21 December 2015

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Referendums have been called in Lindfield and Lindfield Rural, Turners Hill and Twineham for Thursday 28 January 2016. Residents will decide if they would like the Neighbourhood Plans produced by the local Parish Councils to determine planning applications in their area.

Neighbourhood Plans give people the opportunity to decide on the future of their local area. Town and Parish Councils work alongside local residents to develop plans that will influence the planning of the area where they live and work.

Lindfield and Lindfield Rural, Turners Hill and Twineham Parish Councils have now finalised their Neighbourhood Plans and, if over 50% of people who vote in each area support the plan, they will be used by Mid Sussex District Council to decide local planning applications. Although they will be held on the same day, the referendums are completely separate.

Recent home movers should check that they have updated the electoral register and will be eligible to vote. Only residents in Lindfield and Linfield Rural, Turners Hill and Twineham are eligible to vote in these Neighbourhood Plan referendums.

The deadline for new registration applications is Midnight on Tuesday 12 January 2016 and the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 13 January 2016. Residents who are already registered to vote by post should receive their postal vote pack by 8 January 2016.

New applications to appoint someone to vote by Proxy must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2016 and applications for an emergency Proxy vote must be received by 5pm on Thursday 28 January 2016.

If you have any questions regarding registration or the electoral process then please contact the Mid Sussex District Council Electoral Services team on 01444 477003 or email elections@midsussex.gov.uk.