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  • Budget cuts wiping out public toilets

    Adur & Worthing Council is not alone in the struggle to fund public toilets. Across the country, nearly two thousand council-run public toilets have closed in the last decade, leaving many areas with no facilities at all, a new investigation has revealed. A freedom of information request by the BBC found 1,782 council-run public toilets have closed since 2006. Ten areas - including Newcastle and Wandsworth - now have no public toilets at all on their high streets or public spaces. According to the research, 22 councils now only have one public toilet and four out of five councils have cut spending on toilets since 2011. A spokesman for the Local Government Association ( LGA) said budget cuts meant councils had less to spend on community services. However, a spokesman said councils were doing everything they could to keep public toilets open, including running community toilet schemes to enable pubs, restaurants and shops to make their toilets available to the public. The research by the BBC showed that many public toilets have undergone ‘extreme’ makeovers rather than being demolished or closed down. For example, derelict toilets have been turned into bars, food outlets, art galleries, recording studios and other local businesses. Adur & Worthing now has a £44.2m gap in council funding following a worse than expected grant settlement from Government. If you would like to have a say in community facilities, visit the Community Facilities Working Group page or sign up as a member of our Neighbourhood Forum #BeachGreen #funding

  • What we want - green spaces & community facilities results

    The 2016 Community Facilities workshop results are in. A big thank you to all those who took part. You can download the results and find out more about the issues raised by following this link to the Facilities Working Group Page. This workshop report focuses on school spaces, green spaces and leisure activities, including the future of the AOAC. Charts and comments are colour-coded by sentiment and maps show where respondents live in relation to the issues they were voting on. This workshop was launched at the SBNF Have Your Say day in February 2016 and was available online for two months. Paper copies were also available at the SBRA AGM. We received 60 responses from residents aged between 25 and 65+ who provided a vast amount of useful feedback which is now being put to good use in the development of draft policies. #planning #heritage #BeachGreen #survey #design #AOAC

  • What we want - transport workshop results

    The 2016 transport workshop is now complete. A big thank you to all those who took part. This data is now being put to good use in the development of draft policies. Please visit the Transport & Movement Working Group page to view the results and background information. We received 48 responses from residents aged between 25 and 65+ over a period of two months between February and April 2016. The transport workshop report focuses on exercise, river crossings, walking, cycling and driving. It features a wealth of constructive comments, informative charts and maps. Policy makers can use these maps to see where respondents live in relation to the issues they were voting on, where they want to see improvements and how this relates to actual traffic incidents in the area over the last ten years. Local residents and businesses have also highlighted the use of land for parking. This issue is explored in more detail in the regeneration workshop which can be downloaded from the Regeneration Working Group page >. #parking #planning #boardwalk #cycling #design #survey #river

  • What we want - regeneration workshop results

    This workshop was launched at the SBNF Have Your Say day in February 2016 and was available online for two months. A big thank you to the 50 enthusiastic respondents. You can download the report and get all the background info from the Regeneration Working Group Page. Previous surveys highlighted concerns over housing and significant parking issues on Shoreham Beach; especially pavement parking and yellow lines. Residents also highlighted various regeneration opportunities which were then put forward in this workshop in order to test opinion, refine concepts and generate further ideas before developing draft policies. The flood defence scheme will impact several car parks in the area. This has opened up ideas from local residents which include solar car ports, car-sharing services and facilities for electric vehicles and bicycles. The neighbourhood plan provides an opportunity to combine these ideas and produce a cohesive scheme which meets the needs of both current and future residents and businesses on the beach. #parking #funding #planning #housing #survey

