02 Nov Rex’s Notes November 2023
Councillor Rex Whittaker updates us for November.
COUNCIL BUDGET PROCESS
All three local councils ( East Grinstead Town Council , Mid Sussex District Council , West Sussex County Council ) have now started their yearly budget review process – for the year starting on 1 April 2024. This is a six month process of evaluation and adjustment to past present and future legal requirements and obligations. Full details of draft budget proposals are usually published in January , and a final decision and precept / budget setting concluded in March 2024.
PLANNING
Mid Sussex District Council are awaiting the Governments issue of the final version of the updated National Planning Policy Framework ( NPPF ) following a year of public consultation. This is designed to align with the new Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill expected to gain Royal Assent in early 2024.
An outline hybrid planning application has now been made by Welbeck Strategic Land to MSDC for 550 houses on land immediately to the West of Imberhorne Lane/school.
This follows previous extensive public consultation by the applicant during the past year. Whilst this site has been allocated as strategic housing land by MSDC – it still needs to fully comply with the whole planning application process that applies to all such site applications. A decision is expected in first half of 2024.
MSDC are also progressing their District Plan Review process – and the final Regulation 19 consultation notice document is expected to be published in December – with an independent public examination to be held in mid 2024 with a decision in late 2024.This seeks to allocate further strategic land for housing and employment until 2038.
Full details of the above can be viewed on the MSDC website – planning – planning policy documents.
GATWICK
The deadline for final consultation responses/representations to the Gatwick Development Consent Order was 31 October. This seeks to expand the airport to a two runway operation. This application will be independently examined by a panel of experts in 2024 – with a final proposal and recommendation to/by the Secretary of State by Autumn 2024.
TOWN COUNCIL
East Grinstead Town Council has started refurbishment & upgrade works to the St Barnabus Hall building in Dunnings Road that it recently purchased. This has been aided by a recent £ 13,600 Section 106 Grant award from MSDC. Works are expected to be completed by Christmas – with the building available for community group hire in January 2024. All interested parties should contact Alice Fletcher from the Town Council at a.fletcher@eastgrinstead.gov.uk
DIARY DATES
Saturday 11 November – Gentlemen prostate testing at Meridian Hall ( EG Lions event )
Saturday 11 November – Armistice ceremony at War Memorial @ 11 am
Sunday 12 November – Remembrance Parade & Service from 10.45 am in High Street
Saturday 18 November – Big Reveal & Christmas Lights turn on from 4 pm in High St.
Annual Poppy Collection between 31 October and 13 November.
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