This is just to advise you that the Chichester District Council discretionary grant programme for 2025/2026 has gone live, and the scheme this year is enhanced with up to £360,000 available in total for local organisations. This is allowing groups to apply for Fast Track grants up to £2,000, and larger grants up to £25,000 - up to 50% of the total project costs. To confirm, Parish Councils are eligible to apply for these grants.

All information on the grants programme including eligibility and guidance is available on our webpage - Chichester District Council grant programme - Chichester District Council

However, if you wish to find out more about the scheme, or have any queries on initial ideas regarding projects, then do let me know via email or telephone. I’m happy to answer any questions/arrange to speak further.

FYI - You may have seen media releases already regarding this scheme which are particularly encouraging projects supporting playground improvements, and I can confirm this is correct. However, we are aware that Parish Councils have lots of additional responsibilities, such as maintaining community buildings (village halls), and other assets, which could also be eligible for a grant under our priority ‘Improving Places and Spaces.’ As above, if you have any initial queries about whether a potential project would be eligible, then do let me know.

Alternatively, if you have a project planned which is likely to be ready to commence soon, and know your expected costs etc then please fill out our grant enquiry form on our webpage as linked above, and we will get back to you.

FINAL press release with council plan section updated – issue date 14 April 2025

West Sussex County Council drives forward electric vehicle expansion with new consultation

West Sussex County Council is proposing to install dozens of new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, and has launched a consultation to gather the views of residents who live nearby.

The plans come from the West Sussex Chargepoint Network, a collaboration between the county council, its district and borough partners, and Connected Kerb.

More than 35 new sites across the county could benefit from new dual-socket chargepoints, which allow two vehicles to charge at the same time.

The proposals also include installing additional underground wiring, which will allow further chargepoints to be added in the future when demand increases as more residents switch to electric vehicles.

The West Sussex Chargepoint Network has already introduced 872 sockets at 150 different locations including council-owned carparks and on-street sites.

Councillor Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to say that more than 8,000 EV drivers have already used our chargepoints, with nearly 65,000 individual charging sessions recorded.

“We know more and more residents are choosing to switch to an electric vehicle and we want to ensure that everyone, including those without off-road parking, have the facilities to charge their vehicles close to their homes.

“This is part ofOur Council Plan priority to support a sustainable and prosperous economy, underpinned by our commitment to protecting the environment by providing sustainable transport options and making the benefits of electric vehicles accessible to all.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside West Sussex County Council to deliver one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking public charging networks in the UK. This next phase of the rollout, supported by local consultation, is key to ensuring every resident—especially those without off-street parking—has access to reliable, affordable charging close to home. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows EV sales have surged 43.2% in March, with over 69,000 new electric vehicles hitting UK roads. It’s vital that the charging infrastructure keeps pace, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in West Sussex. We’re building a network that doesn’t just meet today’s needs but is ready for tomorrow’s growth.”

The current parking arrangements at all the proposed sites will remain unchanged, with residents being encouraged to be considerate towards EV drivers needing to charge. Any future possible adjustments to parking regulations will be subject to further consultation.

To find out more about the proposed locations, and to take part in the survey and give your views, go tohttps://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/ev-chargepoints.

The survey results and outcomes will be published on this website at a later date.

Ends

West Sussex County Council and its partners are setting out the next steps in the devolution and local government reorganisation plans for Sussex.

Planning is underway for the two separate processes that will shape the future of local authorities and delivery of services in the county.

• Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government, specifically strategic authorities led by a mayor.
• Local government reorganisation is the process of restructuring local authorities, specifically to move to a single level of government in areas of England where there are currently two (such as West Sussex).

Devolution next steps

A government-run consultation is underway on the proposal for a strategic combined authority with an elected mayor for Sussex & Brighton. The consultation runs until 13 April 2025, and everyone is invited to have their say.

The plan is for elections for a mayor to take place in May 2026.

This follows publication of the government’s white paper on devolution in December last year, and approval in February of the bid from West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, and Brighton & Hove City Council to join the fast-track programme.

West Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Paul Marshall, said: “Establishing a combined authority and elected mayor is a great opportunity for Sussex that will see decisions and funding previously taken at a national government level being made locally instead. It is right the government is consulting on this and I urge everyone to take part in the consultation to ensure their voice is heard.”

Local government reorganisation next steps

The government has asked councils in West Sussex to work collaboratively and come up with options on the future of single-tier local government in the county.

We are discussing these options with our partners in the district and borough councils and will present these to government on Friday 21 March. The options are not a decision but proposals we are working on for an evidence-based decision for a final submission in September 2025.

Cllr Marshall said: “The government has asked us to present options for single-tier unitary local government in the county. I want to be clear that we are presenting options to the government for them to provide guidance on what may or may not be acceptable for the future shape of local government in Sussex.

“The government wanted early sight of our proposed options, but the March submissions do not reflect outcomes as more evidence-based work will need to be done following March.

“There will be a list of various options, discussed and agreed collaboratively with our partners, and not a statement of the county council’s preferred model. We will wait for guidance from government to then work, with partners, on what is the best for the county.

“I can also reassure everyone that we will be consulting with our residents, communities, businesses and other interested parties on our proposals during 2025.”

The deadline of 21 March is the same day the county council will hold a meeting of its Full Council, which will include a discussion on the next steps for local government reorganisation.

The meeting will be available to watch online on the day, and re-watch afterwards.

It is expected that the government will comment on the options later in 2025.

The county council and its partners will then propose the best model for single-tier government in West Sussex, which will be open for consultation.

A full business case will be submitted to government later this year in September.

-ends-

Read more:Future of local government in Sussex

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk.

For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

New housing register and advice system to be introduced in the Chichester District

A new online housing applications system, which will make applying to join Chichester District Council’s housing register quicker and easier, is set to launch this spring.

The new system, which is being introduced as part of service development improvements and in direct response to customer feedback, will also mean that residents on the housing list will be able to ‘bid’ for available properties that meet their needs much more frequently. This will increase the opportunity for people to find a suitable home.

The change will also make it quicker and simpler for people who need to contact the council to seek housing advice, or to access support if they are homeless or are facing homelessness.

The process of moving across to the new system will begin on Wednesday 19 March and is expected to be completed in May this year. During this time, the council will be unable to take new applications for the housing register, unless the resident has an urgent housing need. In this instance, there will be an e-form for people to complete on the council’s website:www.chichester.gov.uk/applyhousingregister. Alternatively, if people are unable to complete the form online, they can contact the team by phone for advice on 01243 785166. This is a temporary measure while the council moves across to the new system.

