaries on the West Side of The Strand and In The Occupation of Stoneham and Company Agricultural Merchants and H R Clothier Agricultural and Marine Engineers and The Garden Centre. The above list description relates to the five warehouse buildings set on the wedge-shaped piece of land on the west of the Strand, which extends from The Deals in the north, with the Strand forming the east and southern boundary and the modern A259 forming the western boundary. The warehouses were added to the statutory list at Grade II on 11th September 1972, as a cohesive group despite being under different ownerships. The list description for the properties surmises the age and architectural character of each building. For the purposes of the report, the below map (figure vi) details the location of the individual warehouses. The number of each warehouse has been inserted into the text for ease of reference.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Key: E Nos 1-5: Strand Warehouses; all Grade II Listed.

A: The Ship Inn; Grade II Listed.

B: The Old Borough Arms: Grade II Listed.

C: Premises on North Corner of the Strand at its Junction with the west side of Wish Ward: Grade II Listed.

D: Warehouse at the North-West Junction of the Strand and the Quay: Grade II Listed.

E: No.15 Wish Ward: Grade II Listed.

Fig xv) Location of Listed Warehouses and adjacent designated heritage assets

The list description entry reads as follows: The oldest are the northern ranges [see No.1 on Fig vi]. These comprise 8 parallel ranges. The west end of these is dated 1823, the remainder may be older. The 3 westernmost ranges are of 2 storeys and built of red brick, tarred on the south side, with a tiled roof in 3 hips. A stone is inscribed "SF 1823". The other 5 ranges are of brick on the ground floor and weatherboarding above, all tarred. The 2 centre ranges are of 4 storeys the 2 upper storeys faced with tarred weatherboarding with 2 gables. Tiled roofs. The next group [See No.2 on Fig vi] is mid C19 the east half dated 1859. 3 storeys, red brick. Eaves cornice, hipped slate roof. 2 round headed windows each on the 1st floor, on the north, south and east sides and 3 loft doors each on the 2nd floor. Over one of the windows on the north front is "Vidler and Sons" 1859. The west half [see No.3 on Fig vi] is similar except that the 1st and 2nd floors are faced with tarred weatherboarding. Curved north-west corner. The next building (west of the Ship Inn) [see No.4 on Fig. vi] is also mid C19. 3 parallel ranges. The north and central ranges are of 2 storeys. Red brick on a cemented base with half-hipped gable ends of tarred weather boarding. The south range is of 3 storeys faced with tarred weatherboarding above the ground floor. Tiled roof. The southernmost building, [see No.5 on Fig vi] formerly a corn mill, is also mid C19. 2 parallel ranges. 3 storeys, 3 windows. Sandstone masonry is heavily eroded. Slate roof.

Premises at corner of The Strand and Wish Ward, The Ship Inn, Warehouses or Granaries and No 15 Wish Ward form a group.

The list description records the architectural character of each warehouse, although there have been some cosmetic alterations to the appearance of the buildings; for example much of the brickwork in Warehouse No.1 has now been painted a dark colour to match the tarred nature of the weatherboard. They are generally of three storeys in height with pitched roofs and constructed of materials and finishes of the local vernacular. They are functional in their architectural character and appearance.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The use of the warehouses has now altered from a semi-industrial and commercial uses to largely commercial premises at ground floor, such as shops and cafes, with the upper floors having been converted to residential.

Potential view to site Fig xvi) Strand Warehouses - Far reaching views into the site The warehouses are located on the eastern side of the A259 which was constructed on reclaimed land between the river Tillingham and the Strand. Whilst the road has negatively impacted the historical connection the warehouses retain their context with the river and each other. Their setting therefore is immediate and near with some afforded glimpses to the historic shipbuilding industry that was located in Rock Channel.

Bridge Point Development Proposed Development Site

Fig xvii) Strand Warehouses – Visual connectivity to the site.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

As such there is potential to impact upon the setting of these designated heritage assets, however the orientation of the existing built form which is to be retained will obscure the form and urban grain of the new elements of development. Again, the new development of Bridge Point has been used as a reference and this can clearly be seen in the far- reaching views from the car park contained within the courtyard of the Strand warehouses. This development is visually distinct in the landscape and as such has resulted in change. That change has been considered to be acceptable and certainly is considered to be high quality design that adds to the local distinctiveness of the area. Some of the existing warehouse will be retained, thus retaining the existing mass and scale which clearly has less visual prominence than the Bridge Point development and where new buildings are proposed these will generally be located to sit comfortably within the environs of the site and thus add to the urban grain and sense of place. It is considered therefore that the scale and form of the proposed development will have a medium potential for impact.

The Ship Inn The Ship Inn is set on the western side of the Strand, within the plot of land dominated by the warehouses (see Fig vi – A). The Ship Inn appears to be a vernacular building, with classical overtones in the form of Doric doorcases and sash windows. The building was added to the statutory list at Grade II on the 11th September 1972. The list description is as follows: Early C19. Now incorporating a former warehouse in the same block. 3 storeys. 3 windows. Ground and 1st floor painted brick. 2nd floor hung with tiles. Hipped tiled roof. Glazing bars intact. Ground and 1st floor windows with cambered head linings. Porch with wooden Doric columns.

