Angmering Village Life
News Archive
January 2015
SAV yesterday received the following email from Tom Cotterill at the Littlehampton Gazette:
“It seems that Angmering villagers provided one of the most overwhelming 'yes' votes to a neighbourhood plan, not just in the district, but from across the UK! So well done to everyone involved. It's a shame it's come perhaps a little too late to prevent some wide-spread developments, but fingers crossed it will be put to good use in the coming years.”
The result of yesterday's referendum on the Angmering Neighbourhood Plan is shown below. The question asked was: "Do you want Arun District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Angmering to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"
| Votes Recorded |
Percentage | ||
| Number cast in favour of a ‘Yes’ | 1768 | 96.93% | |
| Number cast in favour of a ‘No’ | 53 | 2.91% |
There were 3 ballot papers that were rejected and the turnout of those eligible to vote was 31.3%. This appears to be a slightly higher turnout than average for referendums held to date in the Arun District Council (ADC) area, but the 96.93% 'Yes' vote was the highest of any parish so far in the District and will hopefully signal to ADC the strength of feeling in Angmering toward ADCs poor decisions on agreeing to excessive new and unsustainable housing in the parish.
In a newsletter issued this morning, Save Angmering Village (SAV) has been critical that no representative of Angmering Parish Council attended the count and declaration at the Village Hall last night, and stated that this was "much to the astonishment of the ADC returning Officer who said that this was the first time that he encountered a no-show from the Parish Council concerned".
In a response to this criticism, chairman of Angmering Parish Council, Cllr Susan Francis, said: "I am afraid that with so few councillors trying to do everything one of the casualties was attending the count. We currently have three councillors out of the country, four councillors sick and I was working with a client on their tax affairs that have to be completed in time for the return next week. I consider that the Parish Council’s commitment to the Neighbourhood Development Plan has been clearly demonstrated by the support given to the Steering Group in various forms over many months, and also by the fact that the Parish Council arranged for a hard copy of the Plan document to be distributed to every household in the Parish prior to the referendum. As far as we have been able to establish, no other Parish in the area has taken this step. It is therefore disappointing to learn that residents nevertheless feel that we are not committed to the Plan. Now that we have the YES result we can move forward, adopt the plan and work to implementing the proposals. I would also remind everyone that we currently have four places on the council for councillors. The more councillors we have the more we can achieve. So why not put your name forward and help us do the significant amount of work required for such a large parish.".
In what appears to have been an apparent search by metal detectorists, approximately 100 small holes were dug on Fletcher's Field on 17 January. A number of people were observed using metal detectors. Angmering Parish Council said "Not only is this unacceptable behaviour by those responsible, it is illegal and dangerous and the perpetrators should be aware that the police have been informed and it is being treated as a crime. As there are so many holes, it is presumed that metal items have been found, which may or may not have been of archaeological importance. These items should be returned, immediately, to the landowner, St Margaret’s Churchwardens, who will deal with them appropriately. Any items that can be returned may be dropped at the Parish Council office in The Square."
The perpetrators of this vandalism are possibly people who has received metal detectors at Christmas and do not belong to any metal detecting club. Official clubs take a very responsible approach to detecting by first seeking permission to search, restoring any holes dug, and disclosing any finds to the owner of the land.
As far as witnesses are concerned, any information on this matter should be passed to the village PCSO, Becks Bernier, by ringing the non-emergency police number 101, or by email on Rebecca.Bernier@sussex.pnn.police.uk
A/172/14/T - Crown reduction of 1no Holm Oak tree by 2m. Removal of branches at 2.5m on the south trunk & shortening back the branch to the north at 23 Arundel Road. Amendment to previously approved A/135/14/T. Applicant: Mrs K Glossop
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 12 February 2015.
To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility ", click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".