Residents who are already on the council’s housing register will be contacted to ensure that their details and housing requirements are up to date. This will mean that any housing opportunities suggested to them in the future are tailored to their needs.

Those with an existing housing advice or homelessness application will be moved into the new system automatically and don’t need to take any action. They will be contacted with account details and information about how to use the new service when it is launched.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to contact our housing team for advice and support and the new system will further improve this,” says Councillor Oona Hickson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Revenues and Benefits at Chichester District Council. “We’ve listened to our customers and we believe that this new system will directly address feedback that we have received.

“While we’re upgrading to the new system, the way in which people access our housing services will look a little different, but we’d like to assure everyone that our team are available if they need support. The team are on hand to offer housing advice (www.chichester.gov.uk/housingadvice); to help those who are homeless or facing homelessness (www.chichester.gov.uk/helpwithhomelessness); and to take housing register applications from those with an urgent housing need (www.chichester.gov.uk/applyhousingregister.)

“The new system, which we expect to be launched in May, offers a more personalised approach, making it easier for our customers to speak to our team about a new or existing application for our housing services.

“Not only will it make the process of applying for the housing register simpler, but it will also improve the way in which applicants can express their interest (or ‘bid’) on suitable properties. At the moment, we use Home Move to advertise and allocate available properties in the district to those on our housing list, however, this system can only be updated every fortnight. The new system, ‘Chichester Home Move’, will enable housing associations — known as Registered Providers — to add vacant homes as soon as they become available. This will mean that residents will have the opportunity to bid on a daily basis for a home that is suitable for their needs, and for which they are eligible.

“If you have a current housing application that is live, you will be able to continue to bid through the current Home Move system as you normally would, and we will contact you with advice about the new system.

“In addition, the new system will enable us to ensure that people’s details and requirements are kept up to date, increasing the chances of a customer being matched with a suitable property, especially if their situation has changed since they joined the register. It will also help us ensure that households with the highest level of housing need are prioritised.”

People can find a range of housing information and advice — from help finding affordable housing to buy or rent, to information on grants and discounts to help with housing costs — on the council’s Housing web pages:www.chichester.gov.uk/housing.

The council also has a designated Supporting You team, who work with services across the council to help people access a range of assistance, including help with housing, financial help to pay bills, along with health and wellbeing support. People can find out more at:www.chichester.gov.uk/supportingyouteam

New free food event to inspire eating well and on a budget

A new free food event aimed at showing people how to eat healthy and cook satisfying meals on a budget will be taking place later this month in Chichester city centre.

Chichester District Council has partnered with the Goodwood Estate for this new ‘Good Food For All Feastival’, which will take place on Saturday 29 March from 10am to 6pm.

The event will feature a stage with a kitchen to showcase a series of short demonstrations, presentations and talks from local chefs, including celebrity chef Jameson Stocks. Jameson is an internationally renowned, Michelin-starred chef who has multiple restaurants around the world and lives in Chichester District. He also runs Just Street Food at The Ghost at the Feast in North Street, Chichester.

In addition, there will be a variety of stands where people can find delicious street food and drink, or can chat to a range of food, nutrition and wellbeing experts, including some of our local producers and food businesses.

Members of the public will be able to watch local food experts, including head chefs from the Goodwood Estate, cook up a range of culinary delights and hear advice on how to use local or speciality ingredients. Goodwood will also have some of their delicious farm shop produce for people to taste, including organic kafire and cheeses.

Representatives from locally based UK Harvest, which works to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food for less, will also be attending and offering advice on how best to utilise simple ingredients. They will be running a ‘Question and Answer’ session from the stage during the day, and attendees are encouraged to interact as much as possible.

The stage will be set up in East Street (outside of HSBC bank), with music from 10am, and a program of demonstrations taking place between 11am and 4pm. The music will carry on through to 6pm to offer an opportunity for people to stay and enjoy the early evening atmosphere in the city.

“I think this event is a great idea and ties in with a lot of what my work is all about,” says celebrity chef, Jameson Stocks. “I know from personal experience, having been homeless myself many years ago, what it is like not knowing how to cook. Being able to cook a few very simple dishes can make such a huge difference to your general health and wellbeing and this is an area where I really want to make a difference.”

Councillor Harsha Desai, Chichester District Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, Economic Development, Communication, Licensing and Events, says: “This event has been designed to help people make the most of the amazing food and produce around us locally, and to give people ideas on how to use up the fruit and vegetables and other ingredients that always seem to get left behind in the fruit bowl or the fridge!

“It’s about giving people the confidence to turn the food that they buy into the most delicious and nutritious meals using some simple tips from local experts, and we’re really delighted that Goodwood Estate has come on board with us.

“This is a fun and inclusive event for everyone across the district, with something of interest for everyone, whatever their budget or taste. The idea is that you can come along and watch a ten-minute demo and come away with some fantastic ideas to try out in your own kitchen!”

The event will run from 10am to 6pm in East Street and North Street, Chichester.

Proposed County Council budget to go before scrutiny committee

Proposals to deliver a balanced budget for the year ahead will be examined by West Sussex County Council’s Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee next week.

The committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 January at 10.30am. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at County Hall, Chichester, or follow the discussion online via a webcast.

The proposals from the council’s Cabinet set out how the council intends to deliver a balanced budget for 2025/26 and provide support for the most vulnerable in line with its Council Plan priorities.

The council’s four priorities, which are underpinned by a cross cutting theme of 'Protecting the Environment', are:

• Keeping people safe in vulnerable situations
• A sustainable and prosperous economy
• Helping people and communities fulfil their potential
• Making best use of resources

In 2025/26, the County Council is proposing it will spend more than £2.2 billion on day-to-day services to meet increasing demand pressures and cost of services, particularly in social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and home to school transport. The proposed budget includes an additional £47.4m for those service demand pressures described as well as continuing additional investment in our roads.

This spend will be funded through several different sources – government grants, council tax, business rates, fees, charges, and rental income.

The pressures facing the County Council outweigh the funding received from government and a balanced budget is proposed by increasing council tax by 4.99% (2% for adults’ social care and 2.99% for general fund services), and spending reductions of £12.3m.

