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12/09

10/08

Chichester councillors are being advised to put on hold a major plan about where future major developments should be located in the District.

The Local Development Framework Panel will recommend to the Council's Executive Board that the Core Strategy should be put on hold until there is clarification on:

• local infrastructure provision; and,
• future Government proposals for planning.
  

The Local Development Framework includes documents on how we propose to develop local areas to improve the District for the benefit of residents and future generations. It outlines what the District should look like in 15 years.

In coming to its decision, the Panel considered the continuing concerns over the capacity of local infrastructure and its ability to deal with growth.

The capacity for waste water treatment, in particular, has been under close scrutiny, as has the A27 and traffic congestion. The Environment Agency, Natural England, the Highways Agency, Southern Water and West Sussex County Council have expressed their concerns.

There are doubts, also, over if and when the financial resources might be made available to deal with the investment that the plan would require.

Myles Cullen, Leader of the Council, says: “There remain good reasons for us to want an up-to-date and soundly based planning strategy for the District. We need to address the imbalance in our population, that sees increased numbers of older residents and fewer families with children and younger people. We need to continue to promote the District as a good place to invest and to do business, in order to maintain economic viability. This includes addressing local housing need, which will have to be established through a detailed study.

“There are clear indications that the Government will want future economic development. Our local businesses also continually stress that a good supply of affordable housing is essential for recruitment and retention of staff.

“The Government will also want councils to demonstrate that they have sufficient land available for housing – so the requirement for a five year housing land supply may well continue. We are seeking further clarification on this issue, which is also a concern for many of our neighbouring councils.”

The recommendations will be presented to the Council's Executive Board on Tuesday 13 July.

GARDEN MARKET RETURNS TO CHICHESTER

Garden enthusiasts can enjoy an extra day's shopping at Chichester city centre's third Garden Market next week.

The market will run for four days this year, from Saturday 19 to Tuesday 22 June. Last year's three day event proved to be extremely popular, attracting over 160,000 people to the city centre. 

Visitors will be able to purchase a wide range of top quality garden plants, crafts, sculptures, furniture, fencing and accessories. The market, organised by Kim Long, City Centre Manger, in partnership with Woodland Crafts, will be in the heart of the city, along North Street and East Street.

Cllr Myles Cullen, Leader of Chichester District Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, is hoping the Garden Market will be as successful again this year: “This year's Garden Market promises to be even bigger and better, with everything you need for your garden. As well as brightening up Chichester's historic centre with beautiful blooms, there will be local crafts and demonstrations as well. We hope the Garden Market will attract even more shoppers and prove to be a success for everyone involved.”

CHICHESTER DISTRICT BEACHES AMONG THE BEST IN EUROPE

The water quality at all three beaches in the district can be considered among the best in England and Europe after the water is classified as ‘excellent' once again.

All three beaches in the district have received a Solent Water Quality Award again this year, due to the quality of the water in 2009.  And so far, every water sample taken in 2010 has been classified as excellent. Local residents and tourists have been able to enjoy our beaches, and our ‘excellent' water, every year at Bracklesham Bay since 1995, West Wittering since 1998 and East Beach, Selsey, since 2001.

“Chichester District Council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water have been working hard to make sure our beaches are safe, as well as fun,” says Cllr Heather Caird, Portfolio Holder for Health at Chichester District Council.

“During the bathing season (May to September) all EU designated beaches are sampled on a weekly basis to check the quality of the water. We are proud that our water quality has been excellent for a number of years, and we are working hard to gain a Solent Water Quality Award for 2011.”

The results of this sampling programme can be found on Chichester District Council's website ( www.chichester.gov.uk/waterquality ). The results are also displayed on posters at seven locations around the district:

• reception at the Council's East Pallant House Offices;
• the Tourist Information Centre in South Street, Chichester;
• the display cabinet at East Beach, Selsey;
• the Selsey Area Office;
• the display cabinet at Bracklesham Bay;
• the notice board at the entrance to West Wittering beach car park; and,
• the lifeguard's station on West Wittering Beach.
  

Chichester District Council also operates a Foreshore Safety Patrol Service along the coast from Pagham Harbour to Chichester Harbour. The service runs from Easter to the end of September and is based at the Bracklesham Bay Foreshore Office. The team provide information and advice on many issues, including tide times and weather. The foreshore staff can be contacted during the season on 01243 672133.

