Arun's plan pioneers recognised by government

The five sets of communities are some of the first in the country which are seeking to create neighbourhood plans.

These form part of the government’s localism agenda and ensure people have a major say in shaping development in their area for the first time.

Through the plans, communities can help decide where development should go and the type and design of development which can be granted automatic planning permission, through a neighbourhood development order.

The councils backed by communities minister Bob Neill in the latest wave to be recognised by him are: Aldingbourne, Barnham, Eastergate and Walberton working together; Pagham, Yapton, Bersted and Bognor Regis.

They will be given a share of £180,000 to help with their work.