Residents in Bognor asked to get involved in planning

Cllr Ricky Bower, who is in charge of Arun District Council’s planning services, said they would soon find out how they could make their voices heard.

A new statement of community involvement will be prepared by the council in early 2012 to set out how residents can be a part of planning for the future.

The statement will lay down how the council will consult with the public during the preparation of planning policy and how developers will consult while planning applications are being prepared.

But residents are being asked to contact Arun with their views about what they think should be included in the statement, including who should be consulted and how consultation should take place.

Cllr Bower said: “There have been some major changes made to the planning system.

“At the heart of these changes is improving the way the community can engage in both plan-making and making decisions on planning applications.

“We are seeking the views of everyone who lives, works, visits or operates in Arun and may be affected by or have the potential to influence decisions on planning applications.

“This document does not propose new planning policies or allocate land for development but explains how we can involve different parts of the community at all stages of policy and plan making and decision-making around planning applications.”

The district council adopted its first statement of community involvement in 2006. Changes in government legislation required an update three years later.

Anybody who would like to comment about the latest statement’s contents has until December 21 to contact Simon Meecham, Planning Policy & Conservation Team, Arun Civic Centre,

Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5LF, or email: [email protected]