Chichester District Council's Dog Wardens also help to make sure that everyone's visit to the beach is a pleasant experience. Dog Control Officers visit and patrol the beach areas within the District, and are supported by the Foreshore Officers. Signs are in place to advise those in charge of dogs that:

• dog foul must always be immediately picked up by the owner;
• dogs must be placed on a lead if directed to do so by a Council Officer; and,
• dogs are prohibited on designated areas of beach at Selsey, East Wittering and Bracklesham between 01 May and 30 September.

Failure to comply could result in a Fixed Penalty or Court appearance. The Dog Wardens can be contacted on 01243 534734 during Council hours, or on 01243 785339 out of hours.

For more information on the water sampling, please contact the Environmental Health Team at the Council on 01243 534598 or environmentalhealth@chichester.gov.uk

27th May 2010
MAYOR OR LEADER?
HOW SHOULD THE DISTRICT BE RUN IN THE FUTURE?

Chichester District Council is asking for residents' views on how it should be run in the future.

Changes in the law mean the Council will need to decide whether it is led by:

• a mayor and executive cabinet; or
• a leader and executive cabinet.
  

The Council has launched a consultation period for local people to have their say. The consultation period runs until Friday 6 August .

At a full meeting of the Council on 27 April councillors indicated their preference for the leader and executive cabinet. This is most like the current system.

At the moment councillors vote for a Council Leader, Deputy Leader, and members of the Executive Board at the annual meeting.

The main features of a leader and cabinet are:

• the leader would be an elected councillor, appointed as leader by the council for four years;
• the leader would choose which councillors serve in the cabinet; and,
• the council would retain powers to remove the leader from office during his/her term of office.
  

The main features of a directly elected mayor and cabinet are:

• the directly elected mayor is not a councillor, but is chosen by voters in a separate election;
• he or she would serve for four years;
• the mayor would choose which councillors serve in the cabinet; and,
• the mayor cannot be removed from office by the council.
  

John Marsland, Chief Executive of Chichester District Council, says: “We are keen to hear what residents think about the two options of having either a council leader or a directly elected mayor. Whichever option is chosen for the future, we will continue to provide high quality services to our residents.”

Residents have until Friday 6 August to let the Council know their views. To make a comment please email leadership@chichester.gov.uk or write to Community Partnerships, Freepost, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1YQ. Alternatively, you can indicate your preference via the Council's website at www.chichester.gov.uk .

TIPS ON HOW TO ATTRACT AUDIENCES

Do you want to learn new ways of increasing audience numbers at your arts event this year?

Chichester District Council's Arts Development section wants to help you. It has teamed up with a national organisation, Making Music, to hold An Introduction to Audience Development.

The event will take place on Saturday 22 May from 2pm to 4.30pm at the Assembly Rooms, North Street, Chichester.

The event is aimed at voluntary and semi-professional groups such as art, dance and drama groups.

It will include information about marketing ideas and knowledge to help build your audience and box office. It will look at using both traditional and new forms of marketing activity, such as websites and social networking.

It will also look at developing relations with the local media, and outline how  Chichester's City of Culture bid can provide further opportunities for groups to reach potential new audiences.

Speakers will include Kate Murdoch, from the South East regional branch of Making Music, and Chichester District Council's Arts Development Officer, Duncan Hanner.

The event will include an opportunity to talk with other organisers about all sorts of good ideas.

Chichester District Council's Arts Development Officer, Duncan Hanner, says: “The general principles of the session will be equally applicable to drama, dance or art groups. There will be a chance to ask questions and to take away specific ideas and contacts tailored to our local circumstances. This is a great opportunity for local arts groups to pick up some marketing tips, especially in these difficult times.”

To book a place, please contact the Arts Development Officer at Chichester District Council by Friday 14 May on 01243 534862 or email dhanner@chichester.gov.uk .

CHICHESTER CANDIDATES FOR GENERAL ELECTION

Four candidates have been nominated to stand for the General Election next month in the Chichester Constituency.

