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01243 811810
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Chichester District Council - District Dispatch
District Dispatch
24
July 2024
District Dispatch – 23 July 2024
Back in January, we announced that refurbishing some of our key play parks in Chichester would be a council priority, and this month I was really pleased that this project has now been given the go-ahead by councillors.
We will be spending just over £814,000 on refurbishing Sherborne Road; Whyke Oval; the Amphitheatre; Priory Park; Florence Park; and, Oaklands Park.
The amount of work needed in these play areas varies. At some of sites the equipment is very worn and needs to be completely replaced, while there are a couple of areas that need more modest refurbishment such as resurfacing. We are also looking to enhance certain areas by installing some inclusive play equipment which can be used by disabled children and those with health conditions and impairments. This will help make our community much more accessible. As part of the project, we’re also looking to collaborate with Chichester City Council.
Outside play areas are so important in helping our children develop in all sorts of ways. They allow our little ones to test themselves physically in a safe environment. They are places where children, their parents and carers can meet up with friends and family and get away from electronic devices. Playing outdoors allows children to be creative, think up their own games and test out new skills, and they also enable children to meet other youngsters from all walks of life. As you will appreciate, playing outdoors is crucial, and there’s nothing more joyful than hearing a playground full of happy, energetic and excited youngsters running around having fun. I know that this project will make a huge difference to families across the area. Over the next few months our Green Spaces team will carry out much of the planning work, so that work can hopefully start next January. All being well, we are aiming for the play areas to be open ready for the Easter holidays 2025.
As it’s Love Parks Week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to start gathering the views of children, parents and carers who use these play parks. From now and over the summer holidays officers from our Green Spaces team will be out and about at the parks speaking to people to find out about how they currently use the parks and what they would like to see, which will help us when putting together proposals for the sites.
We are also liaising closely with Chichester City Council around what is needed at the Priory Park play area and so we will continue to work with them on this over the coming months.
On Saturday 27 July as part of ‘Love Parks Week’ officers from Chichester District Council’s Green Spaces team will be out and about at several of the city’s play areas to gather ideas and feedback from children and their adults. The team will be at Parklands play area 10am-1am; Priory Park 11.30am- 1pm; Florence Road park 1.30pm-2.30pm; and, Whyke Oval 3pm-4pm. The team will also be visiting Oaklands Park and the Amphitheatre play areas - once we have the details about these then we’ll let people know on our social media channels.
‘Love Parks Week’ is a great time to remind ourselves about all the fantastic green spaces that you can visit in the district. We’re lucky to have Bishop’s Palace Gardens and Priory Park right in the heart of Chichester, while in Midhurst South Pond is a wonderful place to sit and relax and simply watch the world go by.
We’ll be sharing some interesting facts about the parks and gardens that we care for so please head to our Facebook, Instagram and X (previously known as Twitter) pages to find out more. And if you’re in one of our parks this week, please do give your thanks to our Green Spaces team who do such a wonderful job looking after these important areas.
Best wishes,
Councillor Mark Chilton, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council
Highways, Transport and Planning - News and Updates
Highways, Transport and Planning - News and Updates
16
July 2024
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July 2024 |
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South Downs News - July 2024
South Downs News - July 2024
10
July 2024
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Latest news and events from across the Chichester District - Initiatives Newsletter
Latest news and events from across the Chichester District- Initiatives Newsletter
27
June 2024
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West Sussex Residents eNewsletter
West Sussex Residents eNewsletter
21
June 2024
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June 2024 West Sussex County Council eNewsletter |
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Better Roads in West Sussex
Better Roads in West Sussex
10
June 2024
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May 2024 West Sussex County Council eNewsletter |
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The Valley Diary - June 2024
The Valley Diary - June 2024
30
May 2024
Please see file attached.
