District Dispatch –Why the Local Plan is vital in protecting our area

Over the past couple of weeks, I have read with interest the articles claiming that we must ‘delay the local plan,’ and I felt I needed to respond to explain why this is the worst thing we could do.

There is one thing all of us have in common – we all want to protect our district for years to come and retain its character and beauty. The only way we can achieve this is by having a Local Plan, because it is the only way we can control development – and this is why it is so important we continue to progress with this important piece of work.

The message from Government has never been clearer – progress your plan or risk losing local control over the plan. The Secretary of State has powers to intervene in the production of the Plan, where he considers that a local planning authority is failing to prepare, revise or adopt a Plan. I’m sure that you will agree that we must not reach this point and it is vital that we keep this control locally.

You may also remember that we have already strongly requested an extension of time in which to prepare our plan from the Government, pointing out the unique character of the area and the challenging environmental constraints we face. We have also made strong representations to the Government about the proposed changes to the planning system. Unfortunately, as things stand, no extension has been given to us and we wait to see with interest how the Government proceeds with its proposals for the future planning system.

In one of the articles written it suggested that a moratorium must be imposed on all new large housing developments. This isn’t possible. Even if we could delay investment in homes and jobs, under the law, developers have the right to submit planning applications which must be determined within agreed timescales. If not, they have a right of appeal to Planning Inspectors and we would be likely to be found to have acted unreasonably, with applicants appeal costs awarded against us.

Now, let us focus on what the Local Plan can deliver. Firstly, it is a chance for us all come together to protect our area and take control of how we want our district to look in the future. The issues raised by the Harbour Trust and its campaign – nitrates, sewerage capacity and roads infrastructure - require long term thinking that a Local Plan provides.

But the Plan is not just about housing. There are proposals for jobs – something that is more vital than ever – wildlife corridors and other environmental improvements. These all need the Plan to proceed.

The Plan gives us the chance to take control and to make sure that we access the infrastructure we so desperately need. Without the Plan, we will not be able to access the funding for this. This type of funding pays for roads, schools, medical facilities, community facilities, parks and more.

By progressing with the Plan, we are testing the evidence to see whether we can deliver our identified development needs in a way which will have weight with Government Planning Inspectors. This will strengthen our case with Developers, Planning Inspectors and the Government, when considering development proposals and making the case for investment in our area, which is vital for the future of our children and grandchildren.

Unfortunately, planning issues are never simple. To get through them, we need to work together, look at the evidence and build a plan that will protect our local plan area while delivering much needed jobs, housing and infrastructure.Your views and involvement are at the heart of this – which is why we consult with you regularly throughout the whole process. We are aware that concerns have been raised that decisions around the A27 are being taken in secret. You can be absolutely assured that this is not the case. Any proposals that are part of the Chichester Local Plan will be fully consulted on with both our partners and our communities.

What you can be sure of is that our priority is to get the very best outcome for our district, our residents and our businesses – and with your help, I believe that we can achieve this.

Best Wishes,

Cllr Susan Taylor

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning at Chichester District Council

1 December 2020

Issued by the Communications Team –publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

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This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

· Latest update

· Service status update

· Businesses urged to apply for grants

· New funding opportunity for local businesses

· COVID Ambassadors to assist in our High Streets

· Shop local, Visit local, Support local

· Chichester Farmers’ Markets

· Parking offers

· St Wilfrid’s Christmas tree recycling scheme

· Coronavirus related advice from Citizens’ Advice

· Chichester’s Wednesday and Saturday markets

· Census 2021 job opportunities

· Scheme to prevent loneliness

• Guidance for working safely during coronavirus
• Webinar on support for businesses affected by coronavirus
• Safer travel guidance for passengers
• Guidance for landlords, tenants
• Webinars for organisations that trade with the EU

· Share this with a friend

Latest update

The Government has set out the local restriction tier system that will be in place from 2 December, including what you can and cannot do in each tier:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know.

The Chichester District has been put in ‘Tier 2: High Alert’, which means that from 2 December, new restrictions will apply in our area. You can find all the details on this here:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know. National restrictions continue to apply until 2 December.

For a list of local restrictions by area, see:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-list-of-local-restriction-tiers-by-area

Please remember: Hands, Face and Space; increase ventilation in enclosed spaces wherever possible; and if you have symptoms, get tested and isolate yourself from others when instructed.