Alongside the day-to-day revenue budget, a five-year capital programme is also proposed which will see £118.6m of capital expenditure in 2025/26 and £739.9m across the five-year period of 2025/26 to 2029/30. The main areas of capital investment are in the county’s schools, the environment, and highway and roads.

The Cabinet is due to consider feedback from a public consultation at a meeting on 29 January before recommending the Council Plan and budget to Full Council in February for a final decision.

Despite the proposals to deliver a balanced budget for 2025/26, there remains a budget gap of between £50m and £191m between 2026/27 and 2029/30 depending on the level of Council Tax increase in these years.

The County Council continues to lobby government to highlight the need to have a national funding solution for social care, SEND, and home to school transport that meets local needs.

WEST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE LOXWOOD ROAD, PLAISTOW, WEST SUSSEX NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Loxwood Road, Plaistow, West Sussex from junction The Street & Plaistow Road temporarily prohibited from 7th January 2025.

The restriction will be in in place 24hrs access to be maintained. This emergency closure is necessary to allow Urgent tankering to clear blockage. It is anticipated the works will be completed by 24th January 2025. Emergency vehicle, 

Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times The alternative route for traffic will be signed on site This notice will be effective for a maximum of 21 days from the date given above 

 Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway please contact the West Sussex Contact Centre on 01243 642105 Any queries about the nature of works please contact Southern Water 07796708144.

Be weather ready

Chichester District Council are encouraging people to make sure they are ‘winter ready’ by following a few key actions to keep you and your loved ones safe. There are many things we can all do to make sure our homes, gardens, businesses are ready for the winter months. Please find out more on our emergencies section and we have also included lots of information in the winter edition of Initiatives magazine.

West Sussex County Council is currently consulting on a new West Sussex Road Safety Strategy. We are seeking responses from road users and community groups across West Sussex. I invite you to participate and to share with your members / networks to do so also.

You can have your say via this link:West Sussex Road Safety Strategy 2025-2036 | Your Voice West Sussex.

If you require any of the information for this project in an alternative format, please contact 01243 642105 or via email at roadsafety@westsussex.gov.uk and we will do our best to assist you.

The consultation is due to close at 1155pm on Sunday 2^nd February 2025.

Chris Stark BA (Hons), CMgr FCMI, FIHE

Road Safety Group Manager

Transport and Network Operations

Highways, Transport and Planning

Place Services

West Sussex County Council

LOXWOOD ROAD, PLAISTOW, WEST SUSSEX

WSCC Highways -NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Loxwood Road, Plaistow, West Sussex from

junction Dunsfold Road and The Ride

temporarily prohibited from 27th November 2024 to 6th December.

The restriction will be in in place 24hrs access to be maintained.


This emergency closure is necessary to allow Urgent tankering to clear blockage.

The county council is running a public consultation on our budget, Our Council Plan, and how we spend taxpayers’ money in the coming financial year 2025 to 2026.

The views of our residents across West Sussex are vital to the budget-setting process, ensuring we’re making the best use of our resources and can continue to invest in and deliver services that support our communities.

That’s why we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

Please could you encourage your parishioners to complete the consultation via this link.

Anyone without access to the internet can visit a library or family hub to complete the consultation.

If you know anyone who would like to receive a printed copy of the survey and a freepost return envelope, please call our customer services team on 01243 777100.

A group of Councillors and residents witnessed the opening of the Thank You bench by David Ribbens for his 27 years servcie as a Parish Councillor that ended in 2022. David relayed his fond memories of Council meetings and greatly appreciated the bench. West Sussex County Councillor and the Chair of the Parish Council expressed their gratitude to David and all he had done for the community.

Come along to the autumn litter picking event Saturday 9th November 2024

Meet at Plaistow Playing Fields opposite the shop at 10.30am.

Equipment provided and please bring your own gloves. 

Routes will be allocated and the more that come along the more we can get done.

A new survey is set to reveal how prepared Sussex residents are for emergencies.

The survey https://sussexpolice.welcomesyourfeedback.net/srf aims to identify current levels of risk awareness and preparedness across the county. The results will be used to ensure residents have the information they need to help them become more resilient.

The top risks that Sussex faces, including flooding, wildfires and utilities disruption, are contained in the Community Risk Register for Sussex, which provides an assessment of how likely these risks are to happen and the impacts if they do, so that local people can be better prepared in their homes, communities and businesses.

The Community Risk Register is produced by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF), whose membership covers the Sussex Police force area and includes the emergency services, local authorities, Environment Agency, health agencies, and voluntary and private sector organisations such as utility companies. The SRF provides a formal structure for these organisations to work together, to identify potential risks and produce and test emergency plans to either prevent or reduce the impact of any incident on local communities.

Commenting on the launch of the Local Risk Perception Survey, SRF Chair Assistant Chief Constable Steve Rayland, Sussex Police, said: “I urge residents to complete the local risk perception survey and share their views with us. The responses will help us identify what further support and information our communities require so that we can help them to be more resilient.”

Please click hereto complete the survey. It will only take 5 minutes to complete.

If you need any support to complete the survey please contact: SussexResilienceForum@sussex.police.uk.

Fireworks

Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Here you’ll find out the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way. Please be respectful when using fireworks, and refer to the guidance here - Fireworks | Sussex Police

Tips for a safer Halloween

Hallowe'en has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others.

To make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, we have produced trick or treat posters that you can download and print at home.

· 'Trick or treaters welcome' poster

· 'No trick or treaters' poster

If you see someone displaying a 'no trick or treat' poster, please be considerate and do not call at those homes. You can read more here - Tips for a safer Hallowe’en | Sussex Police

Check out what can be recycled from your home bin at
www.westsussex.gov.uk/recycling

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has launched a survey asking Sussex residents for their feedback on the policing service they receive.

Now in her fourth term as Sussex PCC, Mrs Bourne is eager to understand residents’ concerns and ideas in order to inform the priorities in her new Police & Crime Plan.

Speaking about the survey, PCC Katy Bourne said: “As your Police & Crime Commissioner since 2012, I've been asking you, as local residents, to tell me what makes you feel safe or unsafe.

