Dear Residents,
As I write this update it feels like the weather hasn’t caught up with the time of year yet! Hopefully by the time you are reading it will have improved. Gareth and I continue to be busy, working hard on behalf of our communities, but have also been enjoying meeting many of you at some brilliant local events. Below is a quick update on some of the things we’ve been doing. Have a fantastic summer!
Local Updates:
Crouchlands Farm Planning Application – We are pleased that CDC Planning Officers refused the two applications for 600 houses at Crouchlands Farm in May. We have been working with the community to fight these applications for several years now, so this is very welcome news!
The ‘Whole Farm Plan’ application (comprising the rural enterprise centre, farm shop, glamping site etc.) is currently subject to an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and we anticipate that the applicant is likely to appeal CDC’s decision on these housing applications too. We will continue to work closely with the community, Parish Councils and CDC officers against these applications and will keep you updated.
Stable Field, Wisborough Green – We have been contacted by residents and the Parishes Wildlife Group regarding the recent approval of 8 houses and associated infrastructure and open space at this site in Wisborough Green. We are in contact with Senior Planning Officers to address their queries and concerns. This application was decided by officers under ‘delegated authority’. You may be interested to know that only 6% of planning applications are decided by the Planning Committee and the remaining 94% are decided under these delegated powers.
Supporting Local Events – Gareth and I have been very pleased to attend several of the recent Annual Parish Meetings to hear some very interesting presentations and chat with residents informally. I volunteered again to help at Loxwood Fete and had great fun manning the bungee run and skittles stalls whilst catching up with local residents. Gareth enjoyed running in RunWisborough’s 5K race and seeing the community support for this event and then we were both wowed by the wonderful open gardens in Kirdford. We look forward to many other village events over the summer!
Unauthorised Developments – We regularly meet residents in the community who are concerned about unauthorised development impacting on where they live. Please continue to raise these with us and we can help explain any action that the Council may be able to take.
CDC Wide Updates
Local Plan – The inspector was appointed on 24th May to review the submitted Local Plan. There will now be a period of some weeks whilst they conduct an initial assessment of the plan. Full details of the submission and latest updates on the timeline can be found on the CDC website here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/localplanexamination
Pre-election Period – Following the calling of a General Election on 4th July, business at the District Council continues as normal.
Climate Change Consultation – Look out for our new Climate Change Consultation which starts on 1st July. We are encouraging everyone to complete this survey online, as we are using a new platform for responses which includes videos, photographs and mapping. A paper copy will also be included in the next ‘Initiatives’ Magazine, delivered to all households in July. You can also sign up to our regular Initiatives+ emails here: www.chichester.gov.uk/newslalerts
Council Meetings – the next Full Council meeting is on Tuesday 16th July at 6pm.
Meeting your District Councillors
Cllr. Gareth Evans is available to meet residents face to face via one of his regular surgeries. Gareth will be available at the advertised venues from 12pm-2pm:
Saturday 13th July 2024 – Plaistow Stores, Plaistow
Saturday 24th August 2024 – The Stag Inn, Balls Cross
Saturday 7th September 2024 – Kirdford Stores, Kirdford
Saturday 21st September 2024 – Old Mill Café, Wisborough Green
Should the suggested dates not be suitable for you or there are any other reasons preventing you from attending then it is 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