March 22, 2024
Welcome once again to this week's blog and, as always, thank you for sparing the time to have a read.
The election for the vacancy in Selsey North for Selsey Town Council, caused by Patrick’s unexpected passing, will take place on May 2, the same day as the election for the Police and Crime Commissioner so hopefully it will cost Selsey Town Council a little less than the normal £5000 cost. We will keep you updated but this is the official information.
There is CDC’s Planning on Wednesday (and STC’s too!) Donna was at West Sussex today but the meeting of most interest this week was Tuesday’s Full CDC. (You can watch all public CDC meetings here and WSCC here.) A petition from the Manhood Classics was debated, which followed handily on from last week’s Full STC when their response to the consultation, we succeeded in getting Officers to undertake, was considered. Briefly, CDC did not realise Manhood Classics were using East Beach car park in Selsey for publicly advertised gatherings, at which they showed off their cars. Officers are drafting a policy to address issues raised and asked the affected parishes (the City, Bosham, Fernhurst, Petworth, Midhurst, East Wittering & Bracklesham and Selsey) whether
They would like to see car parks used for any events or activities and if so what type of events and activities?
There are any events or activities that they would have concerns about?
They have any further comments to add on events or activities in car parks?
STC were very supportive of the Classics and in favour of continued use providing insurance and safety conditions were satisfied, unless an event might damage the car park itself, reduce parking at the height of the Summer season or result in people parking in neighbouring streets. The Classic’s petition asked CDC to ensure the final policy allowed them to continue to use East Beach Car Park.
Both Donna and I spoke in the Petition debate. I said: -
“I want to start by thanking Officers, particularly Mrs Murphy, for their work to date on the new policy, and for consulting the affected parishes as we were hoping. We are awaiting sight of the draft but hope events like the Manhood Classics can continue.
There are two observations I wish to make in case I highlight potential issues that may not have been considered.
Firstly, Mr Payne is part of Selsey Speed Watch, which demonstrates his concern for public safety. He has kindly reminded us that different drivers drive at different speeds, so should consideration be given to whether it is advisable to allow any form of ’test driving’ at a vehicle event?
My other observation occurred to me after reading a couple of comments Mr Payne made on social media about the additional processes his group have undertaken. I believe Mr Payne meant to reassure his group these were not as erroneous as they might seem when he described the processes as ticking boxes and jumping through hoops but again, not everyone might share his commitment to public safety.
Thank you, Chair”
Donna also thanked Officers for their work, and consulting the parishes. She reiterated Selsey Town Council’s support for Manhood Classics (providing all conditions were met), and spoke about the level of interest the case had triggered in terms of phone calls and messages. A proposal for CDC’s Cabinet to consider the policy on April 16th was agreed.
Agreement was also reached to approve the revised Local Development scheme, adopt the Senior Staff Pay Policy Statement 2024 - 2025 for publication, appoint a Data Protection Officer, telease £531,500 to help fund the refurbishment and replacement of seven street cleaning and grounds maintenance vehicles, and initiate a project to implement weekly food waste collections for households.
We also agreed to charge a premium of 100% on eligible second homes, namely residential properties that are not occupied as a main residence and are substantially furnished. It was clarified that this last point depends on the size of the property and the level to which it is furnished. Business Rate rules are currently being tightened up, so an Airbnb that is not paying them will then be liable for this charge. Donna spoke about the social impact of second homes and how they negatively affect the social cohesiveness of communities, particularly on the Peninsula, because there are fewer homes for young people and therefore more of them are displaced.
A motion from the Member for Central Ward in the City was also approved. It resolved that CDC oppose any future suspension or closure of dementia assessment services in West Sussex following a temporary closure of services, thanking the staff of Sage House, Tangmere for their work in plugging the service gap left and asked the Leader to write to our MPs and the Department of Health urging them to ensure funding for the West Sussex Dementia Assessment service remains in place and guarantee its future. It was also resolved to lobby WSCC's Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee. In a lengthy debate, Donna thanked Cllr Vivian for bringing the motion forward then spoke about the pressure on adult social care and associated services. She stressed the importance of early intervention and everyone having the right to a diagnosis. She also emphasised how important the service was and that it should be future-proofed not cut.
WSCC suggests we try and reduce waste by making home baked goods instead of buying Easter eggs for loved ones. Alternatively, we could ditch the eggs altogether and enjoy an experience this Easter instead. If you're feeling traditional don’t forget you can recycle the foil, card, and plastic Easter egg packaging in your recycling bin at home. Chocolate bar wrappers can't be recycled at home, and will need to be taken to your local participating supermarket for recycling as part of their soft plastic recycling scheme or placed in your general waste bin.
If you are thinking of giving up chocolate, you may find this an interesting read because the writer has not had any, or any ultra-processed foods, since the start of the year. While sharing interesting reads, we recently watched, and thoroughly enjoyed, Wicked Little Letters which is set in Littlehampton but was substantially filmed in Arundel. However, perhaps the most interesting read to share with you this week, is about the development of new technology that generates essentially endless power from dirt.
Recycling Centres are switching to extended spring/summer opening hours from 1 April 2024. You need to make an appointment before visiting but can book a slotvup to 14 days in advance or on the same day where available.vThe spring/summer opening hours will remain in place until 30 September 2024 and will not be affected by bank holidays, including Easter Monday which falls on 1 April. Chichester will open 9am to 6pm every day.
With Easter approaching, it seems appropriate to tell you about an egg-citing new exhibition roaring into The Novium this summer: Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchlings showcases how even the largest dinosaurs started life as eggs and tiny hatchlings. Visitors can discover the secrets of dinosaur eggs and babies with amazing dinosaur specimens from around the world. The exhibition will follow iconic dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Diplodocus on their perilous journey from egg to adult. Skeletons, authentic models, and stunning artworks will bring the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to life. The exhibition will also showcase dinosaur fossils from the local area including Iguanodon and Horshamasaurus kindly loaned from Brighton and Hove Museums and Horsham Museum. The exhibition will replace the popular Star Wars-themed May The Toys Be With You, which closes on Saturday, 20 April 2024.
Work to refurbish public conveniences across our District has just started. Specialist contractor Mountjoy, which undertakes a range of property maintenance services for several local authorities across the south, is carrying out the work on behalf of Chichester District Council, following a tender process. Work has started at the site in Chichester’s Priory Park and also at Bosham. Once this work is completed, the contractor will then move on to East Beach in Selsey and Market Road in Chichester.
To ensure that works are delivered efficiently and that the public still have access to facilities within the city, work will be carried on a maximum of two sites at any one time. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of the summer. All the sites will have new disabled facilities that meet modern legislation, while other work will include providing new flooring, tiling, and sanitary ware. Some of the sites will also be suitable for solar panels. LED lights, which are much more efficient and better for the environment, will also be installed.
In addition, work will also be carried out as part of the project to demolish the facilities in Tower Street, Chichester. This followed detailed investigations carried out last year, which found severe structural and subsidence issues that would require extensive and costly work. A number of options on the future use of the site will be discussed by CDC’s Cabinet.
Finally: -
As always, from the whole Team, stay safe.
Tim
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