“I am elected to be your voice within policing so it is my responsibility to ensure that the Chief Constable is delivering efficient and effective policing across our county.
“As I develop our new Police & Crime Plan, I'd like to know if issues that mattered to you before have changed? Please do complete my short survey - I look forward to hearing your thoughts and value your feedback”
The survey can be accessed online and only takes a few minutes to complete. Please click on the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/9f9hYFVAFA

Neighbourhood Watch is currently looking for people to come forward to help run these events. You would receive FULL support and training and it is a fantastic opportunity to help others within your community to feel well informed and confident to know what will be happening, what it involves and what is expected of them. This helps reduce the likelihood that they will be scammed and confused with mis-information.

If you live around the following areas and are free on the dates stated, YOU could be that key person who could be a volunteer for us in this project. All of the venues are already booked and the essentials are all covered, you would get travel expenses too.

Your local events are:

· Billingshurst Library,Wednesday 30th October 10.00am - 12.30pm

If you feel that you would like to take part in this exciting partnership between NHW and BT in helping to support local meetings across Sussex, do get in touch with me to find out more

Emma Drozd| Regional Digital Voice Volunteer Coordinator - South East Region

emma.drozd@ourwatch.org.uk

You can also find out more about the project by visiting our website

Our Digital Voice Project with BT | Neighbourhood Watch Network (ourwatch.org.uk)

A new opportunity for businesses in West Sussex has arrived with the launch of the West Sussex Growth Hub.

The new Growth Hub, which is run by the County Council, offers support and advice to West Sussex businesses, to help ensure their success.

The West Sussex Growth Hub offers a free, comprehensive business support service, including triage, diagnostics and signposting as well as one-to-one and intensive support options. An experienced team of advisers is ready to help business owners navigate their way to sustainability and growth.

One business owner helped by the West Sussex Growth Hub said, “I recently had the opportunity to meet with a Business Account Manager from the Growth Hub. During our meeting, we delved into critical aspects of ourbusiness, including cash flow and our strategic plans for the next 12 months. I highly recommend their services to any business seeking expert advice and strategic support."

West Sussex has a vibrant and diverse economy, with over 36,000 businesses, nearly 90% of whom have fewer than 10 employees. The West Sussex Growth Hub offers a range of support to businesses of all sizes and sectors in West Sussex, including signposting to local or national programmes, one-to-one support from a Business Account Manager or even intensive support from a Business Mentor.

West Sussex County Council Leader, Cllr Paul Marshall, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Growth Hub team to the council and encourage West Sussex businesses of all sizes to get in touch with the team to discuss their ambitions. One of the key priorities in ourCouncil Plan is for a sustainable and prosperous economy, which is key to the future wellbeing of the county, and we are committed to supporting businesses as the engine of our economic growth.”

Businesses in West Sussex can contact the Growth Hub by emailing WSCC.GrowthHub@westsussex.gov.uk or by visiting the council’s Business West Sussex website.

The Parish Council realises parking is at a premium at times near the Village Stores and school but would greatly appreciate it if you would avoid parking across the Ducdane entrance on the High Street Plaistow. The owners have to enter and exit at all times of the day and sometimes with a trailer attached to the back of a truck. Parking even slightly across the entrance prevents the owners entering or leaving their driveway.

Thank you.

From Monday 12 February 2024, you will need to book to visit all Recycling Centres in West Sussex.

Slots can be booked 14 days in advance and on the same day if slots are available.

westsussex.gov.uk/BookToRecycle Telephone 01243 642106

People interested in building their own home in Chichester District urged to join council register

People who are interested in building their own home in Chichester District are being urged to join the district council’s Custom and Self-Build Register.

All local authorities must keep a register of any individual or local community groups who want to obtain land to build their own homes and they must take this demand into account when preparing local plans. Chichester District Council is encouraging those interested to join its register for free at www.chichester.gov.uk/article/36087/Register-your-interestfor-custom-and-self-build-housing

“As a council, we are very keen to create more opportunities and help local people and communities come up with their own housing solutions, including self-build and custom build for everyone in the Chichester Local Plan area,” explains Councillor David Betts, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing. “This is why our register is so important — it enables us to find out where people would like their plot to be and the type of house that they would like to build.

“It’s also worth pointing out that if you’re interested in building in any of the areas in our district which are based within the South Downs National Park (SDNP), then you’ll need to register on their website at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/planningpolicy/self-build-custom-build”

In addition, the council is running a survey to gather the views and aspirations of those looking to build their own home in the district.

Councillor Betts says: “The survey takes around five minutes to complete and the feedback we receive will really help us to map out and improve delivery of the right plots in the right locations. It asks the type and size of plot that people are after; the type of house that people are considering building; and the minimum number of bedrooms they would like. We are also asking about people’s preferred locations; the sort of custom and self-build project that they are planning; and whether there are any particular barriers preventing people from progressing their projects.”

The survey is available at: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/customandselfbuild until midnight on 30 September 2023.

A self-build home is where someone directly organises the design and construction of their own home and can include DIY homes; contractor-built homes; kit houses; and, community projects.

Custom build refers to projects where a specialist developer is employed to build a home, to someone’s specifications. They find the site; prepare it; and, help to arrange the finance. The design of the build may be bespoke or chosen from a range of standard options.

Another option that some people opt for is to work with a group of other self-builders on a community project, where the group works on a small number of properties together.

“There are certain areas in the country where self-build properties have really taken off, and we are keen to get the most up-to-date picture we can of what the demand is within Chichester District,” adds Cllr Betts. “For some people self-build is a more affordable route to owning their own home which also meets their specific needs. Typically, self-build homes are around 25 per cent cheaper than buying a new home from a developer and currently, 13,000 people a year in the UK manage to build their own homes while self-built homes account for between 7% and 10% of all new homes built in the UK.”

People interested in self-build can find out more information on Chichester District Council’s website at www.chichester.gov.uk/customandselfbuildhousing can email selfbuild@chichester.gov.ukif they have any specific questions.

Fly tipping is an offence that CDC take very seriously. Not only does it ruin the landscape of our beautiful district, but it also poses an environmental risk and costs more than £350,000 of taxpayers’ money to clear up every year.

CDC have unfortunately had to clear up some very big fly tips in our district recently, including the largest soil fly tip we have ever had to deal with in Woodberry Lane, Westbourne. This is something CDC are keen to tackle, by working with you. Fly tipping is a crime, and we need your help in our fight against it.

One of the most important things you can do to help, is to make sure that anyone you employ to remove and dispose of your household waste is licensed as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. By law, you are responsible for any waste produced on your property — known as your ‘duty of care.’ It means that whether you’ve finished a DIY project; been clearing out unwanted household items; or have been busy sprucing up your garden, it’s down to you to make sure that your waste is disposed of safely and legally.