Further to our News item dated 12 January (see below), Angmering Parish Council have today (Thur 15 Jan) issued the following statement:
"We have been made aware that, despite assurances from the distribution agents that deliveries of the Neighbourhood Development Plan would be completed by the end of Tuesday 13 January 2015, some areas of the village have not yet received their copies. We apologise for this and have instructed the distribution agents to rectify these omissions urgently. We have now been advised that this is in hand and should be completed shortly. If, by the end of Thursday 15 January 2015, any resident has still not received a copy of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, please contact the Parish Council Office and we will assist you. An electronic version of the Neighbourhood Development Plan has been available the Parish Council's website since mid-December and remains available here: Neighbourhood Plan - Final Version for Referendum [pdf] 3MB .
In response to queries received from a number of residents, we are happy to clarify that:- 1) there is in fact no requirement for a printed copy of the Neighbourhood Development Plan to be delivered to residents in advance of the referendum - the Parish Council has taken this step as we believe that all residents should be provided with a copy of this important document; and 2) the cost of printing the Neighbourhood Development Plan has been met entirely from grant funding made available by the Department for Communities and Local Government for the purpose, and not from Council Tax precept monies."
The Environment Agency has this afternoon issued a Flood Alert for our area including Black Ditch which runs through Angmering. River levels along the Lower Arun are still rising as rainfall events from previous days make their way along the watercourse. Although flooding may not be imminent, it is probable in the coming days. Further heavy rainfall is predicted to occur this evening (Wednesday 14 January) into Thursday morning. 25mm is probable, and some locations may receive even more. The Environment Agency are advising people to be prepared to protect themselves and their property, and to keep colleagues and neighbours informed about the situation. To monitor water levels of Black Ditch at the bottom of Weavers Hill, see the link to the Black Ditch webcam at the top of this page.
Over the past couple of months St Margaret’s CE Primary School has sent £2,000 out to their Diocesan contacts in Sierra Leone to support the fight against the Ebola virus. Money is being spent on providing cleaning materials and food to support families with children during the periods of lockdown. The Makeni School, which is linked to St Margaret’s School, has itself been shut for a number of months and won’t re-open until the region is free of Ebola, after which there will be re-established free movement of people.
St Margaret’s CE Primary School has also continued to support Kumi Township Primary School in Uganda and have provided sufficient funds since September 2014 to enable the school to harness water which falls on the two new classrooms built by volunteers during the summer of 2014. In the last week a cheque has been sent from the governors’ account to supply 36 three seater desks to go in the new classrooms. When David Boreham, Headteacher of St Margaret’s, last visited Kumi Township Primary School in 2013, there were 1450 primary aged children accommodated in 10 classes with very few desks and no means of providing water for the pupils. 15 months on there are 4 new classrooms, many more desks and books provided by the school and 2 very large water storage units, as well as 10 recently built long drop latrines!
For over 20 years St Margaret’s School has supported Barnardo’s through their cottage box scheme. A final collection has recently taken place, bringing the total raised over the years to £14,839.28.
The school still continues to support Chestnut Tree House. The sum of £404.52 was raised after the two public performances of “Christmas 1914” by Year 5 and 6 children. The school has now raised in the last 13 years the total of £13,395.65 for this local worthy good cause.
Mr Boreham said that the children and families of St Margaret’s School have always been very generous in their giving, embracing the idea that it is far better to give than to receive. Angmering Village Life thinks that residents of Angmering will agree with him and commend the tremendous effort of the childen and their families.
A/168/14/PL - Rear extension under flat roof to enclose part of rear courtyard & removal of part existing rear wall leading into extension. This application affects the setting of a Listed Building and affects the character and appearance of the Angmering Conservation Area. The Lamb Inn, The Square. Applicant: The Lamb Inn
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 5 February 2015.
To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility ", click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".
