Category: News

Mid Sussex District Council is now consulting on its proposed ‘Main Modifications’ to the emerging District Plan.

Main Modifications are changes to the plan that the Inspector considers are necessary to make the plan legally compliant. At the last Hearing held by the Government’s independent Planning Inspector into the District Plan in July, Inspector Bore indicated that he was content that all issues raised had been fully debated. While he was satisfied that MSDC could demonstrate that it had a five-year Housing Land supply, he asked the Council to look at a number of options to make the supply stronger.

MSDC has now explored a range of options and has proposed a further strategic allocation at Hassocks for an additional 500 homes, including affordable housing. This includes a primary school and associated infrastructure improvements.

Garry Wall, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said, “An agreed District Plan, with a five-year rolling housing supply, means that we are significantly less vulnerable to developers pursuing speculative developments. Finding larger sites means we stand a better chance of delivering affordable housing and securing investments in roads, schools and leisure facilities that we know communities need. We will do all we can to ensure that these strategic sites also contribute to improving infrastructure and facilities for local people”.

Councillor Wall went on to say, “We have been building a strong local plan with our town and parish colleagues for a number of years now. These modifications are the final piece of the jigsaw and this consultation is extremely important for local people to help continue to shape our future.”

The consultation period runs between Monday 2 October and Monday 13 November 2017. During this period comments are invited on the Main Modifications only. Further information can be found at www.midsussex.gov.uk/districtplan.

All comments will be sent to the Planning Inspector for his consideration. It is anticipated that his report into whether MSDC can adopt the Plan will be received in December. The Council hopes to adopt the Plan by January 2018, when its policies will have full weight in the determination of planning applications.

Mid Sussex District Council and Sir Nicholas Soames MP invited older people from around the District to join them for Afternoon Tea and Musical Entertainment on Sunday 8 October 2017.

Hosted at Meridian Hall in East Grinstead, the event was part of the annual Silver Sunday celebrations, a day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK.

Sir Nicholas and his guests were supported by young volunteers from local Guide and Scout troops, alongside representatives from Mid Sussex District Council, Haywards Heath Town Council, East Grinstead Town Council and Sussex Police.

Entertainment was provided by Charlotte Weller, a 19-year-old graduate of the world famous Brit School, who delighted the crowd by performing pop hits and show tunes from famous musicals.

Charlotte was followed by Marco Seymour, a talented magician who performed close-up tricks for the guests at their tables and captivated the audience with his unique blend of magic and comedy.

The event was closed by the Sackville Instrumentalists, a wonderful group of students who study music at the nearby Sackville School. The Instrumentalists performed some classic pop songs that included a unique rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ on the ukulele.

“Silver Sunday is a wonderful initiative that helps older people all over the UK to enjoy a free afternoon out and meet other people from their local area,” said Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community. “I would like to personally thank all the volunteers who have given up their time and the sponsors who have provided financial support because we really couldn’t have hosted this special day without them.”

“The first Silver Sunday event was launched by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation and Councillor Christabel Flight in 2012 and in the last five years it has grown into a significant national event,” said Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Cabinet Member for Resources and Economic Growth. “This year we have played our part in helping Silver Sunday grow by offering a grant of £250 to local voluntary groups that wanted to stage an event for Silver Sunday. The take up has been tremendous and we now have 11 new Silver Sunday events taking place throughout Mid Sussex this October.”

Information regarding the free training offered by MSDC – this has been organised through the Better Young Lives Group and where the need for this training was identified. The training is being delivered during Sussex Safeguarding Week which runs from 27th November to 1st December. Places can be booked by using the link to an on-line booking form.

Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging people to shop locally and support their community by reducing parking to £1 every Saturday in December.

In the run up to Christmas, shoppers won’t have to worry about parking prices in specific long stay car parks across Mid Sussex. Mid Sussex District Council is providing discounted parking on Saturdays to support local shoppers and traders. As parking on Sundays is already free, it will cost just £1 to park in the Franklynn Road, Queens Crescent, Station Road, the Vicarage or Norton House car parks for the whole weekend.

If you are over 65, on a low income, could we help you with a Christmas voucher?

Pick up a form at East Grinstead Town Council, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern or Library.

Completed forms must be returned on or before Friday 10th November 2017 to East Grinstead Town Council, Ashurst Wood Parish Council, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Age UK East Grinstead & District or Library.

Or download the Charity Application Form 2017