If you ask someone to remove your waste, it’s vital that you use a licensed waste carrier and ask for a waste transfer note as evidence. If you don’t do this, and your waste is fly tipped by someone who is not licensed, you could receive a fixed penalty notice of up to £1,000 for not disposing of your waste properly. The person who dumped the waste will also be fined.

You can check if a waste carrier is licenced by checking their waste carrier licence number on the Environment Agency’s register by visiting their website at: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index or calling: 03708 506506. If they do not have a licence, please make sure that you do not use them. If they are licensed and you use them, always ask what will happen to your waste and make sure that you get a waste transfer note and receipt for your waste and keep these as proof. If you decide to get rid of your waste yourself, make sure that you take your waste to a registered site. You can find your neared site and its opening times at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling

Another way you can help us, is by reporting any fly tipping, or any information you may have regarding one, at: www.chichester.gov.uk/flytipping. With your help, we have been able to take action against those who commit these crimes by issuing fixed penalty notices. We also have the option to prosecute the offender if further action is required.

We are also continuing to work with Sussex Police, the Environment Agency and other government agencies to hold joint action days where commercial vehicles are stopped and checked. Using the powers from all agencies, action is taken to make sure that commercial operators are legally operating and disposing of waste responsibly.

The joint action days aim to disrupt the activities of those looking to fly tip materials in our beautiful district and ensure that potential fly tippers know that there will be consequences. By working together with other agencies we are able to be more effective and target areas where we know that there is an issue with fly tipping. Find out more about the countywide campaign at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/recycling-and-waste-prevention/recycling-news/lets-scrap-fly-tipping/

You can access more information on fly tipping by visiting our web pages at: www.chichester.gov.uk/flytipping. If you are keen to help us keep our district looking clean and beautiful, why not pledge your support for our award winning Against Litter campaign. From reporting hot spot areas for dog fouling or fly tipping, through to adopting an area and becoming a community clear-up hero, you can get involved and find out more at: www.chichester.gov.uk/againstlitter

Best Wishes

Cllr Jonathan Brown

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment Strategy at Chichester District Council

Help spot the Asian Hornet

West Sussex Beekeepers' Association are raising public awareness of the non-native Asian Hornet which is devastating honey bee colonies in France and the Channel Islands and could be headed to the south of England, due to its proximity to the French coast.

Defra has a very active project in place to ask the public to help identify any Asian Hornets that have arrived  - a small number have already been spotted in Kent in 2023. 

Please open the information poster attached for further information.

GB Non-Native Species Secretariat

Successful tree planting scheme to continue in Chichester District

Chichester District Council’s ‘Tree Chichester District’ scheme is being extended thanks to a share of an additional £2m of Government funding, which aims to investigate ways to increase tree cover in communities across the country.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that it is awarding £2 million to continue its Trees Outside Woodland programme of research, with the aim of testing new ways to boost tree numbers outside of woodland areas and to strengthen biosecurity. This second phase of the programme will be delivered in partnership with The Tree Council, Natural England, as well as five local authorities, including Chichester District Council.

The programme aims to ensure that new and healthy trees continue to be planted in local communities, improving people’s health and wellbeing, and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Councillor Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council, says: “This additional Government funding is fantastic news for the district. It will enable us to continue our successful Tree Chichester District scheme, which has already seen nearly 25,000 trees planted across the district since its launch in 2021. In total, we’ve been able to support 175 individual tree planting projects to date.

“This success has been achieved through a variety of different projects delivered as part of the Tree Chichester District scheme, including free tree and subsidised tree schemes. These initiatives made free and subsidised trees available to residents, community groups, schools, parish councils, charities, businesses, landowners, and tenant farmers to plant in their local area.

“We have also funded five community orchards in Selsey, Chichester and Fishbourne; 15 planting projects on private land; the enhancement of two community tree nurseries in West Wittering and Selsey; and three mini urban forests, which provide a dense cover of native trees in a smaller area to help boost biodiversity. As part of this, we’ve been delighted to work with, and support, organisations such as Fishbourne Roman Palace, the East Broyle Residents’ Association, the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group, and the Selsey Community Forum, to name a few.

“We will receive the new funding in September and are currently planning the schemes and projects that this will enable us to deliver for the benefit of our local communities.

“The additional investment will help to support the council’s work to protect and enhance the local environment. Tree planting is an integral part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, which sets out a carbon reduction target of 10% year on year until 2025 within the district. You can find out more this at: www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange.”

“While increasing tree cover is important, we are also encouraging people to protect and nurture existing mature trees that are safe and healthy. Trees are a precious natural asset and, as a natural carbon sink, are a vital part of the fight against climate change.”

People can find more information about the Tree Chichester District scheme by contacting the council’s dedicated Tree Project Officer by emailing: treescheme@chichester.gov.uk.

District Council teams up with local authorities across the South East to demand Southern Water cleans up its act

Chichester District Council is one of more than 40 councils across the South East that have joined together to hold Southern Water to account over pollution and infrastructure failings.

The group was set up in response to issues including flooding; sewage backing up into people’s homes, gardens and roads; the ongoing problem of discharges into rivers and waterways; and the inability to deal with additional development.

The meeting was held on Tuesday 31 January when the group discussed action and experiences to date across the full Southern Water network.

Southern Water is responsible for wastewater across the region and for drinking water in other parts of the southeast.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Susan Taylor and Cllr Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment, at Chichester District Council both attended the meeting.

Susan said: “It’s not just Chichester District Council which is frustrated at the issues and concerns, which lead back to Southern Water’s failings.

“All of the councils attending the meeting were united in their pledge to hold Southern Water to account and press for immediate action, particularly in relation to upgrading and investing in the sewerage system.

“We have been challenging Southern Water in relation to their engagement with both the planning process and the environmental impacts of discharging sewage into Chichester Harbour for some time. This includes previously filing an official complaint about the company to the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat. We believe the way forward is to work with our local authority partners to apply significant pressure on Southern Water.

“We are also involved in a Three Harbours Summit, whichinvolves Southern Water and representatives from the council and other local authorities, along with relevant agencies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Langstone Harbour Board and Sussex Wildlife Trust. This is a positive step towards working together to help improve the harbour for future years to come. The aim is that this group will have a positive impact on Southern Water’s five-year investment plan.”

