ParishCouncilNews

Ashington Parish Council

Neighbourhood plan, Knepp safari & planning applications

At the Parish Council meeting on 5th May we had Bellway Homes make a presentation on their initial proposals for the Neighbourhood Plan site ‘Land West of Ashington School’. Details can be seen on the Parish Council website (meeting minutes). The Parish Council raised concerns about the proposals deviating significantly from the Neighbourhood Plan and some other matters. It is anticipated that the plans will evolve over time. The Parish Council has ordered an oak tree and a commemorative plaque for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This will be planted near the Turnpike Way play area. In addition, it has ordered 30 trees (mixed rowan, cherry & silver birch) to be planted near the Community Centre as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project. Two Parish Councillors will be attending a Knepp Safari in July in a special event for Parish Councils to learn more about the ‘Weald to Waves’ initiative to connect the High Weald areas around St Leonards and the Ashdown Forest transecting the National Park down the Arun and Adur River valleys, to restore ecosystems that directly interact with the Sussex Bay marine habitat restoration. A decision on the planning application for the new Tearoom at The Parish Yard was due 17th May. Several Parish Councillors and the Parish Clerk attended HDC’s ‘Big Conversation’ meeting on Thursday 19th May to find out that the Local Plan will be delayed until the Water Neutrality issue is sorted out and that ALL development, including our proposed Tearoom, must demonstrate Water Neutrality and this is a challenge. Chanctonbury Nurseries planning application –still no news on a decision on the proposed 74 homes plus open space, outdoor gym and sustainable links into the village. www.ashingtonpc.org.uk

Thakeham Parish Council

Recycling, Monaghans mushrooms, Kinsbrook vineyard & football

Village Hall Carolyn Schofield has joined us as co-Hall Manager working alongside Amanda Norton. Carolyn will be taking care of occasional bookings, such as parties, weddings and one-off events and Amanda will focus on bookings for regular hirers. To book the Hall for a one-off event, please contact Carolyn on Monday or Thursday morning 9:30am-11:30am, or to hire the Hall for a regular booking, please contact Amanda on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday morning 9:30am-11:30am. Our contacts remain: phone: 01798 815 467 email: info@thakehamvillagehall.co.uk. We recently hosted a defibrillator course and a save a baby’s life course, with Parish funding. We would love to be able to hold future courses if there is demand from the residents. Please email to contact us if you are interested in attending a future course, and advise whether you would prefer a weekday daytime or evening time or a weekend course. Recycling Thank you to everyone who continues to use the local recycling Sussex Green Living facility at the Village Hall. For updates and latest news please vi s i t www. t h akeh ampar i s h. c o.u k/s pec i alrecycling-scheme-at-the-village-hall/ Platinum Jubilee celebrations Thanks to everyone who attended the June Rock the Jubilee event, and we hope you enjoyed yourselves. A commemoration bench has been placed at the Abingworth football fields, and a specimen tree is being planted this autumn. Planning There is no change to the situation that most new housing schemes in the district remain held up by the need to meet 'water neutral' requirements, due to pressure on existing resources. Several current local planning proposals, e.g. the 25-house site at the ex-Rushfield Nursery, are affected. Construction of the last 75-house phase of the Abingworth development by Bellway Homes is in full swing, and will run through to late 2023. There is no further news yet regarding the proposal for 30 new homes at the site South of Furze Common Road, which the Parish Council has strongly objected to. Monaghans Mushrooms closure latest We are now due to speak with Monaghan’s senior managers in early July, and will update residents on anything we learn about their plans for the site. Kinsbrook Vineyard & Farmhouse

The doors of the new farm shop building will open soon at this local enterprise (just west of the B2139 near Picketty Corner, RH20 2RZ). As well as a farm shop and café with balcony overlooking the site, the visitor centre will offer winetasting and vineyard tours. Find out more at: www.kinsbrookvineyard.com Football fields Works to improve the poor winter drainage of the Abingworth football fields were completed in June. Thanks for bearing with the inconvenience. Allotments The final scheme for the new Abingworth allotments is now agreed, and they are due be delivered mid-2023. As we have been able to increase plot numbers, the waiting list for plots has now re-opened! – contact the Parish Clerk. For more information visit: www.thakehamparish.co.uk/allotment/ Parish Councillor vacancies We currently have two councillor vacancies. If you are interested, please contact the Clerk for further information by Friday 8 July. Contact Us Email: clerk@thakehamparish.co.uk Phone: 01798 815305 You can find Parish Councillors’ contact details at: www.thakehamparish.co.uk/councillors If you are new to the Parish, contact us to receive a welcome pack! www.thakehamparish.co.uk