Rother District Council Proposes Commercial Use for Public Toilet Blocks

Rother District Council, located in East Sussex, has announced its intention to lease over a dozen of its public toilet facilities to local enterprises. The council has made 14 of its toilet blocks available for lease, expressing a desire for these sites to be repurposed as establishments such as coffee shops, bars, or florists. However, any businesses occupying these premises would be required to maintain a public toilet facility accessible during their operating hours, ensuring the provision of disabled access and baby-change amenities. Council leader Doug Oliver stated, “It’s a great example of the council thinking creatively with the aim of protecting services for the local community and boosting the economy.” Mr Oliver further commented, “If these plans come to fruition, it will help us retain toilet facilities, save money in the face of a near £1.2 million pound budget shortfall and unlock business opportunities and job creation.” He added, “It should also assist with reducing vandalism which costs the tax payer a considerable amount of money.” The specific locations of the 14 sites designated for lease include: Cooden Sea Road, East Parade, West Parade, Little Common Recreation Ground and Little Common Roundabout and All Saints Lane, all situated in Bexhill; Coast Road in Normans Bay; Mount Street in Battle; Strand Quays, Gun Gardens and Lucknow Place car park in Rye; Monks’ Walk in Winchelsea; Dogs Hill walk in Winchelsea Beach; and Sedlescombe.