Penny adds: Only recently, senior representatives from Southern Water, the Environment Agency; Ofwat and Natural England were invited to the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting so that they could be challenged on some of the serious problems our residents are facing.

“These include the recent flooding and associated drain surcharging; sewage and subsequent discharges into the harbour and water courses affecting the water quality of Chichester Harbour; delays in upgrades to the sewerage network; and slow responses to planning applications.”

“Our residents deserve better. Unfortunately, we do not have the direct power to regulate Southern Water or require it to address its rather lengthy list of failings. But as local authorities working together, we can do our utmost to apply pressure to seek the required action needed to end this catalogue of failings.”

All councils agreed that regular meetings should continue to take place at the end of the meeting.

Chichester District Council provides update on key steps taken to tackle climate change in the district

Chichester District councillors have been updated on the positive progress of a number of key actions that have been completed, or are underway, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the district.

As part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, a detailed progress report has been produced. This highlights over 60 actions that the council has taken, or is currently taking, to reduce its own carbon emissions by putting climate change at the heart of its operations, as well as introducing campaigns and projects to help residents, businesses and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint too.

There are a range of actions including the introduction of two new electric vehicles to the council’s refuse collection fleet, which is the council’s biggest source of emissions. The council is producing an inspirational film about climate change made with Chichester school students and a professional film company.In addition, two specialist officers have been appointed: one to provide greater support to small and medium-sized enterprises looking to become more sustainable, and the second to increase engagement with not-for-profit organisations and households to help them reduce their emissions.

These are just a few of the actions that the council has been taking since it declared a climate emergency in 2019 and set a district-wide target to aspire to of 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions every year until 2025. The Government released the 2020 emission figures last year, which showed that the district’s emissions had reduced by 8.7%.

“From investing in electric refuse collection vehicles and working to improve the energy efficiency within council buildings, and increasing tree planting within the district, the council is progressing a number of major projects to help reduce carbon emissions within its own work and across the district over the coming months and years,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“While the council’s own carbon emissions equate to less than 0.5% of the district’s emissions as a whole, the council decided to set an ambitious carbon reduction target to act as a call to action and to help unite the efforts of individuals and organisations across the district. Although it was recognised that this would be challenging to meet, the target was chosen to reflect the urgent nature of the current climate crisis and the emission reductions that the council felt needed to be worked towards, rather than what was easily achievable.

“Much of the reduction seen in the 2020 figures will have come from reduced road transport and is likely to be linked with Covid restrictions. The fact that emissions in the district did not reduce further, despite the huge lifestyle changes caused by Covid restrictions, shows the scale of the challenge we face when tackling the effects of climate change.”

The council set a similar 10% reduction target for its own operations. These emissions are estimated by the council so this data is available sooner, but the time period is different. For the first year of the target (October 2019- September 2020), the council is reporting a 12% reduction in its emissions. One of the biggest reductions was achieved at Westgate Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool and is the council’s second biggest source of emissions.

For the second year (October 2020-September 2021), the council is reporting a further 4% reduction. Emissions for the following year (October 2021-September 2022) will be estimated in the next couple of months. However, it will not be until the year after (October 2022-September 2023) that a number of key projects aimed at reducing emissions will start to make an impact and that the benefit of this work will start to be seen.

Penny adds: “I’m really pleased to say that a major project to reduce emissions from Westgate Leisure Centre will be completed soon. The large pool hall roof has been covered with solar panels that will generate electricity and heat, with further electricity generating panels (PV panels) on other roofs at the centre. These — together with a newly installed air source heat pump — should reduce the centre’s emissions by almost a quarter. Our partners, Everyone Active, which run the council’s leisure centres, are reducing energy use in other ways, for example, through switching to LED lighting and turning lighting off when not needed.

“We have also recently completed a project to improve the energy efficiency of the council’s older block of short stay accommodation, which we anticipate will reduce its energy use by 54%, leading to reduced emissions. We’re looking forward to receiving our two new electric refuse vehicles this spring, which will significantly reduce our emissions over the coming months and years.

“Looking forward, it is difficult to predict future emission figures. Weather and post-Covid lifestyles affect emissions, as well as changes to the services offered by the council. For example, in March 2022, the council expanded its short-stay accommodation for residents facing homelessness. The building has been built with biodiversity in mind and with PV panels and two electric vehicle charge points. However, it is a new facility that will add to the council’s emission consumption.

“The council’s regenerated St James’ Industrial Estate will also re-open this year, which will help support local businesses and boost the local economy. It is important to note that this will impact on the council’s emission figure even though the materials used and the installation of PV panels and electric vehicle charging points will mean that the new site will have a reduced carbon footprint.

“Setting a target that requires the council to make a 10% reduction in the first year, and further 10% yearly reductions, is challenging. Projects and timelines often need to adapt, as the Covid pandemic has clearly demonstrated. Lists of options need to be drawn up, assessed for feasibility, costings obtained, and funding secured. The delivery times for energy efficiency and renewable energy equipment — even common components — can be very long, and installers have to be found. However, it is important to set an ambitious target so that we are focused on what we are striving to achieve.

“Although the council accounts for less than 0.5% of the district’s emissions, we must all play our part, and at the end of last year, we put together a video highlighting some of the many actions that we’ve been taking — you can watch this here:www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmNH9_2g4SY&t=34s.”

Further information on the work that the council is doing on climate change, and to view the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, visit:www.chichester.gov.uk/climatechange

Chichester District Dispatch

Dealing with damp and mould

Social housing within Plaistow and Ifold

CDC take the standard of Housing in the district seriously. CDC strongly encourage any social housing tenant who has damp and mould issues - or any other concerns regarding their property - to report this to their social housing provider.

Tenants can use these links:

Report a repair | The Hyde Group (hyde-housing.co.uk)

Making a complaint | The Hyde Group (hyde-housing.co.uk)

Private rented housing within Plaistow and Ifold

You should report damp and mould to your landlord in the first instance. If you do not get a satisfactory response, you should make a complaint and can then approach the Housing Ombudsman. You can also approach CDC for action if necessary.

***

Recently, you may have become aware of the heart-breaking death of Awaab Ishak, through the reporting of the recent inquest into this tragedy. The two-year-old died in 2020, after exposure to mould in his house in Rochdale. This is something that has shocked everyone across the country.

