Rex’s Notes April 2023

29 Mar Rex’s Notes April 2023

Councillor Rex Whittaker updates us this month.

• Local ElectionsThe formal notice has been issued by MSDC Democratic services department for the local elections to be held on Thursday 4 May. These will cover sixteen seats to be contested for East Grinstead Town Council, and forty eight seats for Mid Sussex District Council.
• Gatwick Airport

  The private owners of Gatwick Airport ( GAL ) are continuing with their ambitious plans to expand the future capacity of the airport – by applying to the Government for a Development Consent Order to bring into operation a second runway. In 2022 GAL held a public consultation of their plans , and it is likely that in summer 2023 they will submit their initial DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate. Current passenger numbers are circa 40 million per year, and if approved by the Secretary of State, then this capacity could increase to 70 million plus by 2035. East Grinstead Town Council and MSDC have made extensive consultation responses, and will continue to monitor the overall position and planning application process very carefully.

• NPPF Changes Consultation

  In late 2022 the Government published its long awaited proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework – which is the principal planning policy document for England. There has been a two month consultation period for these proposals. Both East Grinstead Town Council and MSDC has submitted detailed comments within their comprehensive consultation submissions.  A final updated version of the NPPF is expected later this year.

• Sussex Police new crime reporting system for High Street Retailers and Businesses

  After six months of EGBA lobbying on behalf of our High Street Retailers and small businesses, Sussex Police have confirmed that they will launch a brand new software reporting system (called DISC) from May, that can be installed free and with no costs for a three year period. This was launched at a Town Council led meeting on 7 March where the EGBA attended with the Police & Crime Commissioner and District Commander Ben Starns. Further details to follow soon, but it is hoped that this system will be rolled out very widely within East Grinstead and surrounding parishes.