Members of the public will be able to express their views on the recently-approved Proposed Submission, the draft 20 year strategy for housing and jobs for the Horsham District, during a period of representation that will run from Friday 16 May to Friday 27 June 2014.

The period of representation gives people the opportunity to support or object to the content of the document, setting out what changes they would like made and why to overcome any objection.

Representations can also be made on the legal or procedural compliance of the Plan and whether it conforms with the Duty to Cooperate.

Comments should be sent to Horsham District Council by 4pm on Friday 27 June. All comments received, together with a summary of the main issues raised, will be given to the Secretary of State alongside the Horsham District Planning Framework and relevant supporting evidence.

Cllr Claire Vickers, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Living and Working Communities, said:

“I want to thank everyone for the comments that were expressed as part of the consultation period back in 2013.

“This new period of representation gives members of the public a chance to express any last views to the Planning Inspector on how the Plan can be improved or amended.”

The summary of issues raised will be considered as part of the Public Examination by an Independent Planning Inspector.

If the document is agreed by the Planning Inspector, it is anticipated that the Horsham District Planning Framework will be adopted by the Council in April 2015.

A form has been prepared to help people submit their representations so that it is clear to the Inspector what changes are requested and why. Representations can be made by visiting the Council’s website (www.horsham.gov.uk), where they can be submitted electronically using the form provided.

Representations can also be emailed to strategic.planning@horsham.gov.uk or by post to the Strategic Planning Team at Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RL.

To find out more about the period of representation, visit the Council’s website www.horsham.gov.uk, email strategic.planning@horsham.gov.uk or call 01403 215398.

The Parish Council’s Annual Report for 2013/2014 can now be found on the website, as can the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Electors of the Parish.

Both can be found by clicking here.

Time is running out for voluntary and community organisations in West Sussex to apply for a share of £190,000.

The closing date for applications to West Sussex County Council’s Prevention and Wellbeing Grants Programme is Thursday 17 April 2014.  Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

The programme aims to help innovative, community-based activities for residents, which are designed to enable adults and older people to get out and about, make friends and see others.

Last year, awards ranged from under £50 up to £5,000 and were used for a number of different projects, including tea and chat groups, choirs and fitness and learning activities.

Christine Field, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “I would urge community-based services, groups or organisations to consider applying for a Prevention and Wellbeing Grant.

“These types of organisations play a vital role in helping to reduce isolation and they can really make a difference in an older person’s life – as well as playing a role in helping to maintain an older person’s independence for longer.

“The deadline for applications is rapidly approaching so I would encourage any project – large or small – to request an application pack before it’s too late.”

The applications will be assessed by the County Local Committees. Organisations will be notified of decisions and receive payments in August 2014.

The grants are not available for services or activities designed for children and people with learning disabilities.

For more information and to find out how to request an application pack, please visit the Prevention and Wellbeing Grants page.

Recent wet weather has seen a number of trees being damaged in the District and Horsham District Council is reminding residents of who to contact in the event of damage to trees.  Extremely wet ground conditions can make trees more vulnerable to wind damage, particularly if they are already in a weakened condition as the result of disease.

The Council has an ongoing programme of inspections for all of the trees that it owns, which are located almost entirely within recreational land and public green spaces.  Parish councils are responsible for trees growing on land in their ownership, while the majority of trees growing on roadside verges are the responsibility of West Sussex County Council.

It is often the case that trees causing concern are growing on private land, and in these cases it is always the land owner who is responsible for them.  Unless a tree is deemed to be imminently hazardous, it is important to check that it is not listed as having a Tree Preservation Order, or growing within a conservation area, before carrying out any remedial work.

Contact the Council’s Planning team for advice on these such trees by emailing planning@horsham.gov.uk or call 01403 215515.

Other useful contacts are:
Horsham District Council’s Parks & Countryside team: parks@horsham.gov.uk / 01403 215255
West Sussex County Council’s Highways team: highways@westsussex.gov.uk / 01243 642105

Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 988 1188
Environment Agency Enquiries: 0800 807060

For further information about flooding in general, a useful guide can be found on Horsham District Council’s website (http://www.horsham.gov.uk/files/Flood_info_Jan_2014.pdf).