Premises at corner of The Strand and Wish Ward, The Ship Inn, Warehouses or Granaries and No 15 Wish Ward form a group. The Ship Inn is set to the north of no. 5 Strand Warehouse and as such contained within the existing urban grain and built form. Its setting is largely confined to its association with the warehouse building of the Strand and the Old Borough Arms, a grade II listed building to the north east. Set at the foot of the south cliff there is a perception of its connection to the historic core of Rye, appreciated from glimpsed views when traversing along Traders passage. It is considered that the proposed development will have no potential to impact upon the setting and thus the significance oft eh designated heritage asset.

The Old Borough Arms The Old Borough Arms is set on the eastern side of the Strand, adjacent to the junction with Mermaid Street and opposite warehouse No.2 (see Fig vi – building B). The building was added to the statutory list at Grade II on the 11th September 1972. The list description is as follows: A private house. An C18 or earlier house built on the Town Wall and approached by 15 steps up from the street. 2 storeys and attic lath one room to the left of the steps in the Town Wall itself and below the level of the ground floor of the house. 3 windows. Ground floor painted brick, weatherboarding above. 2 half-hipped gables. Tiled roof. Venetian shutter to windows. Glazing bars intact. Flat hood to door.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The building’s position affords no direct visual connection between it and the proposed development site at street level or indeed in direct views from Traders Passage. The listed building retains its historic connection to the Strand warehouses and the local vernacular buildings upon the junction of Wish ward, Mermaid Street and the Strand. The openness of the junction affords a perception of rising topography to the built form of Mermaid Street and thus connecting the historic Citadel as well as its context with the low-lying built form attributable to the historic fishing commerce of the town. It is considered that the proposed development will have no potential to impact upon the setting and thus the significance of the designated heritage asset.

Premises On The North Corner Of The Strand At Its Junction With The West Side of Wish Ward These conjoined three storey buildings have a strong architectural character which makes a positive contribution to the street scene. The buildings were added to the statutory list at Grade II on the 11th September 1972. The list description is as follows: C18 or early C19 shop and office. 2 windows. Stuccoed. Slate roof. Glazing bars intact. Contemporary shop fronts and doorway in centre. Doorway has a rectangular fanlight over with semi-circular glazing bars. Another narrow doorway in a frame with a plain rectangular fanlight over, round the corner in Wish Ward. Addition to the west has painted weatherboarding which curves round the south west corner of the building and this addition has a parapet. 1 window. 3 storeys. Double fronted contemporary shop front.

Premises at corner of The Strand and Wish Ward, The Ship Inn, Warehouses or Granaries and No 15 Wish Ward form a group. Like the Borough Arms, the building’s position affords no direct visual connection between it and the proposed development site at street level or indeed in direct views from Traders Passage. The listed building retains its historic connection to the Strand warehouses and the local vernacular buildings upon the junction of Wish ward, Mermaid Street and the Strand. The openness of the junction informs upon the historic low-lying land attributable to the historic fishing commerce of the town. It is considered that the proposed development will have no potential to impact upon the setting and thus the significance of the designated heritage asset.

Warehouse At The North West Junction Of The Strand and the Quay In The Occupation of Hinds Woodyard This building now contains Rye’s Heritage Centre and is contemporaneous in date and architectural style with the warehouses positioned to the south. The building was added to the statutory list on the 11th September 1972. The list description is as follows: Late C18 or early C19. 2 storey warehouse. Some brick work on the ground floor. Above tarred weatherboarding. Half hipped, tiled, roof. A photograph taken at the junction of the A259, the Strand and the Quay identifies the constructed development of Bridge Point that was used as a reference point in the visualisation study. It defines that the setting of the listed building is immediate and near specifically within the context of its association with the river Tillingham and the surrounding warehouse structures. Its functional form, like that of the surrounding buildings informs upon the fishing commerce of the area.

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Bridge Point Development

Fig xviii) Warehouse at the North West junction of the Strand – Visual connectivity to the site.

Whilst far reaching views of the development site are visible on the horizon, it is read as a continuation of the urban grain and as such it is considered that there would be a low potential to impact upon the setting of the designated heritage asset.

No.15 Wish Ward Despite being referred to as No.15 Wish Ward in a number of list descriptions for the adjacent buildings the statutory address for the buildings are stated as Strandgate, No.15 Wish Ward and The Old Stable, No.13 Wish Ward. The building has a strong architectural character and is located in a prominent position at the road junction. It makes a positive contribution to the street scene. The building was added to the statutory list at Grade II on the 11th September 1972. The list description is as follows: C19 building converted into 2 flats. 2 storeys, 6 windows. Painted brick and rendering grooved to imitate masonry. Slate roof. Curved gable end with window onto The Strand. Stone wall in Mint on the line of Town Wall. Graded II as important focal feature and because of its connections with the Town Walls.

