Rother hopes to raise £195k from land auction

Lots going under the hammer at The Marriott Hotel in London on May 9 include 71 acres of salt marsh and pasture land at Camber Fields and land in Camber and Winchelsea Beach.

However land next to 7 Wish Ward in Rye has been withdrawn from auction as Rother is in discussions with the owner of adjoining land and Rye Town Council with a view to sell the land directly.

A spokesperson for Rother also revealed the authority is in discussion with potential buyers for other properties which could be auctioned later in the year.

A Rother District Council spokesman said: “A decision was taken by cabinet in August last year to dispose of certain sites owned by the council.

“This followed a detailed review of the council’s assets which considered factors including whether sites were operational, their prospects of generating income and whether it was in the public interest to retain them.

“Disposing of sites such as these will allow us to reduce costs and reinvest the money from the sale into assets which will generate a long-term income for the council.

“In a time of severe financial pressures, it’s vital that we make the most of our limited resources and the sale of these assets will allow us to do this and to keep the burden on the taxpayer to a minimum.

“Where appropriate, certain conditions or protective covenants will be put in place to preserve the interests of the land, such as protecting open space, existing public rights of way and ancient woodland.”

Other RDC land up for auction: * 71 acres of salt marsh and pasture land near the River Rother at Camber Fields, New Road, Rye.

* Two areas of shingle and scrubland next to the Seaspray Holiday Park, Dogs Hill Road, Winchelsea Beach.

* A 0.15 acre parcel of land next to Sycamore Cottage, Draffin Lane, Camber.

* A 0.24 acre parcel of land next to Cedar Cottages, Draffin Lane, Camber.

* A 2.01 acre area of woodland, St Mary’s Wood, St Mary’s Lane, Bexhill.

The spokesperson added: “We would expect to receive in the region of £195,000 for the properties being offered at auction on May 9. However, this is an indicative amount only, as the auction process will determine the final sale prices.”

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