  • Management Committee minutes - May 2016

    Wednesday 11th May 2016 – 7.15pm Venue: The Harbour Club Keely Mowatt - (pre Management Committee) meeting to discuss Tidal Wall Scheme and potential public workshop/event with SBNF & the Environment Agency The Management Committee had a productive meeting with Keely. Keely was mindful that things had gone quiet since March. She confirmed that the EA Planning Committee has a recommendation to approve the planning application and are currently working with MMO (Marine Management Organisation) and Natural England. They have a have a preferred supplier in place – Team Van Oord (TVO) and are working with them to get things organized. Keely noted that there will soon be an increase in activity on the beach – surveys, vegetation clearance, etc. – but not big heavy engineering just yet. As soon as they have contract they will set up site compounds. The main office will be at Beach Green car park. They are working with Adur council to agree the other site locations. There is likely to be a visitors’ centre at the main site and they will have a public liaison officer based out of Shoreham. There are not firm start dates yet. Keely is hopeful that in about a month’s time there will be more information to go out. The work will start at the north of the railway line. There will be a communication (letter drop) to residents and businesses and an article in the local paper explaining that the work will soon commence and giving an indication of timelines for site and (single story) compound set up. EA would also like to be have information on SBRA and SBNF websites and an article in Beach News (at the end of May). Keely noted that the work will mean an increase in traffic in Shoreham, particularly Shoreham Beach. A traffic management plan is being drawn up. The management committee noted that there is already a problem with getting off the Beach in the morning due to heavy rush-hour traffic, compounded by a parking issue near the roundabout (The Saltings/the double yellow lines that are waiting to be dealt with). The committee made a formal request to Keely to ask West Sussex County Council about this issue – particularly in light of the need for an emergency access route off the Beach. The management committee discussed the next HYSD event with Keely – considering how EA could best participate. We agreed it would be important to share what is going to happen, the timeline (from start to finish), practical aspects such as hours of work and what the TA scheme is going to look like when it is finished. 3. Minutes & Actions from Management Committee Meeting – 20 April 2016 Approved Actions points: Video content has now been approved and is going to be used as a promotional tool prior to the next HYSD, as are the HYSD notes Mike G is going to circulate the Locality information Emma to talk to Dawn and agree the approach to Corin (with Mike W and Gwen) An application has been submitted to AECOM for the urban design master plan package. Mike G is going to follow up with Stuart (on 12/6/16). The Committee approved the proposal of Gwen Parker-Tregoat as a new management committee member and welcomed Gwen to the group. 4. Timetable/Project Plan Update for Neighbourhood Plan – Mike Gibson Evidence gathering Draft policies Have Your Say Day – July Mike G confirmed that the project plan timetable had been circulated as part of the application process for the grant. The bulk of the evidence gathering has been completed and draft policies are now being worked up. Mike G has met with Gwen (Community Facilities) and is due to meet John and Ben very soon. 5. Working Group Meetings/Updates Community Engagement – Emma Whelan Currently developing an idea for Pintrest – engaging with people and encouraging them to share visual ideas. The format for the next HYSD is being developed as are activities to promote the event. Community Facilities – Maurice Pitchford It was noted that Maria and Melissa had offered to support the Community Facilities group. Mike to liaise with Gwen, Melissa, Maria & Maurice to begin the work together. Transport & Movement – Ben Stride Ben explained that due to personal reasons he would not be able to deliver on the policy development time-frames. He has spoken to Tony Wallington who is keen to help support the Transport & Movement group. Ben is happy to coordinate the group – taking on an advisory role. Mike G noted that the we have the evidence base for the policy development and believes with one, focused meeting he will then be able to draft the policy. Regeneration – John Haffenden The Regeneration group has a meeting planned – on 24th May. This will kick off the policy development Beach Green Development - Liaising with the Developer/Architect - John Additional funding sources update/Technical Support– Dawn/Mike Gibson An application for the urban design master plan package has been submitted to AECOM . Once the application is processed AECOM will allocate an urban design consultant to work with us. Community Facilities/Pocket parks application - Shoreham Beach Primary School outside space - Dawn/Gwenn update Gwen met with the headmistress at Shoreham Beach School – to discuss her proposal for a pocket park. Gwen has completed all the paperwork and now just needs the headmistress to sign and approve the application. The application needs to be in by 3rd June; if successful the money will be released in November. Pocket Parks could be considered for other sites around Shoreham Beach – this is something the Community Facilities group will consider as part of its policy development. Any other business: Ben informed the Committee of the SBRA Management Committee were not happy their request that ‘two of their members should rejoin/join the SBNF Management Committee’ had been declined by the SBNF Management Committee. But had instead been invited - as individual members of the Forum - to join the Regeneration Working Group. The discussion clarified the SBNF Committee, as summarised below: the 2016 Committee had been elected at the February AGM in accordance with the provisions of the ADC approved SBNF Constitution; the new Committee was moving forward on the basis of each member having a defined role; the SBRA committee member who had made an informal request to re-join the SBNF Committee had previously resigned as SBNF treasurer and been replaced by a newly elected SBNF Committee member February AGM; the SBRA Committee already has one of its members on the SBNF committee and also Cllr Ben Stride is an ex-officio member of the SBRA Management Committee and a member of SBNF Management committee. Thus there is a clear channel of communication which is consistent with SBRAs’ expressed wish to be a consultee rather than a partner; since the AGM one additional Forum member had been co-opted on the basis of having delivered significant work which was identifying options for specific sites on the basis of her technical landscape design expertise. There will be a need for more of this type of work which would provide support to the Community Facilities Group; the Committee re-affirmed its’ wish that SBRA would become more actively involved in the development of the NDP by contributing to the work of the Working Groups and it was suggested to Ben that it would be helpful if SBRA was still concerned they should write to the SBNF Chairman setting out any outstanding issues or concerns. John reported he has a meeting scheduled with James Appleton and Martin Randal to discuss the layout of the Ferry Car park in anticipation of there being funding for the public slipway. Date of next SBNF management committee meeting Wednesday 8th June Apologies Maria, Jenny, Vicky and Melissa #river #minutes #flooddefences #BeachGreen #SBRA #funding #design #management

