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Views wanted on Sompting Neighbourhood Plan

Sompting residents are invited to have their say on a new local planning blueprint which will guide development in their area.

As they look to shape the place where they work and live, the community has been working on the neighbourhood plan since 2012.

The document, which must work alongside national policies and the recently adopted Adur Local Plan, is now being made available for public consultation.

The community can give their views on the document from today (February 19) until midnight on April 8, 2018.

Once all comments are in, the plan will be placed under examination and finally put to a referendum prior to adoption. More than 51% of those voting must be in favour for it to be adopted.

The Sompting Neighbourhood Plan covers all of Sompting Parish, which lies within the planning remit of Adur District Council and South Downs National Park Authority. As the planning authority with the largest population of these two, Adur is overseeing the consultation process.

Government guidelines state the plan cannot say it wants less housing than what has been allocated - meaning it cannot oppose the development of land at West Sompting allocated in the Adur Local Plan.

The neighbourhood blueprint can guide the design and type of housing that is created though, along with guiding future provision of community facilities and open space.

Copies of the document are available to read online and at the Harriet Johnson Community Centre in Sompting, Portland House in Worthing, and the Shoreham Centre. Notices have also been posted across the area, including on local notice boards.

For more details and to comment on the plan, visit www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/sompting-neighbourhood-plan

Public will be listened to on Union Place

Worthing leaders have pledged to take public feedback into consideration as they drive forward proposals to revamp a key town centre site.

Frustrated with the lack of movement at Union Place, Worthing Borough Council made the bold move to acquire the site for £3.5 million last month.

Since then, work has begun to safely secure the area with new hoardings now in place.

Keen to push on with an ambitious agenda of creating jobs and homes, the council is continuing to work hard on bringing forward major long-term plans within the next 12 months.

With more than 20,000 people reading articles about the council buying the site and nearly 100 providing comments on what any redevelopment should include, local authority leaders have pledged to listen to the public when bringing forward major plans.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “From the wonderful to the slightly wacky, the public feedback we have had has been incredible - it clearly shows how much local residents feel invested in seeing the redevelopment of this key town centre site.

“Now we own the site, we are in control of our own destiny. But it’s still crucial that we weigh up all options before pursuing our next move.

“I look forward to working with the public as we push forward with our ambitious plans which I believe will begin a new chapter of prosperity for our town.”

Union Place is adjacent to the High Street, opposite Waitrose and next to the council-owned Connaught Theatre and leased car park.

It was the home of the town’s police station but, when that was closed and demolished in 2009, the 1.4 hectare site became vacant and derelict.

Worthing Borough Council bought the site from the private owner last month. By combining it with the car park which sits on land the local authority already owns, the next step is to work with other partners to bring forward deliverable proposals for the whole site.

Already the council has received dozens of comments through social media channels on what should be done with the land.

Scott Gair said: “Let’s take this fantastic opportunity to do something different with our wonderful town. Lets add a new reason for locals and visitors to get out and enjoy our place...Something unique that distinguishes us from our neighbours would be a good start. Off the top of my head - indoor ski slope...rock climbing wall, you could do a huge indoor adventure playground...top notch spa perhaps? The choices are endless and exciting.”

Jo Edwards said: “Please let's have a full size ice rink - capable of ice hockey and ice dance. There is nothing like that anywhere near here and would bring people from Chichester, Horsham and Brighton in, as well as providing new sporting and social facilities.”

Mark Dibley said: “I think the council should consolidate the existing retail and concentrate on making Worthing a family holiday destination.”

Victoria Harvey said: “An aquarium, treetop adventure park, ice rink, tiny town, indoor skate park, bowling alley, laser tag, youth/urban art space, youth centre. Not a multiplex but potentially a proper IMAX.”

Alan Spencer said: “We need quality in our town...John Lewis or House of Fraser.”

In response, Councillor Jenkins said: “I will repeat what I said when we bought the site: all options remain open to us at this stage. We will listen to everyone’s views and suggestions, but recognise we will never please everybody. But the main thing is that we ensure the best possible result for the people of Worthing.”

BUILDING AW: Council development in Shoreham to create hundreds of jobs

A groundbreaking office development to be created by Adur District Council will see 250 jobs retained in the area - and lead to the creation of 200 further posts in the next three years.

The big boost for the local economy was revealed as the new tenants of the block in Shoreham were interviewed for the second edition of the Building AW magazine.

In a bid to boost the local economy and generate a return to the taxpayer, the local authority is creating a new £10 million development on the former Civic Centre car park in Ham Road.

In what is a rare move, the council will then lease the four-storey building to growing communications company Focus Group, who will relocate from their current base in Southwick.

With contractors about to start work, the founders of the business revealed their plans in an interview for the second edition of Adur & Worthing Councils’ online magazine, which is designed to keep residents and business up-to-date with the ongoing change in the area.

