The three day inquiry, in April, heard evidence from developers Aroncorp Ltd who want to overturn a Rother Council decision refusing them permission to build an estate of more than 130 new homes on green-field land north of Udimore Road.

There was counter evidence from Rye Town Council and residents on how the development would have an unacceptable impact on the town.
A final decision is not expected for some months.

Rye councillors assessed the inquiry when they met this week.

Mayor Cllr Sam Souster said: "It is very evenly balanced and too close to call. I would not like to put money on it either way."

Cllr David Russell also said the decision could go either way. He praised the way in which the inquiry was conducted and said: "It was very thorough and local people were allowed to have their say."

Cllr Bernadine Fiddimore said: "It is tight - there are lots of grey areas"

Rye Town Clerk Richard Farhall said: "It could be some months before a decision is made."

During the inquiry two barristers presented the evidence to HM Planning Inspector Roy Foster, who is now weighing it up before coming to a decision.

There were also testimonies from expert witnesses on ecology, drainage and planning.

The land, north of Udimore Road, has not yet been released, by Rother Council, from the reserve housing list.

There are concerns in Rye that if Aroncorp win outline planning permission for the development it would put pressure on Rother to release the land.

Rye Town Council want Rother to explore all the alternative brown-field sites before releasing the land for housing.
They say it would have a disastrous affect on Rye's green-belt if the houses were to be built.