No 15 forms part of a group with the premises on the corner of Wish Ward and The Strand. 15 Wish Ward is located on the junction of The Deals, the Strand and Mermaid Street, to the east of Premises on North Corner of the Strand at its Junction with the west side of Wish Ward and to the north west of the Old Borough Arms. The building’s position affords no direct visual connection between it and the proposed development site at street level or indeed in direct views from Traders Passage. The listed building retains its historic connection to the Strand warehouses and the local vernacular buildings upon the junction of Wish ward, Mermaid Street and the Strand. The openness of the junction informs upon the historic low-lying land attributable to the historic fishing commerce of the town. It is considered that the proposed development will have no potential to impact upon the setting and thus the significance of the designated heritage asset.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Willow Tree House Grade II designated on 12th October 1951 and described as: C18 farmhouse. 2 parallel wings with half hipped gables. 2 storeys. 2 windows. Ground floor sandstone and red brick, above hung with tiles. Tiled roof slightly mansarded. 2 dormers. Glazing bars intact. Early C19 bay window with pointed canopy on the east side. Also porch with Doric columns and flat entablature. 6-panel moulded door, the top 2 panels cut away and glazed. 2 doorways on the south side bricked up. Willow Tree House is located to the west of the site on the western side of the A259 New Winchelsea Road, directly opposite the new development known as Bridge Point. The construction of the approved Bridge Point scheme has severed any views afforded from Willow Tree House of the site. Whilst it retains a relatively large plot size its setting is urban with only limited far reaching views to the historic town of Rye, the Citadel, sited on the top of the low hill and the apex of the convergence of the rivers Tillingham and Brede.

Potential view to site Site

Fig xiv) Extract from Google Earth identifying the potential views towards the development site. As such it is considered that its setting is largely contained within its curtilage and those preserved views and vistas to connect its historic context to the Citadel and the river bank.

Fig xx) View taken looking east from Willow Tree House

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The views to the east have been truncated by the new development of Bridge Point which is orientated in such a way as to screen the proposed development site from the extent of the plot associated with Willow Tree House. As such, it is considered that there will be no potential for impact upon the setting of the listed building.

Greencliff The Old Hope Anchor Private Hotel (Formerly No 15 Hope Anchor Hotel) Grade II designated on 8th August 1968, last amendment 11 September 1972 and described as: C15 refronted in C18. No 16 circa 1830. The Old Hope Anchor early C17 refronted in C18 and altered in modern times. 2 storeys and attic. Nos 15 and 16 have 1 window (and 1 dormer), each. The end house has 2 windows and 1 dormer. Tiled roofs. No 15 has been refronted with cement grooved to imitate masonry and has a bay built out on both storeys with the glazing bars missing It has an early C19 trellised wooden porch with pointed canopy surmounted by a cap. No l6 is of painted brick with a bay on the ground floor only and flat hood to door. The end house is of red brick and grey headers on the ground floor and tiles above, with moulded wooden cornice between, giving the lower edge of the tiles a slight angle. Glazing bars intact.

Nos 6 to 16 (consec) The Studio Chambers, and The Old Hope Anchor Private Hotel form a group. The Old Hope Anchor hotel is located at the top of the south cliffs and Traders Passage, a listed cobbled street, it opens out at the junction with Watchbell Street to from an important vantage point affording views to the south across the low-lying area of Rock Channel, the historic shipbuilding site of Rye and all associated buildings now retained. The views are direct with no impediments and it is from this point that the extent of the site can be appreciated. Whilst direct views are not obtainable from the designated heritage asset, picture built up in one’s mind is carried with you as you explore the immediate vicinity and take advantage of the viewing platform.

Fig xxi) Google Earth image which illustrate the direct view to the development site. Potential view to site Site

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Using Bridge Point as a reference the visualisation study concluded that whilst there is a high potential for impact upon the setting of the listed building, the area can accommodate change, as demonstrated by the recently built contemporary three storey terrace houses which are visually prominent within the views and vistas from this vantage point. The proposed redevelopment of existing warehouses will not affect the mass and form of the retained buildings and where new development is proposed it will be of a similar scale and thus retain a subordinate composition to Bridge Point and the context of functionality and local distinctiveness which informs upon the historic commerce of the area.

Fig xxii) & xxiii) View across Rock Channel from the viewing platform at the junction of Traders Passage and Watchbell Street. 18 Watchbell Street Grade II designated on 8th August 1968 and described as: C18. 2 storeys and attic. 2 windows. Red brick entirely renewed. Parapet. Tiled roof. Large modern dormer. Windows with cambered head linings. Glazing bars intact. Doorway in frame with flat hood over supported on brackets. A modern porch has been built over this with wooden sides and a tiled roof. Large modern extension to the west.

Nos 18 to 21 (consec) form a group. Whilst it was not possible as part of the visualisation scoping exercise, to obtain photographic images of the views to the south from the building, its elevated position affords far reaching views of Rock Channel and the proposed development site. Therefore, it is considered that there is a high potential to impact upon the setting of the listed building. As established above using Bridge Point as a reference, it has been demonstrated through the planning process that change can be accommodated within this area so long as it is of high-quality design and retains the context of urban grain and functionality to inform upon the historic context of the area.

19 Watchbell Street Grade II designated on 12th October 1951 and described as: A C16 timber-framed house, the lst floor studded, the ground floor under built in brick. Modern tiled mansarded roof and dormer. 2 3-light casement windows on the 1st floor. Ground floor window modern. Door modern but with old hood over it. Nos 18 to 21 (consec) form a group.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Whilst it was not possible as part of the visualisation scoping exercise, to obtain photographic images of the views to the south from the building, its elevated position affords far reaching views of Rock Channel and the proposed development site. Therefore, it is considered that there is a high potential to impact upon the setting of the listed building. As established above using Bridge Point as a reference, it has been demonstrated through the planning process that change can be accommodated within this area so long as it is of high-quality design and retains the context of urban grain and functionality to inform upon the historic context of the area.

