URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1961

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To consider various changes that have happened since the original approvals earlier in the year.

Content: Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Housing and Strategic Assets which updated Members on three new operator proposals for public convenience after the original preferred bidders approved in 2025 withdrew, and to confirm that six sites were now progressing to lease.   In June 2025, approval was granted to lease 11 former public conveniences to businesses that would continue to provide toilet facilities.  Progress on the leases had varied due to the complexity of each proposal.  Three approved operators had since withdrawn and most of the others had resolved key practical matters, including access requirements, seating areas, planning considerations, and the number of public facilities.  The sites at Sedlescombe, Sidley and Winchelsea were now being considered for devolution to their respective parish and town councils (P&TCs).  Due to limited market interest, Little Common Recreation Ground and Normans Bay were also being considered for devolution to Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council.   Six public conveniences were under offer, with planning submissions due in early 2026, and refurbishment / opening scheduled for year-end.  To maintain facilities in the interim, P&TCs were expected to operate the conveniences until the end of the 2026 summer season, with discussion ongoing between the Council and the respective councils.  Confidential Appendix 1 to the report identified the financial terms and revenue streams for the Council.   If any of the six negotiations did not progress to lease, officers would offer them to the relevant P&TCs under the current Services and Assets Devolution Framework.   Cabinet noted that opening times of the conveniences would be dealt with during the planning application process and considered by the Planning Committee as they were on Council-owned land. Leases would require a clause for the provision of conveniences and enforcement action taken should businesses fail to comply, including forfeiture of the lease.   Cabinet approved the leases as set out in Confidential Appendix 1 to the report and delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development and Section 151 Officer, to amend the final lease terms and offer freeholds to the relevant P&TCs should future commercial operators fail.   RESOLVED: That:   1)     the revised proposals for the public convenience buildings at Little Common Roundabout, Rye Gun Gardens, plus the new terms for Rye Lucknow Place be approved as set out in the confidential Appendix 1;   2)     delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development and Section 151 Officer to make amendments to the final lease contract terms as required; and   3)     delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development and Section 151 Officer to offer a freehold transfer of any of the public conveniences, detailed at Appendix 1, to parish and town councils, in the event that negotiations with prospective commercial operators should fail in the future.   (Appendix 1 to this report was considered exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026