You can find local coronavirus information athttps://www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus while the very latest Government advice is available athttps://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Service status update

Both the council’s leisure centres, which are run by Everyone Active, and our Novium Museum will reopen on Wednesday 2 December. The very latest update on our services can be found athttp://www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus

Advice on forming a Christmas household bubble

Government has also made an announcement around some changes to social contact restrictions over the Christmas period between 23 and 27 December. To find out how households can form a ‘Christmas bubble’, visithttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family

Businesses urged to apply for grants

There are currently three separate business support grants available including: the council’s COVID recovery grant; the Local Restrictions Support Grant and the Additional Restrictions Support Grant. To find out more and to see if your business is eligible and to apply, please see: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport

New funding opportunity for local businesses

Coast to Capital has announced further funding available for eligible small or medium-sized enterprises in the area. This funding aims to support businesses affected by COVID-19 and there are two funding streams: Visitor Economy (Kickstart Tourism) and Wider Economy (Restart & Recovery SME). Eligible businesses can access grants of between £1,000 – £3,000 (up to £5,000 in exceptional circumstances) for specialist advice or equipment/technology. Full applications will need to be returned with related quotes by Monday 7 December 2020 at 11:59pm. For more information, visithttps://www.coast2capital.org.uk/erdf-grants?fbclid=IwAR2SQnV0dOsy7984pTGYMA3oXENZQbG0iRghqfFqfNIn0XLTGJ8EtW1Awko

COVID Ambassadors to assist in our High Streets

Using Government funding, we are employing COVID Ambassadors to help manage social distancing and to offer you reassurance when the shops reopen on Wednesday 2 December. The Ambassadors will be in place from December through to January in all of our High Streets across the district.

Shop local, Visit local, Support local

As businesses gear up to welcome customers back in person when the current restrictions end, we are encouraging everyone to play their part in supporting their local businesses by shopping locally this Christmas as part of our Countdown to Christmas campaign. Businesses have been working hard to put in place all the necessary measures to keep you safe. Don’t forget that parking incentives will also be on offer during December. Find out more atwww.chichester.gov.uk/countdowntochristmas

New coronavirus social distancing signage for businesses

We have a range of coronavirus signage available on our website to help businesses. This can be downloaded fromwww.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal New signage will soon be added to this to reflect the branding from our current Christmas campaign. You can also sign up for our Christmas Business Marketing pack atwww.chichester.gov.uk/christmasbusinesspack

Guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable

The Government has updated guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus, in line with the local restriction tier system that will be in place in England from 2 December. Find the updated guidance here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Local restrictions advice for businesses

If you’re a business in the district, the Government has released information about the restrictions that will be in place in our area from 2 December. We will be in ‘Tier 2: High Alert’ and you can find the details of the restrictions that have been published at:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

We expect further guidance and legislation to be released shortly. To receive the latest local coronavirus news, sign up to our news alerts atwww.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts and follow our social media channels.

Chichester Farmers’ Market

Offering everything you need to make Christmas special, Chichester Farmers’ Market will be operating on Friday 4 and Friday 18 December. The markets will be held in Cattle Market car park in Chichester from 9am until 2pm with social distancing measures in place to help everyone shop safely. A number of stalls will also be taking orders for Christmas. Find out more at http://www.chichester.gov.uk/farmersmarket

Parking offers
Due to the coronavirus crisis, we are not running our normal park and ride this Christmas. Instead, throughout December we will be running two parking incentives to encourage you to shop locally. There will be free parking every weekend in December in our Avenue de Chartres car park in Chichester. You can also select two hours and get the third hour free in the majority of our council-owned car parks every day in December across the district when using the MiPermit app. To use MiPermit visit http://www.mipermit.com

The Novium Museum launches virtual field trips schools competition

The Novium Museum is offering 10 schools the chance to win a Roman themed virtual field trip to celebrate the launch of the its new digital learning programme. The virtual field trips have been developed in response to the challenges faced by primary schools as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and have been made possible thanks to grant funding from Art Fund’s Respond and Reimagine programme. Find out more on the museum’s Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/TheNovium

University of Chichester research project focuses on men at high risk of social isolation