20, 20A & 21 Watchbell Street Grade II designated on 12th October 1951 and described as: Early C17 houses with 1st floor over hanging on a curved bracket between Nos 20A and 21. Refronted in tile C18. 2 storeys and attic. Nos 20 and 21 have 2 windows, no 20A 1 window. Stuccoed, ground floor grooved in imitation of masonry. Parapet. Tiled roof, 1 dormer each. Sash windows. Glazing bars intact. Each house has 1 large bay window on the ground floor. The doorways have narrow rectangular fanlights with vertical divisions. That at No 20 has also fluted pilasters and small flat hood over the doorway and under the overhang of the 1st floor.

Nos 18 to 21 (consec) form a group. Whilst it was not possible as part of the visualisation scoping exercise, to obtain photographic images of the views to the south from the properties, their elevated position affords far reaching views of Rock Channel and the proposed development site. Therefore, it is considered that there is a high potential to impact upon the setting of the listed building. As established above using Bridge Point as a reference, it has been demonstrated through the planning process that change can be accommodated within this area so long as it is of high-quality design and retains the context of urban grain and functionality to inform upon the historic context of the area.

Roman Catholic Church of St Anthony of Padua, Watchbell Street Grade II designated on 22nd February 2010 and described as: GV II Roman Catholic church, built in 1927-9, designed JB Mendham for the Franciscan Order of Friars in Romanesque manner. The friary is not included in the listing. MATERIALS: brown brick, the entrance front and rear smooth rendered, stone and tile dressings, pantiled roofs, copper-clad apse roof.

PLAN: a five-bay aisled nave entered under a three-bay loggia. To the south is a tall campanile. An octagonal tower with an octagonal tile roof sits over the chancel; leading off an apsidal sanctuary are narrow north and south bays in the form of a Greek cross. At the rear are vestries overlooking terraced gardens.

EXTERIOR: the entrance is set behind a three-bay loggia supported on stone shafts with enriched cushion capitals. To each side are tile-hung buttress piers. The entrance has a moulded architrave beneath a swan- necked pediment above which is a small niche; it is flanked by round-headed windows. Set above it is a large round-arched west window in a stone architrave with moulded shafts, under a flush tile arch and flanked by a Lombardic frieze. To each side is a narrow vertical light, above is an encircled cross. The eaves are of moulded brick and tile. The foundation stone is inscribed 'AMDG Oct 11th 1927'. To the south is a tall campanile, square on plan and also in brick, with a rendered bell stage with brick- lined openings with tile keys. Side elevations have pantiled aisles which have round-arched windows. Clerestorey windows

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

are rectangular with paired round-headed lights; above, but detached, are alternating shallow triangular and segmental pediments. The tower has a small round-headed window in each face and an octagonal slightly splayed roof surmounted by a cross. Short, gabled north and south arms have triple round-headed windows. The east end has a hemispherical copper clad apse, and below it are flat roofed vestries which have replaced windows.

INTERIOR: interior wall surfaces are smooth rendered, highlighting the richer fittings. The nave arcade is of plain round arches supported on stone or stone composite shafts with carved and incised capitals each with the Tau cross, the symbol used by St Francis in his writings. Cornices are moulded, and aisle roofs are boarded over rafters. The nave roof has arch-braced trusses with a plain king post and struts and cusped principal rafters supported on slender wall posts resting on stone corbels, and exposed square cut purlins over horizontal boarding. At the west end is a timber choir and organ gallery over a pair of doors leading to a porch which has pointed arched doorways to north and south and a small niche. At the eastern end of the aisles are side chapels, to the south a Lady Chapel and to the north dedicated to St Anthony. Each has a timber altar with a beaten copper front panel or shield, Over the sanctuary is an octagonal dome, lined horizontally in timber, supported on a smooth-sided octagonal drum with a small round arched window on each face. Each side of the sanctuary, tall round arches, supported on stone shafts with rectangular capitals and bases, lead to shallow bays lit by three-light windows.

The altar rails, altar and pulpit are of veined marble, the altar enhanced by flush panels of deep red marble. Behind the altar which is now detached and set forward on a plinth is an ornate aedicular canopy on twisted shafts, and in front of it the tabernacle which has beaten gilded doors. The altar rails have brass gates with filigree panels. Above is a Byzantine rood cross donated by Radclyffe Hall, author of the controversial novel 'The Well of Loneliness' (1928) and former resident of Rye. The font is a hemispherical bowl set on enriched pink marble shafts. Internal doors are of stained pine, some with small upper glazed panels with rectangular leaded lights.

Stained glass includes two windows of St Anthony and St Michael which were brought from the previous church. Triple sanctuary windows are dedicated to English martyrs and Franciscan saints. The nave is lined in Stations of the Cross. At the west end is a war memorial in the form of a Calvary.