They are:

• Simon Holland – Labour Party
• Martin Lury – Liberal Democrat
• Andrew Moncreiff – UK Independence Party
• Andrew Tyrie – Conservative Party
  

The General Election will take place on Thursday 6 May 2010. All registered electors have been sent poll cards. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. The counting of the votes will be held overnight, following the close of the poll, at Westgate Leisure Chichester.

For further information, please go to our website ( www.chichester.gov.uk ), or contact our elections team on 01243 521010, elections@chichester.gov.uk

RESIDENTS HELP COUNCIL CRACK DOWN ON FLY TIPPERS

Chichester District Council has praised residents for their vigilance, following the prosecution of three fly tippers in the district.

The Chichester Magistrates Court ordered the payment of fines, costs and compensation totalling almost £4,000 after three individuals were found guilty of depositing controlled waste on land, without a waste management licence.

Andrew Wilson, a builder from Havant, had dumped a garage door and other building materials on land at Racton Monument, which is a listed building. 

A member of the public saw Wilson's van and noted down the vehicle registration number. Wilson pleaded guilty and was fined £600 with costs awarded to the Local Authority of £1100.60; compensation of £104.50 - and a victim surcharge of £15, totalling £1820.10.

Another member of the public spotted John Masters leaving household waste, including carpets and an armchair, on land on Woodberry Lane, Rowlands Castle. Council officers found evidence in the fly tip linked to Masters. In Court, Masters stated he intended to go to the tip, but didn't have enough room in his car for his passengers and the rubbish. He was fined  £300, plus costs to the Local Authority of £668.80; compensation of £84.50, and a £15 victim surcharge, totalling £1068.30.

Kevin Robinson, of no fixed address, refused to pay the £15 commercial vehicle charge required to leave rubbish at the Council refuse tip. Instead, Robinson dumped the waste in the car park at Hunstan Canal. Evidence found in the fly tip was linked back to Robinson. He pleaded guilty and due to his personal circumstances got a conditional discharge for a period of one year. However, the Council was awarded costs of £970 and compensation of £68. There was a victim surcharge of £15 and overall total of £1053.

Chichester District Council is now asking the public to continue to be on the lookout for illegal fly tipping. Councillor Heather Caird, Portfolio Holder for Health at Chichester District Council, says: “Without the cooperation of the public, tackling fly tips would be more challenging. We want the public to report fly tips as soon as they see them. If you can provide descriptions of vehicles and the perpetrators that is really helpful. Photographs are also useful.”

The Council now operates a zero tolerance approach to fly tipping, regardless of whether the rubbish is dumped on public or private land. Graham Nunn, Chichester District Council's Clean Neighbourhoods Officer, says: “The public and householders should also be aware that they have a duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of properly. If their waste is dumped illegally, they could be prosecuted for it, even if it was someone else who dumped it. As part of our investigations into fly tipping, a number of householders have now been issued with fixed penalty notices for failing to do this. In the future they could be prosecuted.”

If householders employ someone else to remove and dispose of any waste on their behalf, they must be able to show they have taken reasonable measures to make sure it is disposed of properly. These include:

• asking the person collecting your waste if they are registered as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency;
• asking where your waste is being taken; the site should be licensed by the Environment Agency;
• questioning why someone is offering you a price much lower than anyone else;
• asking the person collecting your waste for a signed receipt with their carrier registration number on it and noting the vehicle registration number; and refusing to hand over your waste if you have any concerns.

To report any instances of fly tipping
call Chichester District Council on 01243 534619

IMPROVEMENTS TO PLANNING ENFORCEMENT

Planning enforcement cases causing serious harm will be fast tracked under new guidelines agreed by Chichester District Council.

Following a review of the way in which planning enforcement cases were handled, it was identified that:

• cases should be given a priority rating. This will depend on the potential harm they will cause;
• increased resources should be invested in the team to improve the turn around of cases;
• complainants should be kept informed throughout the process. This includes notifying them of the action that will be taken following site visits; and
• Notices should be issued swiftly in accordance with the timescales set.
  

Cllr Janet Duncton, Portfolio Holder for Planning at Chichester District Council, says: “We take breaches of planning control very seriously and are committed to the effective enforcement of this control. The strategy is a significant step forward and will help us focus our efforts and resources where they are most required. Residents should be reassured that all cases will still be investigated, but each one will be prioritised, depending on its severity.

