Author: Andrew Taylor

WEST Sussex District Council has given advance warning that the Northbound slip road between the Station Road roundabout and the A22 will be closed for eight weeks this autumn.

The closure is to allow for redevelopment of the bus interchange, and for pavement and carriageway construction to be carried out safely during the eight week project.

The area will remain open to pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Other traffic will be diverted via Railway Approach, London Road and the A22 Beeching Way.

Mid Sussex District Council has published its updated District Plan. It will be considered by the Council’s Scrutiny Committee for Planning and Economic Development on 3 March 2015.

Whilst the Plan has been refreshed to reflect the most up to date data on population, household trends and national guidance; its thrust remains unchanged from the 2013 version.

The updated Plan aims to support sustainable growth and jobs whilst also protecting the beautiful environment and ecology of the District. The detailed policies within the Plan underpin these objectives and provide a framework for development until 2031.

“Seeking a balance between sustainable growth and protecting our precious natural environment goes to the heart of our Plan” said Councillor Garry Wall, Leader of the Council.

The updated Plan contains refreshed housing numbers for the District reflecting the most up to date information on population and household trends. The Plan envisages 11,050 new homes in Mid Sussex up to 2031, a slight increase from the 10,600 figure included in the last version of the Plan.

The Plan aims to facilitate 650 new homes every year compared to an objectively assessed need of 627. This shows the Council is positive about a sensible level of new housing and employment space to support jobs, the economy and the needs of neighbouring areas.

The total figure of 11,050 new homes includes 5,500 that already have planning permission. Burgess Hill continues to be an important strategic area with 3,500 new homes planned. The recent announcement of £17m of Government funding to upgrade the A2300 supports this development. The remaining new homes will come from the natural growth of villages as outlined in Neighbourhood Plans.

“We have been a forerunner in supporting a bottom up approach to planning through Neighbourhood Plans” said Councillor Norman Webster, Portfolio Holder for Planning. “We remain committed to this approach”.

The Council has worked hard to improve understanding of its constraints. With 60% of the District covered by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, significant areas of ancient woodland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; there are many restrictions on where building can take place. “We are custodians of our beautiful environment” said Councillor Webster “We must protect it for future generations whilst also ensuring our economy remains buoyant”.

The Plan does not support the development of a new market town in the Sayers Common area as promoted by Mayfield Market Towns. “We have consistently viewed the proposals from Mayfield as wholly inappropriate” said Councillor Webster “Our emphasis is on supporting sustainable growth which is in turn supported by local communities; Mayfield’s proposals have never passed either test”.

Once the Plan has been considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 3 March and full Council on 18 March, it will be the subject of a final public consultation in the early summer and then submitted for Public Examination.

East Grinstead Museum, an independent volunteer run charitable trust, currently has six Trustees, who wish to increase the Board’s skills by recruiting an additional three trustees to help take the Museum forward into its next phase of development.

The Trustees long term aim for the Museum is an expansion, so that it can fully tell the story of Sir Archibald McIndoe, the WW2 pioneering plastic surgeon and his patients who formed the Guinea Pig Club. In the short term there are plans for a small redevelopment of an existing part of the Museum.

The trustees are looking for people with an interest in local history or museums and heritage and who have experience of trusteeship/committee member of a charity or other voluntary organisation. There is a need for individuals with skills in management, marketing/PR, HR, law or fund raising, particularly grant applications.

Andrew Brock, Chairman of Trustees said, “this is an exciting time to join the board and play a part in a significant development.”

For further information contact the Museum on info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk

Do you live in or near Felbridge Surrey?
Are you interested in Local matters?
Are you looking for a part time job with flexible hours?

Position: Clerk to Felbridge Parish Council
Hours: Average 30 hours per month (minimum 360 hours per annum)
Salary: From £8.61 per hour (dependent upon experience and training) plus monthly allowance to cover working at home expenses

Job Description

• Arrange and attend 10-12 monthly evening Parish Council meetings per year.
• Prepare and distribute agendas and minutes in consultation with the Council members.
• Provide administrative support for the Parish Council. Receive and process emails and post related to Parish Council matters. Study reports and other data on Council and related activities.
• Distribute information as necessary to Parish Council members and Parish Council Chairman.
• Communicate with District, County and other Parish Councils and organisations regarding parish matters and works required.
• Maintain files of all documents relating to Parish Council business.
• Maintain the registers of members’ interests and gifts/hospitality received.
• Represent the Council as required.

Skills: Admin experience, Attention to detail, Shorthand or minute taking experience

Training: Full Parish Clerk training is available

To apply: Please send your cv to The Chairman, Felbridge Parish Council, Felbridge Village Hall, Crawley Down Road, Felbridge, East Grinstead, RH19 2NT
Or email to clerkfpc@aol.com

Closing date for applications 28th February 2015. If you would like any further information on the role please call the Parish Clerk on 01342 321373.

Harvest Hill	East Grinstead	New service.	Road Closure.	16-Feb-2015	20-Feb-2015	UK Power Networks South Eastern
Imberhorne Lane	East Grinstead	Install new service.	Two-Way Signals.	11-Feb-2015	11-Feb-2015	UK Power Networks South Eastern
Imberhorne Lane	East Grinstead	Clearance of duct blockages in carriageway to facilitate spine cabling works.	Stop/Go Boards.	10-Feb-2015	12-Feb-2015	BT
Lewes Road	East Grinstead	Install valve on main.	Lane Closure.	16-Feb-2015	20-Feb-2015	South East Water
Saint Hill Road	East Grinstead	Burst  main.	Two-Way Signals.	30-Jan-2015	06-Feb-2015	South East Water
West Hoathly Road	East Grinstead	Carriageway Patching.	Road Closure.	16-Feb-2015	16-Feb-2015	West Sussex County Council