HISTORY The Roman Catholic church of St Anthony of Padua, Rye was built in 1927-9 by JB Mendham to replace the church of St Walburga which had been built in 1900 when the Roman Catholic parish was restored. Early in the C20 Fr Bonaventure Scebberas OFM Conv arrived from Malta to restore the Franciscan community in Britain, first by working in Rye in 1906. By 1910 the parish church had passed into the care of the Franciscans and by 1926 was too small for both the congregation and the friars. The dedication to the church changed when the new church was built, as St Walburga was not associated with the Franciscan Order. It closely emulates Byzantine and early Christian Romanesque models.

John Bernard Mendham (1888-1951) was born in St Leonards on Sea but was brought up in Buenos Aires where his father worked as an engineer and where he became familiar with Spanish colonial architecture. He was surveyor and architect to the Bournville Village Trust before World War I and worked in private practice in London from 1922 to 1939. Towards the end of his career he worked on Coventry Cathedral. He built a number of churches in Sussex including the Roman Catholic church at Burgess Hill (1939). His drawings for St Anthony of Padua show his intentions for the church from all angles in an inter-war interpretation.

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SUBSIDIARY FEATURES Attached to the church is a two storey friary house also by Mendham, which is excluded from the listing but is historically associated with the church.

SOURCES: The Catholic Church of St Anthony of Padua, Rye (church guide) 1907-2007 Centenary of the return of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual to Greyfriars to Great Britain and Ireland, (2007) D R Elleray, Sussex Places of Worship, (2004) Teresa Sladen and Nicholas Antrim, Architectural and Historic Review of Churches in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Arundel,(2005)

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The Church of St Anthony of Padua, built in 1927-9 by J B Mendham for the Franciscan Order is listed for the following principal reasons: * Architectural interest: St Anthony of Padua is an unusual Romanesque inter-war church, closely emulating early Christian and Byzantine models, reflecting its dedication * Composition: good arrangement of contrasting simple forms and rich fittings, made of high-quality materials * Completeness: intact fixtures and fittings some reflecting the wide outreach of the Franciscan order * Historical Interest: early association of Rye with the restoration of the Franciscan order in Britain from 1906

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Register. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 30 October 2017. Whilst it was not possible to as part of the visualisation scoping exercise to obtain photographic images of the views to the south west from the building, its elevated position affords far reaching views of Rock Channel and the proposed development site. Therefore, it is considered that there is a high potential to impact upon the setting of the listed building. As established above using Bridge Point as a reference, it has been demonstrated through the planning process that change can be accommodated within this area so long as it is of high-quality design and retains the context of urban grain and functionality to inform upon the historic context of the area.

Rye Conservation Area Rye Conservation Area was first designated in 1968 and subsequently expanded in 1974 to include additional areas of the town at Bridge Place and Military Road. The Conservation Area Appraisal of Rye, adopted 26th November 2006 including Article 4(2) Direction which was confirmed by the Council 2nd July 2007 states: The historic core of the town extends from Strand Quay and South Undercliff to the South, to include Town Salts and Middle Salts to the East, the Landgate to the North, and Cinque Ports Street, parallel with, and just outside of, the line of the old town wall, to the Northwest. This core forms the present extent of the designated Conservation Area.

An important part of the character of the town is the mixture of uses which has developed in close proximity to one another, as a function of the physical constraints of the town. The southern part of the Citadel, that is south of High Street, is in mainly residential use, while the buildings on both sides of High Street and part of the Mint are used as shops and business premises as well as residential. This mix of uses also occurs in Cinque Ports Street and Landgate. North of Cinque Ports Street, outside the present Conservation Area boundary there is an area of residential property up to the railway, as well as the vibrant market area. West of the Citadel at Strand Quay, there is a fine group of warehouses in mixed use. On the eastern side of the town are the low-lying Middle Salts and Town Salts which are recreation grounds and public open spaces,

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while the ‘ring road’ which drops south alongside the Salts, and then west along South Undercliff, a mainly residential street, protects the Citadel from through traffic.20

The document recognises the contribution that the topography of the area makes to the town and thus the setting of the Conservation Area: The visual appearance of the town of Rye is almost entirely a function of its unique geographical and geological situation. Positioned atop a rocky sandstone outcrop, the historic core of the town, generally known as the Citadel and defined by cliffs and remnants of the town wall, overlooks the flat level marshland that surrounds it to the north-east, east and south. Consequently the town possesses a distinctive outline in silhouette and is a focal point for many miles around, particularly from the neighbouring settlement of Winchelsea, and the low-lying areas of Romney Marsh and Rye Harbour.

In medieval times on the highest tides Rye became an island, an almost ‘moated’ medieval site. In spite of the recession of the sea, through drainage of the surrounding salt marshes to provide additional agricultural land, it still presents the appearance of an island rising on cliffs above the low-lying country. From some view points, this characteristic is modified to the appearance of a peninsular where it looks as though it projects from a ‘mainland’ on its northern side.21

Under paragraph 3.1, Setting of the town the appraisal describes the openness and exposed character of the surrounding low-lying ground and how it contributes to the setting of the ancient hilltop town of Rye but also the sense of place, particularly when viewed from the south east and southwest. The report also identifies the importance of the tidal rivers and the estuary all of which contribute to the maritime character of the town. The paragraph concludes: The town’s topographical and landscape setting is a fundamental part of its architectural and historic character. Its distinctive form and strong silhouette, sitting as a tight-packed mound of ancient buildings topped by the short pointed spire of St Mary’s Church, is in striking and absolute contrast to the dead flat marshland that surrounds it.22

The proposed development site lies outside the conservation area, within the locality known as Rock Channel, located on the northern bank of the converged rivers Tillingham and Brede where historically the shipbuilding industry of the town was located. Set beneath the south cliff upon which the historic core of Rye resides, the Citadel provides the elevated backdrop in the far reaching views from the south, looking into the Conservation Area and from the southern extent of the designated heritage asset at the juxta-position of Traders Passage and Watchbell Street the views looking outwards across the low-lying grounds that historically were reclaimed from the sea.