As Ralph Gilbert, of Focus Group, explained: “We currently have just over 200 staff in Sussex and our strategy is to look to expand by buying up other companies across the UK.

“As we grow, the operational teams will be based at our head office in Shoreham, so this will be our home.

“We anticipate that by the time we move in to the new site we will have well over 300 staff. Once we are in I think realistically we will create another 200 jobs in the first 18 months.

“That’s obviously great news for us, local workers and the local economy.”

The development will bring back into use the car park site which has been largely vacant since the Civic Centre closed in 2013.

Council contractors are expected to start next month with work complete by 2019.

Gilbert added: “The whole team at the council have been brilliant. They realise the importance of keeping local companies in the area, in terms of jobs and the impact that has on the local economy.

“If we would have moved out of the area then it would have really set us back too. We would have lost between 25 and 30 percent of our staff as they simply would not have been able to get there. Our staff are the most important part of our business, which is why the proposal was so critical for us.

“I’m amazed that the council is doing this for us. I don’t think it will sink in until I can see those diggers! It can’t come soon enough for us all.”

Building AW is a bright, informal 26-page online publication which will keep residents and businesses across both areas up-to-date with all the latest development in their communities.

Features in the February edition include Worthing Borough Council’s £3.5 million purchase of Union Place; the ongoing redevelopment of Shoreham Harbour which will bring more than 1,100 homes to the riverfront; and the unveiling of a grand vision to create ‘continental-style’ boulevards in Worthing town centre.

The online publication also includes regular updates on some of the major projects across Adur and Worthing which are moving forward at speed.

In their introductions to the edition, leaders said 2018 would see both areas make great strides in terms of redevelopment and growth.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “We in Adur have an exiting 2018 ahead of us. It started early when we formally adopted the Adur Local Plan which presents us with a firm blueprint for the future of the whole area.

“It recognises that we are a growing community and ensures that due consideration is given to quality residential development and the provision of the necessary infrastructure, such as education, health provision and employment, to avoid us just becoming a dormitory for the larger nearby conurbations.”

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The year has started with a bang.

“The council has taken the lead and site hoardings are up around Teville Gate. This spring will see us bring down the buildings we have control over as we nudge this overdue site forward for development, working with Mosaique to hold them to their promises to bring a planning application forward soon.

“But not content with that, we have taken the initiative and have bought the vacant old police station site, we now have control of the key Union Place sites and will seek effective development partners in the coming months to deliver on this prime site.

“Add to this our vision in the Seafront Investment Plan to improve our magnificent seafront, the partnership with West Sussex County Council to improve the town centre public realm and there is a lot to look forward to.

“It will be a busy year but I think we’ve got off to a good start so far.”

Click here to read the second edition of Building AW.

Clay Pigeon Shoot challenge with GuildCare

Date: Friday 23rd March 2018
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Venue: Southdown Gun Club, Findon
Cost: Teams of 4 - £500
  Individuals - £125

Includes breakfast, tea and coffee, shooting and a delicious lunch

In aid of Guild care's Ashdown Centre for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.

To register call 01903 528613 or email Helen on fundrasing@guildcare.org 

As well as Team participation, we do also have excellent sponsorship opportunities and for £375.00 you will not only have your advertising on social media, sail flags out on the day, advertising banner at one of the stands and advertising in the programme, your advertising will be left in place at the gun club for over six months and be seen by over 10,000 potential clients. Of course this will also highlight your support for Guild Care and our Ashdown Centre, helping provide vital services for local children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs.

Care for Veterans Quiz Night

Date: Thursday 3rd May
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Care for Veterans, Gifford House, Boundary Road, Worthing
Cost: £10 per person - includes buffet supper

Teams up to 6 people

Places must be booked in advance - Call Kim Bowen-Wood on 01903 218444

All money raised will go towards the care and rehabilitation of our disabled veterans

Street party fees waived for Royal Wedding celebrations

Communities are being urged to come together to celebrate 2018’s Royal Wedding in style - and Adur & Worthing Councils are backing the move by waiving all fees for street parties.

People from across the world will be watching as Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle at a ceremony in Windsor Castle on Saturday May 19.

With the wedding coinciding with the FA Cup final, it is hoped people across Adur and Worthing will unite as they did for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011 and for the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics in 2012.

To make it easier and cheaper for neighbours to hold right royal celebrations, the Councils have scrapped the usual £106 cost of closing a road. Advice and information on waste collections and insurance has also been made available.

All applicants must do is complete and submit two forms by April 6.

Councillor Angus Dunn, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Resources, said: “With no charge and very little paperwork, it’s never been easier for neighbours to come together and mark this very public national celebration. I encourage communities in our towns and villages to come together to mark this special day in style.”