“We are aware that safeguarding the environment and protecting residents' amenities is a number one priority for the people of the district. We are sure that our customers will be pleased with this improvement.”

The new strategy explains the planning enforcement process and how people can make a complaint. It also introduces new service standards. This is to make sure that reports of breaches of planning control are progressed quickly.

The Strategy can be read in full via the Councils web site using the following link: http://www.chichester.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=465

A hard copy is available upon request from the Planning Enforcement Team on 01243 534754 ( planningenforcement@chichester.gov.uk )

Individuals wishing to make a complaint or enquiry about a potential breach of planning control should notify the Council of their concern in writing (letter, email or fax) to: Planning Enforcement, Chichester District Council, East Pallant House, 1 East Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex  PO19 1TY, Tel: 01243 534734, Email:  planningenforcement@chichester.gov.uk

People in and around Chichester District are being asked to have their say on where future major developments should be located over the next 15 years.  This is in response to the South East Plan, which requires 9,600 homes to be built in the district between 2006 and 2026.

Chichester District Council has produced six options for residents to view and comment upon between Monday 4 January and Monday 1 February 2010.

“It is vital that major developments are planned for the future in order to provide essential housing, employment, community facilities and infrastructure. This work will shape the future of Chichester District and so it is important that everyone uses this opportunity to have their say,” said Cllr Myles Cullen, Leader of Chichester District Council.

“We are involving residents, businesses, organisations and service providers in this process right from the start and we hope that people will then continue to comment at future stages of this process.

“The consultation document outlines the issues the Council is facing; the requirements it needs to plan for; the vision for the district; and what the district should look like in 15 years. It then sets out the options for major development.

“Once we have identified major development sites, we will then begin to look at smaller sites, at which time people will again have the opportunity to have their say.

“You can view the document and proposals on our website ( www.chichester.gov.uk ), at all District Council offices and libraries. You can then submit comments online, or let us know your views by filling out a comments form and returning it to us by post.”

There are six options for residents to view and comment upon between Monday 4 January and Monday 1 February 2010:

1. Strategic development around Chichester City.

This could include one or a combination of sites in the following areas: the West, South West, East, North East of the City.

2.      Development around Chichester City and areas in the South of the District.
This would have less emphasis on the City, but would consider the following sites: Chichester City West, South West, East or North East of the City, East Wittering and Bracklesham, Selsey, Southbourne, Tangmere.

3.      Development in the North and South of the District, excluding Chichester City.
This would consider the following sites: East Wittering and Bracklesham, Midhurst, Petworth, Selsey, Southbourne, Tangmere.

4.      Development at other settlements across the District.
Sites for consideration would include Fishbourne, Syngenta (Fernhurst), King Edward VII Hospital (Easebourne), Westhampnett.

5.      Your combination
This offers people the chance to suggest which areas they feel would be the most suitable for future development. This could be a new option or an alternative mix of the proposals already outlined.

6.      New settlement
This offers people the chance to suggest a new settlement in the district.

Comments can be submitted at http://chichester-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/ or by completing a comments form and posting it or handing it to one of the Council's offices.

This work is an important stage of the production of the Core Strategy, which will identify broad location(s) for future development between 2011 and 2026. This is the first document of the Local Development Framework (LDF) process, which will replace the Local Plan.

Planning for the district's future

A new planning framework for the district is being prepared – the Local Development Framework (LDF) by Chichester District Council. It will shape the way we live in the district over the next ten to twenty years.

Chichester District Council will be consulting on a Core Strategy Options For Growth Document as part of the Local Development Framework between 4th January and 1 st February 2010. The Core Strategy will replace the Local Plan and will set out the framework for development across the District up to 2026. Once the Options For Growth document has been approved by Council on 15 th December you can visit our website to be part of this consultation.

This will be your opportunity to influence where future developments across the Chichester District will be located and how these should be supported by infrastructure.

For information relating to the Local Development Framework please visit the following website – www.chichester.gov.uk and follow the link to Environment & Planning, then Local Development Framework.

Milkman rows his way to glory

A Chichester milkman who hadn't set foot in a gym until last year has competed nationally in rowing, thanks to Westgate Leisure Chichester.

