Time for residents to have a say on Arun’s future

The council has launched its public consultation on a draft local plan, described as one of the most important documents ever produced by Arun. And, at 362 pages, one of the heftiest.

As the Gazette reported last month, Arun’s emphasis is firstly on boosting the economy and creating jobs, seen as a higher priority than building more homes, although thousands more will be built during the plan’s life.

Other issues tackled in the plan are improvements to town centres, with better shopping, leisure and cultural facilities, protection of the district’s natural and historic assets, transport and renewable energy.

This is the first plan to be drafted by Arun since the creation of the new South Downs National Park, though does not include land within the park, which will draw up its own long-term planning blueprint.

The council has also produced a short video explaining the plan, which can be viewed at www.arun.gov.uk/localplan and at www.youtube.com/arundistrict from today.

Councillor Ricky Bower, Arun’s cabinet member for planning, said: “Getting the local plan right is so important, because it is the basis upon which councillors will make decisions about planning applications and developments across the district.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for communities and local businesses, and anyone else who has an interest in Arun, to influence how their community will develop over the next 14 years.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to have a look at the proposals and submit their comments and ideas to the council.”

A series of drop-in sessions will be held over the summer, giving residents the opportunity to meet with planners to learn more and give their views.

The dates are: Saturday, July 21, Yapton and Ford Community Hall, Main Road, Yapton, 11am-3pm; Tuesday, July 24, East Preston and Kingston Village Hall, Sea Road, East Preston, 2-5.30pm; Thursday, July 26, Wick Hall, Wick Street, Wick, 3-7pm; Saturday, August 4, Angmering Village Hall, Station Road, 11am-3pm; Tuesday, August 7, Walberton Pavilion, Recreation Ground, 3-7pm; Thursday, August 9, Rustington Parish Church hall, The Street, 3-7pm; Saturday, August 11, Arundel Town Hall, Maltravers Street, 11am-3pm; Tuesday, August 14, Barnham Parish Hall, Yapton Road, 3-7pm; Tuesday, August 28, Climping Village Hall, Crookthorne Lane, 3-7pm; Thursday, August 30, Littlehampton United Church, High Street, 3-7pm.