Councillor Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Digital and Resources, said: “Worthing has a great tradition for making Royal celebrations extremely memorable occasions for all. I urge anyone thinking of arranging their own street party to get in touch to ensure a enjoyable and safe day is had by all.”

Street parties are gatherings organised by and for all residents in one or two small streets without external publicity. A wider public event in more streets or on a major road needs extra arrangements.

An informal “street meet” on a driveway, parking area, front garden or end of a cul-de-sac does not require permission from the Councils.

Communities interested in hosting a street party do not need a special licence for their event.

All they must do is complete an application and an additional road closure notice, which will ensure emergency services are notified.

Both are available on the council website: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/streets-and-travel/road-closures/#royal-wedding-street-party.

For further details email events@adur-worthing.gov.uk or call 01903 221200.

Residents wanting guidance on how to plan a street party can visit: www.streetparty.org.uk/residents.

The first stage of the public consultation on the future of Brooklands Park is complete and the results are in.

Hundreds of people have had their say in a consultation to shape the future of the much-loved Brooklands Park in Worthing.

In a bid to turn the open space into a major asset for the community, Worthing Borough Council is working with consultants to create a masterplan for the attraction.

An online consultation into creating a management plan for the long-term revamp of Brooklands was launched in last month. And the response was amazing - with more than 800 people giving their views on how to improve the community asset.

Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “I'm so pleased that so many local residents took the time to take part in the online public consultation .This project has received so much positive community engagement and we are hoping to create a park that residents of Worthing can be proud of.”

Among the ideas suggested to improve the park, included:

·        A better cleaner modern cafe

·        Interesting walk trail

·        Swimming / paddling pool

·        Improved children’s play area

·        More native trees and flowers.

The survey also showed that the public were pleased to see the council were investing in the park, with many calling it “beautiful” or “nice”.

Scores of people said they hoped to see the open space modernised while some called for the boats to be brought back on the lake.

Of those who responded, more than two-thirds said they arrived by car while the annual visit length was between one and two hours.

A high percentage of visitors to the park were families with small children, the survey showed.

The main reason for a trip to Brooklands, according to the responses, was to use the play area or go for a walk. A quarter of visitors said they did not spend any money when using the park.

The results of the survey will now be used to develop a masterplan for the area. A series of options are being drawn up on how to revamp the area which will be presented for public consultation.

It comes as contractors continue to excavate the lake at the heart of the park, creating new areas for nature while restoring to restore it to its former glory.

Work to start soon on the demolition of Worthing’s Teville Gate

Plans to unlock a major town centre site for redevelopment are moving forward at great pace thanks to Worthing Borough Council.

In a bid to speed up the process of transforming the privately-owned Teville Gate, the local authority is stepping in to demolish the 1960s car park which it leases on the land.

Council contractors moved in to start the 20-week project to dismantle the outdated and expensive-to-maintain multi-storey today (Monday March 5).

Once demolished, the council plan to turn the land into a temporary car park to generate a short-term income while the private owner Mosaic brings forward a detailed proposal for the plot it calls Station Square.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a major milestone in the transformation of a key town centre site.

“For too long the residents of Worthing have been waiting for movement on Teville Gate. By demolishing the car park, we are showing that we are fully committed to the long-term regeneration of this key site.

“We remain in contact with the owners Mosaic and I’m confident this work will act as an incentive for them to submit a long-awaited planning application to redevelop the site very soon.”

Plans have been afoot for more than a decade to redevelop the Teville Gate site, which links Worthing Station with the town centre.

To speed up the the process, the council agreed to consider demolition plans at a town hall meeting in September 2017.

At the time, councillors heard that the current multi-storey car park has significant maintenance issues, requiring an investment of £2 million over the next four years to keep it fully open.

The £1.6 million demolition cost will be funded from the Local Growth Fund provided by the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Access to the site was closed in January and blue hoardings have been erected around the perimeter.

Councillors signed off on the appointment of Hughes and Salvidge to carry out the work last month.

At the same time, two separate planning applications have been lodged.

The first, submitted by site owners Mosaic Global Investments, is a planning notice which gives prior notification of the proposed demolition of all buildings on the site. This includes the multi-storey car park, kiosk, Burfree House and Fleet House.

The second, on behalf of the council, is for the construction of a 66 space temporary public car park accessed from Railway Approach.

Contractors have moved into the site today to prepare the buildings for demolition. Work is expected to take place between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday.

Local residents and key stakeholders have been informed.

Councillor Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Digital and Resources, said: “This shows that as a local authority we are doing everything we can to make the most of our assets.

“In the short-term we will retain an income stream; while in the long-term the town will benefit  as a derelict site is transformed into a vibrant new development.

“Any major project like this will cause some noise, dust and vibration so we apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused. Our contractors have assured us they will endeavour to keep all disruption to a minimum.”