Due to this, CDC thought it was really important to remind people how to deal with damp and mould and highlight where you can seek help if the problem persists. During the winter months, our homes can often suffer from damp and mould due to condensation. This is caused by moisture released into the air from everyday tasks, such as cooking, showering, and drying clothes. You can reduce the moisture in the air by ventilating rooms; drying clothes outside; placing lids on saucepans; wiping down surfaces where moisture settles; making sure that air vents aren’t blocked; and keeping your home warm.

However, this isn’t the only cause of damp. Penetrating damp, which can be caused by leaking pipes or overflows; rain seeping through the roof where tiles or slates are missing; or blocked gutters, is another cause. Rising damp, which can be caused by a defective, or a lack of, damp-proof course, also causes mould to appear. CDC have produced a leaflet, which offers more detailed advice on mould and how to tackle it, which you can find at: www.chichester.gov.uk/media/36430/Damp-Leaflet-Nov-2021/pdf/Damp_leaflet_Nov2021.pdf

If you rent your home and are experiencing issues with damp and mould, please report this to your landlord as soon as possible. If the problem worsens, or you don’t hear back from your landlord within the response time indicated when you reported it, please contact our housing team for help and advice by emailing housingstandards@chichester.gov.uk or by calling 01243 534565.

All landlords have an obligation to meet certain housing standards to ensure that their tenants’ homes are safe, secure, clean and in good condition. You can find more information about these expectations and the standards rented properties should meet at: www.chichester.gov.uk/media/32456/Lettable-standards/pdf/Lettable_standard_leaflet_web_accessible_version.pdf.If you do have concerns, please make sure that you take action as soon as you can. It’s important that what happened to Awaab never happens again.

A joint project between CDC with Arun District Council has helped to reduce the number of privately rented properties classed as ‘cold homes’ in both Chichester and Arun districts.

Last autumn, both district councils made a joint bid for government funding so that they could support landlords to carry out works in order for their properties to meet the Government’s new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). The project targeted properties with an Energy rating of F or G because these are properties which are not legally allowed to be privately let. Any property being privately let as a home must be rated at E or above.

Officers identified 139 properties across the two districts which did not meet the new standards and over the past year they have been working with a number of landlords to help them comply. This has involved work such as installing double-glazing, replacing boilers and increasing insulation. I’m especially pleased that this work has been completed in time for the winter, when priority groups, such as older people and young children, are more at risk from the cold. If you are interested in finding out more about the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance

Finally, CDC have also agreed to spend £47,500 from a Government grant on a new project to help combat homelessness. As part of the year-long pilot, we will refer up to 20 clients to Beam, a social enterprise organisation, which specialises in helping people who have experienced long-term issues with gaining employment. You can find out more by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

Update October 2024

Plaistow Bus Shelter

The bus shelter on The street Plaistow is now complete and Phase 2 of this project is now complete.

Update April 2024

The Bus shelter at the Village Stores Ifold is now complete and Phase 1 of this project is complete. The second phase to build a Shelter in Plasitow is now in progress, the shleter is currently being built away from site.

Update September 2021

On 23rd June 2021, the Parish Council resolved to apply for the 2021/22 New Homes Bonus (NHB) grant funding from Chichester District Council (CDC) to continue the Safer Bus Stop Project (Phase One) of installing a shelter in Plaistow and an improved shelter and entrance rejuvenation at The Drive, Ifold. This was the Parish Council’s successful NHB application in 2020/21 (as detailed below). The Parish Council has three years to spend the grant funding and can apply for NHB funds in relation to the same project over multiple years.

On 15thSeptember 2021,a special meeting of CDC's Grants and Concessions Panel considered the application and were supportive of the bid. Consequently, up to £2,158 will be available to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council to be used inrelation to this project.

The letter is attached below. The Parish Council will sign the Agreement at its full meeting on 13th October.

**UPDATE**

The Parish Council is pleased to confirm that the Chichester District Council's Grants and Concession Panel was supportive of its application to the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) and up to £3,924.72 will be available to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council to build the two bus shelters. The confirmation letter, Agreement and application can be found below, attached to this notice.

This notice will be updated with details of the project as it progresses.

**ORIGINAL NOTICE (Sept)**

Residents of Plaistow village, who use the local bus service regularly, have written to Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council asking that a bus shelter and seating be provided on the grass verge next to the telephone kiosk outside the Sun Inn.

One of the Parish Council’s ongoing projects is to provide safer bus stops throughout the Parish to increase the use of the school and other public bus services. The sites identified for Phase One (1) of the project have been specifically identified by residents as local priorities.

Plaistow village does not currently benefit from any bus shelters whatsoever. The bus to Horsham services the village four (4) times per week and is frequently used by between six (6) and eight (8) elderly residents (80 years or older). The bus uses the Sun Inn car park to pick up and drop off passengers. The only available bench seating is situated on the opposite side of the road from where residents board and alight the bus.

The provision of a bus shelter in Plaistow will enhance the well-being of elderly residents, as it will offer sheltered seating from inclement weather on the correct side of the road. Users of this bus service have been identified by the Parish Council as in greatest need of support, due to age and their reliance on public transport to access vital services which cannot be met within the village itself. Consequently, the Parish Council is prioritising this shelter in Phase One (1) of the wider Safer Bus Stop Project.

Although the designated bus stop is on the opposite side of the road, the bus in fact uses the Sun Inn car park to pull in off the highway, therefore the shelter will be situated near to where the bus stops. This will offer the greatest support to users, as they will not have to cross the road on a blind bend and dangerous junction. The shelter and car park benefit from an existing pathway (there is also a salt bin at the location to ensure the pathway and shelter are not hazardous during the winter months). This element of Phase One (1) dovetails with the Parish Council’s recent adoption (July 2020) of the BT telephone kiosk, also at the location. The community has requested that it is converted into a book exchange, which will be implemented and managed by the Plaistow Village Trust.

The centre of Plaistow village is in a conservation area; therefore, the shelter has been designed, free of charge, by a local chartered surveyor who specialises in historic and conservation buildings. The shelter has been sympathetically designed to emulate the local style and surrounding buildings, incorporating feather edge weather board, green oak bracing, and plain clay tiled roof.

As part of the Parish wide Safer Bus Stop Project, the Parish Council intends to update existing shelters, or install new ones which are all of the same style and design, in keeping with the rural visual amenity and aesthetic of the Parish, to provide community homogeneity without compromising on safety and functionality.