Many residents of Angmering will be eagerly awaiting delivery of a copy of the Angmering Neighbourhood Development Plan for perusal ahead of the parish Referendum on it on 22 January. The Parish Council has been advised by the distribution agents engaged to deliver copies of the Plan to all households that deliveries should be completed by the end of Tuesday 13 January 2015. In the event that any resident who wishes to have a copy of the Neighbourhood Development Plan but does not receive one, please either:- a) contact the Parish Council office for a copy, or b) download a copy by clicking here (PDF file, 3MB)
A/164/14/PL - Erection of 1 No detached dwelling with garaging, basement area, swimming pool & outbuilding at Fallowdale, North Drive. Applicant: Mr R Smith.
A/166/14/HH - Single storey side extension to provide kitchen, dining & family room at ground floor. Amendment to previously approved planning permission A/107/13/. at 60 Mill Road Avenue. Applicant: Mr & Mrs D McMahon
A/167/14/PL - Erection of 46 residential dwellings with associated access, car parking, landscaping, open space & works, following demolition of existing buildings & structures. Land at Pound Nursery, Roundstone Lane. Applicant: Barratt Homes.
A/169/14/L - Application for listed building consent for a rear extension under flat roof to enclose part of rear courtyard & removal of part existing rear wall leading into extension. The Lamb Inn, The Square. Applicant: The Lamb Inn
A/170/14/A - Various illuminated & non illuminated advertisements. Swanbourne Park, Land off Roundstone Lane. Applicant: BDW Trading Ltd (Southampton Division).
Observations on this/these Application(s) must be received by The Head of Planning Services, Arun District Council, The Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5LF by 29 January 2015.
To see applications, plans, design statements, etc, type the Application Reference Number (such as those above) into Arun District Council's "Application Search Facility ", click on the Search button, and click on the hyperlink reference when selected application is returned - then select "Documents".
Chairman & Vice Chairman
The
Vice-Chairman wished to record her thanks to Albert Mariner for service as a
Councillor since 2010 and as Chairman since May 2014. On a proposal by
Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Bicknell, the Vice-Chairman was
unanimously elected as Chairman for the remainder of the 2014-15 administrative
year. On a proposal by Councillor Mountain, seconded by Councillor Graham,
Councillor Harris was unanimously elected as Vice-Chairman for the remainder of
the 2014-15 administrative year.
Angmering Neighbourhood Plan
This
is currently with the printers and will be distributed to all households in the
Parish early in the New Year. Poll cards for the referendum, due to take place
on 22 January, are being distributed.
New Homes Bonus
The promised
share of the New Homes Bonus of £8,000 had been received from ADC and
banked. Consideration needed to be given to how the funds might be used –
one possibility would be to use the funds as a contribution towards the cost of
the BMX Track.
Community Centre Car Park
Extension
Planning permission had finally been obtained for this
– the next step was to obtain quotations/tenders for the build, which was
in hand.
Mayflower Car Park
WSCC had
offered a specification for the Mayflower Car Park and also a list of preferred
civil engineering firms. These could be used for the Community Centre Car
Park.
Mayflower Park
A claim had been
made against the Parish Council for a fall on the boardwalk around the pond in
Mayflower Park. The insurers were dealing with this and had undertaken a site
visit, which had identified three steps to be taken – a Risk Assessment;
signage; and anti-slip pads. These steps were in hand.
Councillor Vacancies
The Parish
Council now only had 9 out of a possible 13 councillors – more councillors
needed to be recruited and consideration needed to be given to how best to
publicise the vacancies and attract candidates.
Grant Applications
Following
discussion, it was AGREED that grants would be awarded as follows: Angmering
Football Club: £300; Arun Co-ordinated Community Transport: £450;
Arun & Chichester Citizens’ Advice Bureau: £180
The full minutes of this meeting may be read by clicking here
The next film to be shown at Angmering Community Centre is "THE JUDGE" [UK 15] at 7.45pm on Saturday 10 January- doors open at 7.30pm.
Starring Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall. Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Despite the brittle bond between father and son Hank must come to his father's aid. He sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family. poster
Tickets priced at £5 are available in advance from the Community Centre Office, Woodies News, and Angmering Framing & Stitches, or at the door (subject to availability).