Local Updates:
Solar Farm Application – Loxwood/Wisborough Green: Gareth met with members of the campaign group and the Chair of Wisborough Green Parish Council to discuss how the Planning Committee worked in anticipation for it coming to the planning committee in October. However, it did not make this committee and we await further notification as to the hearing date. To note Charles did not attend as he is Chair of the Planning Committee and he cannot pre-determine.
Blind Lane, Northchapel: The council secured a permanent injunction from the High Court on a site near Lurgashall, in the South Downs National Park, following unauthorised engineering operations and the presence of caravans on the land. The permanent injunction was granted by a High Court judge at a hearing on 9 September 2025, which prohibits all new engineering operations and prevents vehicles and caravans entering and being placed on the site. The judge also awarded costs of £53,000 to the council. Should any of the defendants in these proceedings breach the terms of the permanent injunction, they may be found to be in contempt of court.
This is a serious matter which attracts a fine, seizure of assets, and/or a term of imprisonment. The hearing had been set on the 14 July 2025, but the judge granted an adjournment until 9 September to allow the defendants to provide further written evidence regarding their personal circumstances. During this time an interim injunction was in place. In line with an Enforcement Notice issued by the council, the relevant parties are required to return the land to agricultural use, remove any unauthorised structures, items, vehicles and caravans, and cease the unauthorised use of the land.
The council was initially made aware of unauthorised works at the site early on Friday 2 May. Planning enforcement officers were sent out immediately to assess the situation, which led to a Temporary Stop Notice being served that day. When this Notice was breached, the council escalated the matter by seeking and securing an interim injunction from the High Court in London on 9 May 2025. A permanent injunction was then granted at a hearing on 9 September 2025.
Lagoon 3 Update: During the last weekend of September, we were made aware of a potential breach at Lagoon 3 and immediately contacted the emergency number at CDC to speak to Simon Ballard who confirmed that he would be liaising with the council’s emergency planner and the EA. It was confirmed that a site visit subsequently took place and whilst there was a small hole in the membrane of the Lagoon, it was concluded that there was no immediate environmental risk or risk to public safety, meaning the emergency plan did not have to be brought into action.
The hole that had been cut into the Lagoon membrane was to allow the contractor to begin the planned work on emptying the Lagoon. However, on inspection prior to the operation commencing its was deemed not to be to standard which is why the contractor decided to postpone. Both CDC officers and the contractor have confirmed that this has now been rectified in the correct manner and safe spreading of the Lagoon is intended to start on Monday 6th October.
CDC Wide Updates
Local Government Reform: The Council reached a significant milestone in the journey toward local government reorganisation in West Sussex. Following September’s meetings of Full Council and Cabinet, our business case and preferred option have been formally approved.
Chichester District Council’s proposal was submitted to Government in October , marking a major step forward in shaping the future of local services. After extensive stakeholder engagement and strategic analysis, the council is recommending a two-unitary model that includes:
- Chichester
- Arun
- Worthing
- Adur
This configuration reflects strong alignment among residents, stakeholders, and district and borough councils across West Sussex. While Adur’s placement doesn’t significantly alter the structure in either of the two unitary models, its inclusion with Chichester, Worthing, and Arun strengthens the case for a two unitary model.
The next step will be around November time, when the Government will carry out a formal consultation on the option and take a final decision as to the organisation of the unitaries based on the different councils’ preferences.
Awaab’s Law: From 27 October 2025 Awaab’s Law will be introduced . This means that social landlords will be required to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould in set time periods and repair all emergency hazards within 24 hours.
In 2023, 7% of social rented homes had a damp problem and 4% had hazards rated at the most dangerous ‘category 1’ level. Until the introduction of Awaab’s Law later this year, timescales for addressing issues have been undefined or linked to other complaints or repairs procedures. This new legislation will mean that social landlords will have to act within agreed timescales.
Any issues with damp & mould should be raised with the social landlord. There is also a further information for dealing with damp and mould which can be shared with Hyde Residents Looking after your home | The Hyde Group. For other providers residents can contact Charles and I and we can forward information they hold, although this should also be advertised on their websites.
The Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) governs complaints for Private Landlords. The Housing Standards Team have a duty to ensure that privately rented homes are free from Category 1 hazards, including damp and mould and can take enforcement action to ensure that issues are remedied swiftly in this sector.
Tenants experiencing damp and mould within their property should always notify their landlord in the first instance. If the problem worsens, or the landlord’s response is unsatisfactory tenants should contact the Housing Standards Team for help and advice. https://www.chichester.gov.uk/reporting-a-housing-hazard
Meeting your District Councillors: Cllr. Gareth Evans is available to meet residents face to face via one of his regular surgeries.
The next series of surgeries are as follows:
Saturday 1st November – Northchapel Club, Northchapel (1pm-3pm)
If these dates and times do not suit it is also possible to arrange home visits, telephone calls or zoom meetings.
Our contact details:
Cllr. Gareth Evans, email: gbevans@chichester.gov.uk or telephone 07958 918056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarethEvansLoxwood
Cllr. Charles Todhunter, email ctodhunter@chichester.gov.uk or telephone 07500 577777
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charles4Loxwood