The historic core of the town extends from Strand Quay and South Undercliff to the South, to include Town Salts and Middle Salts to the East, the Landgate to the North, and Cinque Ports Street, parallel with, and just outside of, the line of the old town wall, to the Northwest. This core forms the present extent of the designated Conservation Area.

The conservation area is dominated by the Citadel; constricted by strong boundaries of the town walls to the north and west, and high cliffs and unstable salt marshes to the south and east, the development of the town until the 19th Century has been restricted to the raised rocky outcrop. This has resulted in a compact historic

20 Rother District Council + Design Advice Conservation Area Appraisal: Rye, page 5 21 Rother District Council + Design Advice Conservation Area Appraisal: Rye, page 10 22 Rother District Council + Design Advice Conservation Area Appraisal: Rye, page 10

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built core which retains its tight, winding medieval street patterns and burgage plots, and a high proportion of medieval timber framed or stone buildings.

The Rye Conservation Area Character Appraisal notes the importance of the open vistas at the southern end of Watchbell Street

The eye is drawn down Watchbell Street by virtue of the natural vista of the open view at the far end, and the gentle slope of the cobbled street down towards this.

At the end of the street is a paved open space from which one can appreciate the panoramic view which opens out here of the Brede Valley. In the distance the view includes Camber Castle and the nearby settlement of Winchelsea on its hill, while in the foreground, Strand Quay and the lower end of Mermaid Street are overlooked, although this view is compromised by the overgrown vegetation in the foreground. 23

Fig xxiv) View of development site from the paved open space at the convergence of Traders Passage and Watchbell Street.

The appraisal defines Rock Channel and the associated South Undercliffe as a separate character area embodying a more gritty and industrial character than the medieval Citadel, comprising nineteenth and twentieth century warehousing in active use, and a long, wall-like strip of Victorian terrace housing on the southern side of the road, which, together with the towering cliff on the northern side, provides for a tunnel-like effect on travelling along the road. On the northern side, a few scattered buildings are built off the cliff, and elsewhere the exposed weather-beaten surfaces of the rock upon which the Citadel was built can be seen. The character of the road is marred by the heavy traffic flow, creating an inhospitable pedestrian environment. To the south of the terrace houses is a mixture of open land and allotments, while a further strip of light industry, together with workshops, wharfs and moorings for fishing boats, and more residential, adjoins the Channel, a mixture of uses with cultural and historical significance in the development of the town of Rye. Physically, like The Salts to the east, this area is cut off from the Citadel as a result of the town’s distinctive topography, and is most closely linked to the Strand Quay area to the west. The absence of substantial architectural character on this site itself means that it is not included within the Conservation Area. Rather, the area’s particular special interest is the open foreground to the town when

23 Rother District Council + Design Advice Conservation Area Appraisal: Rye, page 16

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seen from the south across Rock Channel that it presents, and the stark setting it provides for the Citadel. The area provides a key and distinctive physical contrast between the sharp cliff face with the town atop, and the low-lying reclaimed land to the southeast. There are few buildings of special note in this area, and those structures on the site are characteristically low-lying, of simple shack form, and sporadic in their siting. This allows for good visual relief and physical distinction of the ancient Citadel, and of the cliffs on which it is built, in long views towards the town.24

In paragraph 4.2 the report acknowledges the opportunities for redevelopment of the land adjacent to Rock Channel. It sets out the importance of the site in the “historic and visual legibility of the town; it forms a key part of the setting of the Citadel, and is particularly prominent in the distinctive long views to and on approach from the south and east” and the need for new development to preserve or enhance the setting of the Conservation Area, formulating a coherent plan including riverside walk linking Strand Quay and the Fishmarket site whilst providing a mix of commercial uses that compliment the town’s tourism and marine functions, and residential use.

The new development of Bridge Point, which has been used as a reference in the visualisation study demonstrates how redevelopment and renewal within this locality can retains the historic context and legibility of the town as well as creating visual interest without becoming dominant in the far-reaching views from the south west and in particular the south east. As defined in Rother District Council’s appraisal, whilst there is a high potential for impact upon the setting of the conservation area, the area can accommodate change.

Fig xxv) Warehouse at the North West junction of the Strand – Visual connectivity to the site. The proposed redevelopment of existing warehouses will not affect the mass and form of the retained buildings and where new development is proposed it will be of a similar scale and the existing structures on the site and thus retain a subordinate composition to Bridge Point.

Fig xxvi) Warehouse at the North West junction of the Strand – Visual connectivity to the site.

24 Rother District Council + Design Advice Conservation Area Appraisal: Rye, page 24

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The re-use of 20th century warehouses and the considered contemporary design of the proposed new build retains the context of functionality and local distinctiveness which informs upon the historic commerce of the area.