Annual Parish Meeting - Southern Water Presentations
Annual Parish Meeting - Southern Water Presentations
24
May 2024
Please find attached Southern Water Presentations
Media release: Council agrees funding for vital river restoration projects in Chichester District
Media release: Council agrees funding for vital river restoration projects in Chichester District
22
May 2024
Date of Release: 22 May 2024
Ref:
4330
Council agrees funding for vital river restoration projects in Chichester District
Projects aimed at restoring three of the Chichester District’s rare river habitats have received a boost after councillors agreed to help fund them.
At a Chichester District Council meeting on Tuesday 21 May, councillors agreed to invest £180,000 over the next three years, as part of two projects being led by the Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT), formerly known as theArun and Rother Rivers Trust (ARRT), to help restore the River Lavant and also the Ems and the Hambrook.
The money will part-fund two posts. One post will work on furthering a restoration plan for the Ems and the Hambrook. The other will begin work on a similar plan for the Lavant.
“We are delighted to be able to support the Western SussexRivers Trust in their critical work and help fund these key projects,” says Councillor Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council. “The trust approached us for help, and we felt that it was crucial to support them in this way because our contribution will in turn help them to unlock further potential funding from other sources.
“Many people may not be aware but the rivers Ems, Hambrook and Lavant are among only 283 chalk streams and rivers in the world. These are globally significant but very rare habitats and are almost exclusively found in the south of England. None of these rivers has official protection but we are seeking to gain better protection for them through the Chichester Local Plan and its Strategic Wildlife Corridors policy.We appreciate that this isn’t enough on its own and that significant recovery work also needs to take place.
“Sadly, these rivers are now suffering from the effects of a number of activities including: pollution; habitat loss; drought; and, interruptions to their natural processes and flow. In addition, the River Ems is also suffering the effects of over-abstraction, a process where water is removed for domestic, industrial uses and agriculture.
“These chalk streams also feed into the internationally protected Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area and so it is absolutely vital that as a council we do all that we are able to do in order to support their protection and restoration for future generations. These projects will safeguard the future of three of the most significant rivers and streamsin our district which will then also have a positive effect on our harbour.
“Working with our partners on projects such as these is key. Our role is to help facilitate other organisations who have the expertise to enable results that the council wouldn’t be able to achieve on its own.”
The projects are catchment-based plans, so not only would they look at the rivers and streams themselves, but also the whole landscape area that feeds into them.
The work will focus on restoring the natural function in the river channels; tackling invasive non-native species; andriver re-meandering. This is work that creates a new meandering course or reconnects cut-off meander. Thiscan slow down river flow and is also known to have a positive impact on sedimentation and biodiversity.
Alongside this work, the project officers will also work with landowners and the local community to carry out citizen science, which would include a range of activities such as monitoring water quality, biodiversity and encouraging people to report incidents.
Getting the public and local community involved is key to gathering good statistics in order to gain good outcomes. The officers will also run public events to build community engagement and understanding of the issues affecting the rivers — this will feed into finding potential solutions.
The Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT) isone of a national network of river trusts that aim to protect and restore our rivers and streams. The Trust’s area covers nearly all of Chichester and Arun Districts. The trust has been working on a series of catchment-based plans for the restoration of rivers and their tributary streams within Chichester District.
As part of the
projects the council will meet regularly with WSRT to
monitor progress
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council - Meeting Dates for 2024
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council - Meeting Dates for 2024
20
May 2024
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council
Meeting Dates for 2024
All Meetings are held in Singleton Village Hall at 7pm
Full Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 17th January 2024
Full Parish Council Meeting Monday 18th March 2024
Full Annual Parish Council Meeting Monday 20th May 2024
And Annual Parish Meeting
Full Parish Council Meeting Monday 22nd July 2024
Full Parish Council Meeting Monday 16th September 2024
Full Parish Council Meeting Monday 18th November 2024
South Downs Planning Newsletter
South Downs Planning Newsletter
23
April 2024
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Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
02
April 2024
Priority Services Register
Please see attachment below.
