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As promised last week: I did go to the Neighbourhood Planning Committee meeting on 6 December. It would appear that housing continues to cause concerns in that our numbers will be more or less influenced by Mid Sussex District Council as they ultimately will have to say how much housing will be required in the district and those numbers will have to be shared with each and every parish, no matter how large or small. It makes it all the more imperative that we get our plan in place, passed by an inspector and then (fingers crossed!) passed in a referendum in the parish! Part and parcel of getting these numbers right for the parish, is making sure all options have been considered and shown to have been considered; the Committee is very aware that one of the problems last time round was that people didn't feel that all options had been properly considered. This is why they are hoping to put together an exhibition at some stage early in the New Year to show what they have done so far and why. As I keep saying, it is imperative that we get behind the Committee to ensure the Plan that is eventually put in front of an inspector is right in every way and strong enough to withstand their scrutiny.

However, please do not think that the Neighbourhood Plan is all about housing, it isn’t. The Committee also has to consider green space, sustainable business providing work for the community going forward, schools to cater to a growing population, amongst other things; all of which I’m sure will be explained as and when the exhibition is held. As soon as I know when the next meeting is, I will pass the information on.

Finally: there will be no parish council meeting this month and the next meeting of the Planning Committee will be on the first Thursday of January, the 5th. As always, a copy of the agenda will be posted on the notice board outside the Spar Shop ahead of the meeting and there will be an opportunity to raise any questions or voice your concerns on any applications listed on the agenda early in the meeting. The meeting will take place in the Pavilion on the Recreation Ground from 7.30 pm.

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