The grass verge identified as the most suitable location for the shelter is owned by the National Trust (NT). The Parish Council is currently working with the NT and a Lease Agreement has been drafted. The Parish Council is also working with the Local Planning Authority and has been advised that it can take advantage of Permitted Development Rights conferred by Part 12 Class A of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. WSCC’s Highways Department have assessed the site and deem it safe and suitable for a shelter to be located.

The shelter will be built by WSCC’s Communities & Public Protection Directorate volunteer scheme. This specialist team of trained volunteers support communities who wish to undertake locally identified community led projects. The Parish Council will encourage members of the community to join the team and help build this and other shelters in due course. The building material will be responsibly source from local independent businesses. The team have built other bespoke bus shelters within West Sussex and specifically in conservation areas (Rogate, Easebourne and Findon Valley).

The Parish Council organises two (2) community litter-pick/maintenance days each year. The bus shelter will be cleaned as part of these established community events. Any issues arising at other times will be addressed, as necessary. The shelter will be insured by the Parish Council.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this project, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk, Catherine.

Additionally, if you would like to make representations to Councillors, you are invited to join the full Parish Council meeting at 7:30pm on Wednesday 9th September via Zoom. Please refer to the meeting agenda published on the Parish Council website, or public notice board outside the Winterton Hall for more information. Alternatively, please email the Clerk before 4pm on 9th September, if you wish for any written representation to be read out at the meeting in your absence.

To view the shelter design and location plan, please click on the two 'Download Notice' buttons below.

Woodland Trust - Ancient Tree Inventory

The Woodland Trust has established a database called the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI), which maps the oldest and most important trees in the UK. 

The ATI is crowdsourced, and depends on members of the public submitting information on the trees they feel are noteworthy to increase the size of the database and help protect our valuable tree heritage. There are already more than 180,000 trees listed, but there are tens of thousands more to add.

Plaistow and Ifold Parish have some trees already listed, including 'Old Man Cecil', the Sessile Oak dated from around 1650 on Plaistow Village Green.

More information on the Ancient Tree Inventory, including how to search the database for notable and ancient trees local to you, along with guides to recording and submitting an entry to it can be found at https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/.

You might think that this is the first time ‘road verges’ and ‘nature-friendly’ have been mentioned in the same sentence. You’d be wrong - West Sussex County Council has been promoting nature on its road network for more than 40 years - ever since the Notable Road Verge programme came into being. Notable Road Verges are those with significant native wildflowers, for example, local varieties of orchid.

So, if you notice a road verge with grass that’s longer than you’d expect, it’s likely to be because it’s helping nature and that’s good for all of us! Inspired by the council’s Pollinator Action Plan, which aims to increase the number of crucial pollinating insects - bees and moths – this has become a much higher priority in recent years and explains why the council is receiving an increasing number of requests for verges to be left uncut.

Steve Hill, Lead Officer with the Stakeholder and Partnerships Team which coordinates the scheme, said: “West Sussex has the equivalent of more than 43,000 grass tennis courts worth of road verges. So, it’s a significant area of land. Road verges follow the existing road network, enabling habitats to link up so that pollinators can travel and pollinate more effectively.”

Last year, the county council launched the Community Road Verges (CRV) and Pollinator Highways projects, focused on creating nature-friendly road verges in urban locations, led by neighbourhoods from all parts of the county.

Community Road Verges are cut once a year with residents monitoring the verge and removing grass cuttings after it’s mowed. They also start conversations with locals about nature-friendly verges, helping to allay any concerns.

With Pollinator Highways, the County Council partners with local parishes and other organisations to create large areas of linked pollinator habitats, using road verges as the starting point. People living near the pollinator highway are encouraged to support the scheme by making green spaces wilder – through garden areas and even window boxes.

The first pollinator highway was established in Lancing and there’s a new one developing this year in Selsey led by the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group. There’s also been interest for new pollinator highways to begin in Horsham and Sompting.

The County Council has also partnered with South Down National Park Authority and several parishes to further increase biodiversity along selected country lanes.

Known officially as the Downland Pollinator Highway, the three-year project utilises the skills of professional ecologists and a new cut and collect mower. Cutting and collecting grass cuttings, over time, lowers the fertility of the soil and allows native wildflowers an opportunity to out-compete the vigorous grasses.

Steve added: “West Sussex County Council is exploring different ways of managing road verges to help nature and we continue to make sure that local views and opinions are an important part of the process as we develop our environmentally-friendly exploration on behalf of our residents – and the local environment.”

For further information about any of our environmental initiatives email active.communities@westsussex.gov.uk

Water abstraction issues in north of district will impact on planning decisions

New planning advice has been issued by Chichester District Council following concerns that water abstraction in the north of the district is impacting on protected sites in the Arun Valley.

Natural England is concerned that existing water abstraction in the Sussex North Water Resource Zone, which supplies part of the north of the Chichester District, is having an impact on protected sites in the Arun Valley. The increasing demand for water is thought to be harming internationally protected species, with the potential threat of extinction for some of these species.

In response to this, Natural England has advised that new developments within this zone, which affects Horsham, Crawley and part of the Chichester District (including Plaistow and Ifold Parish and areas within the South Downs National Park), must not add to this impact. Its advice is that in order for any development to proceed, it must be ‘water neutral.’ This means that new development should not increase the rate of water abstraction from the current water supply site above existing levels.

“It’s important to stress that this only affects a small proportion of our district,” says Cllr Susan Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning at Chichester District Council.

“Any new development that has a material impact on water demand from this site must demonstrate that it will be water neutral. This is most likely to affect new housing development and commercial activities that use high volumes of water.

“In some circumstances it may affect other types of development - for example, an extension to a home that could lead to a significant increase in the number of people occupying the finished development.”

While Natural England’s position statement will have an effect on some development within the district, it has a much greater impact on Horsham and Crawley, who rely on this site for all of their water supplies.

“We have been working with Natural England and Southern Water on longer term solutions for water neutrality for the affected area, within our emerging Local Plan,” adds Susan.

“In the short term, any planning applications that materially increase water demand in those areas will need to be water neutral. We are also working on a Climate Change campaign, which will encourage residents and businesses to make small behavioural changes that will make a difference. This includes encouraging people to think about how they use water in their own home, and taking simple steps that collectively will make a big difference.”

For further advice people should visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/waterresources, where people can also find a range of frequently asked questions.