Water regulator agrees to partnership working following criticisms in relation to Southern Water
Water regulator agrees to partnership working following criticisms in relation to Southern Water
30
January 2024
Date of Release: 29 January 2024 Ref: 4321
Water regulator agrees to partnership working following criticisms in relation to Southern Water
The watchdog responsible for regulating the water and sewerage industry, Ofwat, has pledged to work more closely with local authorities across the south coast to hold Southern Water to account.
Ofwat — the Water Services Regulation Authority — pledged to
better partnership working with local authorities at a meeting organised by the
Southern Water Stakeholder Group on 19 January 2024.
The Southern Water Stakeholder group was set up to put pressure on Southern
Water — which is responsible for
wastewater across the region and for drinking water in other parts of the
southeast —in light of pollution and flooding concerns.
Ofwat’s pledge follows criticisms by councils that the watchdog has not been effective in holding Southern Water to account.
During the meeting, which was attended by Southern Water, council officials said responses from the organisation have been continuously slow and unacceptable and the company failed to deliver promised upgrades. They asked Ofwat what local authorities could do to expedite complaints about Southern Water and how Ofwat carried out compliance checks against the company.
There were also criticisms that Ofwat is not monitoring Southern Water closely enough or ensuring that the water company is working efficiently. Council representatives explained that a much clearer understanding was needed of how councils can work with Ofwat to resolve problems and called on the water regulator to proactively help local authorities. They also asked for reassurance from Ofwat that water companies, such as Southern Water, are delivering on their promises to invest in infrastructure improvements.
Chichester District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Jonathan Brown, and Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Bill Brisbane, also attended the meeting.
“Chichester District Council is one of 24 councils across the south east that have joined together to hold Southern Water to account over pollution and infrastructure failings,” says Cllr Brisbane.
“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 Ofwat.
“By joining forces with other local councils, we have
been able to apply significant pressure on Southern Water. The Southern Water
Stakeholder Groupwas 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.
“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.”
Cllr Brown adds: “Unfortunately, as a district council, we do not have the direct power to regulate Southern Water or require it to address its failings. But as local authorities working together, we can do more to apply pressure and seek the required action needed to resolve these issues.Our residents deserve better and we will continue to work in partnership with other stakeholders to hold Southern Water to account.
“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.”
In the meeting on 19 January, Ofwat’s representative explained that the body’s fundamental duty is to ensure that customer and environment interests are met but that it was keen as a growing organisation to have evidence in advance of concerns so it could hear from the water companies how those issues could be addressed.
Chair of the Southern Water Stakeholder group, Wealden Councillor Rachel Millward, said: “It was once again very useful for all the local authorities across the southeast to express their concerns and raise the local issues their residents face.
“However, the disappointing reality is that Ofwat effectively allows Southern Water to mark its own homework, with no monitoring to ensure that promised improvements are made. Ofwat issues permits with conditions of upgrades to the system, but then fails to check that those happen. Ofwat effectively waits until the system breaks down and sewage pollution is a major problem, instead of taking preventative action of checking that required works are done. This clearly isn’t good enough for the national regulatory body.”
Councils have called for greater accountability and much clearer routes to improving the situation for residents.The next meeting of the Southern Water Stakeholder Group will be held in the spring.
Singleton & Charlton Community Highways Scheme – Update on Progress
Singleton & Charlton Community Highways Scheme – Update on Progress
25
January 2024
Singleton & Charlton Community Highways Scheme – update on progress
Our original proposal back in July 2022 was a ‘wish-list’ of improvements for the roads in Singleton and Charlton, ranging from crossings to school-parking and lower speed limits. We were up against numerous other communities applying for the same funding, so we were very lucky to be selected. However, due to budget constraints, what was on offer was a slimmed down version of our proposal. Then came the feasibility and road safety checks, which knocked a few more things out.
What we’ve been promised is a huge step in the right direction:
· 20mph speed limit throughout Singleton: on the A286 from near the cricket pitch, right through to the village gateways on the Midhurst side, then on all minor roads to the east of this, out to include Bankside.