The University of Chichester study has found that men at high risk of social isolation can boost their mental health by engaging in their community. The Step by Step project aims to engage with lonely men by providing a space to learn skills and socialise using the popular Men’s Sheds concept. It’s in a bid to tackle rising rates of suicide among men in the UK and Europe. You can find out more at

https://www.chi.ac.uk/news/men-high-risk-social-isolation-can-boost-their-mental-health-engaging-their-community-suggests-new-study

St Wilfrid’s Hospice Christmas tree recycling scheme

We’ve teamed up with St Wilfrid’s Hospice again this year to offer a simple, green and charitable way to dispose of your Christmas tree. By signing up to the Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme, the hospice’s team of volunteers will collect your tree and recycle it for you from 6 to 22 January 2021, in return for a donation to the hospice. If you are not signed up to our Garden recycling service, this is a great way to ensure your tree Christmas tree is recycled whilst supporting the hospice charity.

Visithttps://stwh.co.uk/christmastrees or call 01243 755184 to find out more and book your slot.

Coronavirus-related advice from Citizens Advice

If you are worried about financial issues as a result of the pandemic or need advice on other matters then Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice is there to help you find a way forward. In the last six months the charity has helped thousands of people and its trained team of volunteers and staff here to support you, online and by telephone.

To access their advice you can call 0344 477 1171 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm), start a web chat athttps://bit.ly/AdviceWebChat (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm) or read their self-advice guidehttps://bit.ly/SelfAdviceGuide

2021 Census

The Office for National Statistics are preparing for next year’s Census and are currently recruiting temporary Census officer, team leader and management roles. You can find out current openings, FAQs and apply at:

https://www.censusjobs.co.uk/

Scheme to prevent loneliness

Living Letters is a project that connects people and develops intergenerational friendships to help prevent loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chickenshed charity has volunteers aged from 18-21 who want to connect with senior members of communities. If you have care homes or group settings that may benefit from this scheme to help prevent lockdown loneliness please contactRachely@chickenshed.org.uk for more details. You can find more information athttps://www.chickenshed.org.uk/living-letters-four-week-project and you can also watch a video about the scheme athttps://youtu.be/g23YjdBcQ0o

Guidance for working safely during coronavirus

Guidance on working safely during coronavirus has been updated to reflect the new local restriction tier system that will be in place in England from 2 December. Find out more athttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Webinar on support for businesses affected by coronavirus

A new webinar aimed at supporting businesses affected by coronavirus will be taking place on selected dates in December. The webinar provides an overview of the Self-Employment Income Support Grant Extension and further support available for self-employed people. You can sign up athttps://bit.ly/2V4SI10

Safer travel guidance for passengers

The Government has updated its guidance on walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport in line with the local restriction tier system that will be in place in England from 2 December. It has also updated guidance on safer working principles and risk assessments for transport operators and organisations, drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs), in line with the new local restriction tier system. You can find out more at:

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-operators
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-taxis-and-phvs

Guidance for landlords and tenants

Guidance has been updated for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors in line with the new local restriction tier system. You can find out more information athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities andhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-possession-action-process-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants

Webinars for organisations that trade with the EU

If you trade with the EU then a webinar has been produced to explain what businesses need to do make sure they are ready when changes to how the UK trades with the EU take effect from 1 January 2021. You can find out more and sign up athttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-if-your-business-trades-with-the-eu

Share this with a friend

As the situation around coronavirus changes, it’s important that people across our district have the most up-to-date information possible. Please encourage your friends and family to sign up to this newsletter so that we can all be prepared and play our part in the fight against the virus. Sign up athttp://www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts

I you are having difficulty with property insurance in our area, concerning flood levels classification, the Environment Agency have given the following email for you to get help, 
ssdenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Young People of Singleton and Charlton

We Need Your Help

Singleton and Charlton Parish Council

Are Looking for Ideas of What Exercise/Play Equipment

You Would Like to be Installed on The Glebe Field alongside the Playground

We would need to obtain grants to enable us to carry out this work so Unfortunately this wouldn’t happen immediately, however, we want to ensure that we provide equipment that would be regularly used.

Please email your suggestions tosingletonparishcouncil1@gmail.com or phone 01243 811810

https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/domestic-cctv-systems-guidance-for-people-using-cctv/