James Stapleton, 39 has just posted a personal best time at the British Indoor Rowing Championship at the NEC in Birmingham, the largest indoor sporting event in the UK.  This is despite taking up the sport only six months ago.

James explains, “My sister Davinia regularly attended Westgate Leisure Chichester and had a 2 for 1 offer on personal training sessions, so I went along with her last Christmas. I had never been in a gym but was really impressed with the facilities and realised what I had been missing. I was also looking for a way to improve my general fitness as I was about to undertake a sponsored bike ride from Vietnam to Cambodia in aid of Prostrate Cancer. Having raised £4,500 by my return, I wanted to take my fitness to the next level, and Jason Davis, my Personal Trainer at Westgate, suggested rowing.”

Prior to his personal training sessions and taking up rowing as his main exercise, James was, by his own admission, overweight, unfit and a heavy smoker. In addition to losing weight and improving his overall fitness, the rowing sessions have persuaded James to quit smoking and adopt a healthier diet. And all of the hard work is now paying off.

Jason Davis of Westgate Leisure Chichester, is the Personal Trainer responsible for James'  change of lifestyle. He says: “James had a natural technique for rowing and with some small pointers from myself he was achieving under 7 minutes for rowing 2000 metres, which is an incredible time. He was well set for the rowing championships and the high octane environment of races throughout the day. He managed to post a time of 6 minutes 44 seconds, coming 24 th out of 50 in his age group, and we are both delighted with his time. He is now looking forward to next year, when he will be the youngest in his age group for the 40 – 44 years category, and breaking into the top ten.”

The rowing championship itself attracts many sporting legends such as Olympic Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, and is an integral part of the training and selection programmes for both the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race crews and the British rowing squad.

Councillor Nick Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Sport for Chichester District Council, says “It's incredible to think that with a little help from Westgate Leisure Chichester, James is able to compete at the very highest level after such a short period of time. If he continues to improve at such a rapid level who knows what he could achieve.”

RESIDENTS WARNED OF COUNCIL TAX SCAM

Chichester District residents are being warned to be vigilant in light of recent incidents involving bogus callers operating along the South coast.

People in Portsmouth and Fareham have already fallen foul of the tricksters, who pose as council officials in bogus telephone calls. They either offer Council Tax refunds or in some cases threaten people with fines. People are then asked for personal and bank details.

The latest scam is to offer a ‘no win – no fee' service to homeowners who are asked if they wish to appeal against their Council Tax Banding. Chichester District Council is now warning everyone to be vigilant and end any suspect phone call immediately. They should then report any suspicious phone calls, text messages or emails to the Council or the Police.

Any genuine direct phone number given by Chichester District Council would be in the format of 01243 534***. Anyone who doubts the authenticity of a call can contact the Council Tax team on 01243 534501 or email cdccounciltax@chichester.gov.uk .

Councillor John Cherry, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Chichester District Council says, “Scams like this are unfortunately on the increase countrywide and Chichester District residents need to be aware of them. Bogus callers also increase at this time of year, which makes it doubly difficult to know a genuine caller from a bogus one. No council would contact residents in this way and we would certainly not cold call homeowners and ask for their bank details. I would urge everyone to be vigilant and also keep an eye on older relatives or neighbours.”

Chichester District Council now provide a facility to report anti social behaviour in the form of a non emergency automated telephone reporting line.

If you are the victim or witness to anti social behaviour please contact the District Council on 01243 534700 leaving your name, contact details and a short description of the problem. A member of the Community Safety Team will respond to your report within 2 working days.

Councillor Derek James, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at Chichester District Council, said: “If you are living in a property managed by a Registered Social Landlord any complaints of anti social behaviour must be reported to your Housing Officer in the first instance, but this additional service provides another way for Chichester District Council to monitor and tackle anti social behaviour. It also helps us to support victims and communities in resolving these issues.”

This line does not replace the existing service provided by Sussex Police. Criminal acts should continue to be reported either on the non emergency 0845 6070 999 number or if there is an emergency then dial 999. 

For further information on Community Safety issues and to view Chichester District Council's anti social behaviour policy please go to www.chichester.gov.uk or call the Community Safety Team on 01243 534801.