7.0 Proposals The proposed development comprises conversion of the existing warehouses into a creative art centre encompassing art gallery, artists workshops with 2no live work units and performance rehearsal space; demolition and replacement of the existing café with new café incorporating a private dining area and separate holiday let at first floor level and a new build construction of 8 no. houses. The development looks to extend the riverside walk along the bank of the river, connecting Strand Quay and Fishmarket Square in accordance with the recommendations set out in Rye Conservation Area appraisal in addition to providing a public open green space incorporating a modern designed amphitheatre, areas of tree planting and enriched grass planting areas to enhance the bio-diversity of the site. The existing warehouses to be retained will be renovated with new pitched roofs that portray a contemporary form inspired by sails on traditional schooners, attributable to the historic industry of the area and reconfigured facades that incorporate balconies to the mezzanine level at first floor serving the 3no live/work units, new fenestration and central communal glazed link element providing connectivity between the two warehouses. New build areas such as the link and periphery elements on the eastern warehouse will be flat using a combination of glass and grass roofs that will visually contrast with the metal coverings and enrich the palette of colours defined by the chosen materials that reflect the commercial industry of the site.

Fig xxvii) Illustration of renovated Warehouses with modern link The new development comprises a terrace of 3no three storey two-bedroomed Mews houses, with garaging, and associated functional space to the ground floor, living to the first floor and private sleeping areas plus balcony to the second floor. Situated at the eastern extremities of the site adjacent to the renovated warehouses, they have been designed with sedum flat roofs that will soften the extent of built form when viewed from vantage points within the Citadel and continue the design theme of the periphery roofs on the easternmost warehouse.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

To the south west of the terrace on the southern side of the reinstated road, a new development of 5no. three storey residential properties combining asymmetric pitched roofs with flat elements to provide visual interest and local distinctiveness to the row. The residential accommodation is contained within the upper levels, whilst the ground floor contains functional / utility use such as garaging and store as it is contained within the flood risk zone. The design is again contemporary, ensuring coherency to the built development at Bridge Point, whilst delivering a distinct architectural form that provides visual relief, shadowing and strategic gaps between the houses at the upper levels affording intervisibility through the development and glimpses of the openness of the low-lying countryside beyond, all of which contribute to the local distinctiveness and architectural character of the area. The replacement Riverside restaurant comprises two linked, two storey buildings, again contemporary in design with zinc covered pitched roofs, large plate glass windows and vertical timber boarding at first floor level, which compliments the built development of Bridge Point whilst retaining an industrial / functional appearance that gives reference to the historic context of the area. The restaurant encompasses the ground floor of both buildings and first floor private dining in one of the buildings only, the first floor of the second building providing a holiday let overlooking the river Tillingham and riverside walk. The restaurant is located to the north of Bridge Point on the former site of the existing cafe and will form the entrance to the Riverside walk and public open space.

Fig xxviii) Illustration of proposed restaurant An integral element to the design is the reinstatement of the former road, set back from the bank of the river to facilitate a large central open space at the juxtaposition where the rivers Tillingham and Brede converge. The open space integrates a pedestrian ‘riverside’ walk, connecting to the existing section already built as part of the Bridge Point development following the river bank to the full extent of the site enabling a safe and enjoyable passage for pedestrians connecting Strad Quay and Fishmarket street as set out in the objectives of the Conservation Area Management plan. The public open space offers amphitheatre, external exhibition areas, outside eating & communal space and planting to enhance the enjoyment of the area and improve the bio-diversity of the site.

Fig xxiv) 3D Illustration of proposed development incorporating the constructed Bridge Point.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

8.0 Impact The site is currently redundant and whilst the buildings offer a substantial floor space the overall impression is of low-grade modern structures surrounded by a large expanse of hardstanding that visually detract and provide no sense of place or local distinctiveness. The only contrasting landscape is the grassed area of the northern bank. The area as illustrated in Rye’s Conservation Area appraisal is an important element, sitting at the foot of the rocky outcrop on which the historic core of Rye is contained. It is prominent and an integral part of the setting of the Conservation Area in the long and far reaching views to the south west and particularly the south east along Harbour Road. The topography of the low-lying land with the backdrop of the south cliff behind, affords an opportunity for redevelopment that if sensitively designed will enhance these views without obscuring the vistas of the Citadel above. The proposed development has been designed as a coherent and comprehensive scheme that pays homage to the social and historic importance of the site as well as defining a design approach that gives due regard to the recently constructed development at Bridge Point which was ruminated to represent the considered approach for the future development of Rock Channel and along the banks of the Tillingham thereby creating its own sense of place and local distinctiveness. As part of the assessment of significance a visualisation scooping exercise was carried out using the constructed Bridge Point development as a reference point. Key vistas, particularly those far reaching views to the south and vantage points within the Citadel were identified within which the proposed development site would be visible. The assessment recognised important existing vistas that should not be impeded by the development to ensure the setting of the designated heritage assets were not harmed in accordance with Section 16 of the NPPF. The main views out of the Citadel towards the site were experienced from the vantage point where Traders Passage and Watchbell Street meet and where the extent of low-lying land could be fully appreciated. The mass and scale of the development was considered in terms of the existing buildings on the site and the newly developed Bridge Point, the latter appearing demonstrably higher than the height of the buildings proposed. The retained warehouse although renovated with a new roof configuration, would still afford the appreciation of the topography and important far reaching views towards Camber Castle and Winchelsea.

