I’m excited to share the latest updates since joining the team in assisting with the creation of a Neighbourhood Development Plan for Middleton-on-Sea. Working in collaboration with the Parish Council, West Sussex County Council, local consultants and the local community. This exciting opportunity will see the formation of the NDP, which will contain policies and strategies to guide and support the development of this area.
By identifying needs, we can plan for a healthy, vibrant local community and economy, are able to plan for growth and change that do not conflict with the rural environment and landscape and support the local area.
The 5 task groups involved in supporting the NDP:
TG 1: Community engagement
TG 2: Planning Policy
TG 3: Community wellbeing
TG 4: Infrastructure
TG 5: Environmental wellbeing
The Parish of Middleton-on-Sea is a seaside village half way between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in West Sussex, UK, which includes a wildlife, duck pond, village green, sports centre, playing fields, pubs, local hairdressers, butchers, hardware store and food shops.
I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute in Task group 5 - Environmental wellbeing
The scope of responsibilities includes:
1. Establishing current state of the Parish
2. Identifying needs & opportunities for improvement
3. Landscaping & Natural Environment
4. Renewable Energy
5. Commercial Development
6. Employment & Economy
7. Tourism
8. Environmental Impact Assessment
We held a very successful public meeting on the 18th March 2023 in the main Jubilee Hall, and received a wealth of valuable questions and support from the local community. This was a very positive turnout in terms of numbers and all comments were very helpful in terms of shaping policies for the Plan. The ongoing participation of the community is vital in ensuring the Plan reflects the communities goals.
There is no greater power for change than a
community discovering what it cares about
The major issues raised were:
Green spaces
Healthcare
Community farm
Ensuring local roads and access are safe
The high risks of flooding
Dealing with sewage problems before housing development
The Middleton-on-Sea Neighbourhood Plan policies will form part of the Development Plan for Arun to be considered by any interested parties wishing to submit planning applications for future development within the parish. These policies aim to set out how land should be considered, in planning terms, and alongside the policies of the local development plan.
The Parish Council has obtained funding from Locality with the first quarterly payment covering initial consultancy charges and the cost of the community questionnaire, which 3000 copies were issued locally.
A second public meeting is to be held on the 29th July 2023.
We look forward to the next stages throughout the year and will post updates here as we move through the process.
Thanks for reading, any questions, we would love to hear from you!