· Changes to the bus stop: improved access and paving on the northbound side, narrowing the road slightly to slow the traffic, with a courtesy crossing between northbound and southbound.
· Changes to the Town Lane junction to slow traffic down as it takes the corner heading south.
· A courtesy crossing by the cricket pitch and another outside Little Drove Mews on Budd’s Hill. The crossings will consist of a dropped kerb either side with tactile paving and bollards. The cricket pitch crossing will link on both sides via new sections of footpath.
· Replacement of the crash-barrier at Cobblers Corner with a wood-clad version, to improve the appearance.
· Reinstatement of the red road markings on the A286 each side of the village.
· Improvements to the crossing outside the museum.
In addition to all this, we already have the requested 30mph limit up Town Lane as far as the museum entrance.
What we didn’t get and why:
· Removal of centre lines: Highways feel that these are needed until the traffic gets used to the new road layout – we’ve been promised that once we’ve got evidence of slower speeds, this will be reviewed.
· School parking: while this would – and will yet – improve safety outside the school, the costs would have pushed the total budget above the amount that could be allocated for the Community Highways Scheme. The Parish Council is therefore pursuing other sources of funding for this.
· Charlton proposals: These consisted of village gateways and a 20mph limit throughout the village. However, in order to focus on the essential improvements to the A286 – and so increase our chances of being selected for funding – we were advised to withdraw these from the CHS application and pursue them separately. We currently have a TRO application under way for the speed limit reduction and the gateways are at the design and funding stage.
· Changes to Cobblers Corner: The proposals here depended on removing most of the white lines and requiring drivers to slow down and work out for themselves how to get round the bend. We’d also like to get rid of the big yellow chevron signs by the former café. However, all this is currently a step too far for Highways, who fear that it would cause accidents – so the plan is to keep traffic speeds under review and revisit this when we apply (later) to have the white centre lines removed.
All in all, we are very pleased with what’s on offer. Construction is scheduled for 2024/25, so we expect to see activity later this year.
West Sussex County Council Recycling Centre booking system information
West Sussex County Council Recycling Centre booking system information
24
January 2024
Please see attachment below.
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council Emergency/Flood Contact List
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council Emergency/Flood Contact List
23
December 2023
Emergency Plan Contact List - December 2023
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council
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Graham Zacharias |
Chairman |
01243 818098 or 07774 822715 |
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Tony Marshall |
Councillor |
0788 127442 |
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Jeremy Rigby |
Councillor |
07735 057428 |
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Mat Chesshire |
Councillor |
07970 613092 |
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Sam Cox |
Councillor |
07800 993302 |
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Jo Ward |
Councillor |
07905 915107 |
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Vivien Nuttall |
Clerk |
01243 811810 or 07702 240126 |
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Useful Numbers
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Sue Martin |
Level Alert Warden |
01243 811429 |
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Cricket Pavilion |
Francis Ward |
07941 039378 |
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Village Hall Keyholders
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Graham Zacharias | 01243 818098 or 07774 822715 | |
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Church
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Rev Sarah |
07468 854864 |
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Judy Fathers |
07776 258230 |
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CDC
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Emergency Planning and Environmental Health Officer |
01243 785339 01243 785339 |
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Environment Agency |
Incident Hotline |
0800 807060 |
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Environment Agency |
Floodline |
0345 9881188 |
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Southern Water |
Drains |
0845 2780845/0330 3030368 |
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Portsmouth Water |
Emergency Line |
02392 477 999 |
Singleton and Charlton Parish - Priorities Statement
Singleton and Charlton Parish - Priorities Statement
28
November 2023
Please see attachment below. Submitted to SDNP on 7/11/23.
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council - Flood Advice - Be Prepared
Singleton and Charlton Parish Council - Flood Advice - Be Prepared
15
November 2023
Please see attached information.
Centurion Way - Update November 2023
Centurion Way - Update October 2023
01
November 2023
Please see attached document.
Chichester Local Plan
Chichester Local Plan
03
February 2023
Please see attached various documents relating to the Chichester Local Plan.