Fig xxiv) Site as seen in views from vantage point Watchbell Street / Traders Passage The new development, an eclectic mix of roof forms and heights again express a subordinate scale to that represented by the Bridge Point development, which due to the position of the terrace would frame the western periphery of the vista, whilst the strategic gaps between the built form and in particular the upper floors of the row of five terrace houses that would sit directly south beyond the existing warehouses would afford greater intervisibility of Rock Channel. The visualisation study determined that the primary far reaching views were from the river Brede lock gate, and along harbour road.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Fig xxv) Site as seen in views from vantage point Brede Lock gate Again, the development of Bridge Point and the existing warehouse buildings within the site were used as reference points. From the Brede lock gate, the distinctive architectural form of Bridge Point is clearly distinguishable in the key views at the western extremities, whilst the existing warehouses being subservient in scale are almost indiscernible from the rocky outcrop upon which the Citadel is situated. It will be from this viewpoint that the design intent of the public open space will be best appreciated at the convergence of the rivers Tillingham and Brede, framed to the west by the Bridge Point development and to the east the proposed 5no. Riverside houses that form part of this development. The elevated position of the buildings within the Citadel will remain unaffected by the proposed development and will continue to provide visual relief and contrast to the skyline. Further along Harbour Road two principal viewpoints realised were: i) East of the lock gate at the emergence of the bend

Bridge Point Development

Fig xxvi) Bridge Point as seen in views from vantage point along Harbour Road Again, the distinctive form of Bridge point Development with its zinc roof and timber clad gables is clearly discernible, with the elevated Citadel rising above the skyline interjected only by the masts of the moored sailing boats. ii) From an elevated position at the top of the steps to the jetty wall to the Brede Moorings adjacent to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

Bridge Point Development

Fig xxvii) Bridge Point as seen in views from vantage point along Harbour Road from top of steps From this point the steeply pitched gables of Bridge Point are less discernible, in contrast the bold colour of the Rye Auction Galleries building and the adjoining terrace of 5no. residential properties with white painted gables afford greater prominence and whilst there is still a distinction between these and the vernacular buildings of the Citadel, it is far more subtle. From the visualisation analysis it is very clear that there is an eclectic mix of buildings types that rather than blend and evolve as one, create separate and individual character areas. Where the design has engaged with its surroundings successfully, it has created areas of local distinctiveness and sense of place. This is not a modern interjection into the urban grain and development of Rye as numerous historic examples remain such as Strand Warehouse, Rock Channel, Fishmaket Square and the Citadel. All provide a unique architectural form and character visually distinct from one which informs upon the land use of the area, both past and present and create a vibrant arrangement of architectural forms and styles whose materials and finishes contribute to a rich palette of colour.

9.0 Conclusion The NPPF does not prohibit development within the setting of heritage assets. It encourages LPAs to look for opportunities for new development within the setting of heritage assets to enhance or better reveal their significance. Where this occurs and the positive elements of setting is preserved, and where, development makes a positive contribution to significance, local character and distinctiveness, it should be treated favourably.

In many cases the development of the area has been driven by influences from natural forces - the relocation of the harbour mouth, maritime activities and the arrival of the railway, not forgetting the defensive wartime role.

The resulting historic townscape has created visual interest in this particular location with the elevated position of the Citadel above the surrounding low-lying land and the convergence of the rivers Tillingham and Brede. Over time, the role of the Rock Channel has changed, affected largely by the rivers and the silting up of the harbour and later by the economy which is reflected in the nature and appearance of the warehouse type buildings evident today and of their time.

In this case, it is considered that the setting of the identified heritage assets can accommodate change and there is the potential for a new modern development to create a new character and distinctiveness, reflecting the maritime and riverside identity of the area.

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Heritage and Significance Statement: Rock Channel, Rye, East Sussex On behalf of Martello Developments

The proposed development is of high-quality design which has considered and made reference to Bridge Point, which when approved was deemed to embody the requirements of Rother District Council’s design brief for Rock Channel creating an individual area of local distinctives that will contribute to the eclectic mix of architectural form, style and palette of colour. The proposed design makes reference to the historic use of the land and its maritime connection by way of a modern contemporary, but functional approach, renovating and re-using existing warehouses and embodying the same design concept in the new build elements to provide a coherent scheme whilst providing opportunity for greater public connectivity by way of a large public open space with amphitheatre, external exhibition space, communal and eating areas in addition to the extension of the riverside walk, which will allow a safe pedestrian route from Strand Quay to Fishmarket Square. The scheme affords a greater potential for enhancement of bio-diversity, removing large areas of har- standing, reinstating the former route of the road away from the river bank and creating within the design corridors of grassland and tree planting that will soften the urban form and provide greater potential for wildlife.

This is consistent with: • Para. 192 of the NPPF, which seeks to sustain and enhance the assets significance • Policies EN2: Stewardship of the Historic Built Environment and Policy RY1: Policy Framework for Rye and Rye Harbour, of Rother Core Strategy 2014.

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