  • Management Committee minutes - April 2016

    Wednesday 20th April 2016 Apologies received from– Howard Carter, Jennie Tindall, Emma Whelan, Maurice Pitchford Minutes of Management Committee meeting 23rd March 2016 – approved Outstanding actions: Clips of Mike Gibson explaining neighbourhood plan to be uploaded to website – Emma Whelan Have Your Say Day notes uploaded to the website – Mike Whelan – Dawn to confirm whether this has been done. [web editor's note: This is included in the Community Facilities Workshop Report] Produce & circulate a document explaining what the examiner will look for when assessing Neighbourhood Plan – Mike Gibson – carry forward to next meeting. Mike also to circulate link to updated Locality Guide as well as hard copies if available. [web editor's note: This info is now in the FAQs] Beach Green Development Dawn, John and Mike Gibson had an informal meeting with Corin Morton from CDMS Architects (architects for Wilbo’s, the preferred developer). Following this meeting Corin circulated an email summarising what he understood to be the issues from the presentation by CDMS & Wilbo’s at the Have Your Say Day in February (see Appendix 1). Ben Stride updated that Adur District Council had extended the preferred developer status for Wilbo’s from the initial period of 4 months. Mike Gibson reminded the committee that the Neighbourhood Plan should be considering options for the whole of Beach Green for the next 15 years. The committee agreed that it would be useful to have regular meetings with Corin to keep up to date with plans. ACTION: Follow up meeting with Corin to be arranged in early May – John 4. Update on Meeting - AECOM Facilitation/community engagement support John, Mike G and Dawn met with Stuart Woodin from AECOM. The Neighbourhood Forum originally applied for facilitation however due to an improvement in the situation it was agreed to suspend the facilitation/community engagement package. Following some discussion at the above meeting around the Beach Green Development it was suggested the Neighbourhood Forum applies for an Urban Design Mini Masterplan package. As part of this a consultant will come look at the area and suggest possible schemes. Mike Gibson suggested having some of these schemes and concepts at the next Have Your Say Day as well as the updated Wilbo’s plans. ACTION: Submit application for the Urban Design package to AECOM – Dawn. John noted that the Urban Design package does not have to be constrained to one location and suggested other areas on the beach to be considered: on West Beach, the area around the children’s home and garages as well as the garages by the Ferry Road car park. This would involve a site allocation package from AECOM. It was noted that it is only possible to run two packages at once. ACTION: Suspend/cancel the facilitation package and subsequently apply for the site allocation package – Dawn. It was reported that an initial timescale for the Urban Design package of 8-16 weeks had been given by Stuart. However the Management Committee had recently been approached by Gwen Parker-Tregoat, a landscape designer with some sketches around Beach Green & Falcon Close enhancements or developments who could assist. ACTION: Mike Gibson to speak to Stuart regarding the process and offer Gwen’s assistance. ACTION: Gwen’s contact details to be passed to John Haffenden to discuss Beach Green ideas. 5. Working Group Meetings/Updates The working groups were confirmed as follows: Community Engagement – Chair – Emma Whelan Community Facilities & Green Neighbourhood – Co-chairs: Maurice Pitchford & Jennie Tindall. Regeneration – Chair – John Haffenden Transport & Movement – Chair – Ben Stride Mike Gibson referred to a document circulated to the committee – Working Groups – Programme of Meetings (see Appendix 2) setting out possible dates and a plan to move forward with draft policies. Mike Whelan has circulated by email 3 reports from the surveys on the website. It was agreed that Mike W would attend the initial meetings of all the working groups to introduce the evidence and discuss before working on draft policies. The second meeting, attended by Mike Gibson would be to discuss draft policies. The committee wished to formally thank Mike Whelan for all his excellent work on the surveys & evidence. a) Community Engagement. The issue of engagement of people who are not online was discussed. ACTION: Community Engagement to consider engaging those not online via A4 newsletter to every household on the beach. ACTION: To discuss and agree the format of the next Have Your Say Day. It was agreed that Maria and Melissa would join the Community Engagement Group. b) Community Facilities & Sustainability It was suggested that Gwen is voted onto the Management Committee and joins this group, potentially as Co-chair or Vice-Chair to assist Maurice & Jennie. ACTION: Ben to discuss Gwen’s joining of the group with Maurice. ACTION: Community Facilities to discuss Gwen’s concepts for Falcon Close. c) Transport & Movement It was noted that Mike Whelan would join this group. d) Regeneration It was noted that Julia from Shoreham Beach Residents Association would be joining this group. Viki reported that Mike Whelan had created contact groups on the Shoreham Beach Forum gmail account for each group consisting of email addresses of individuals interested in being involved in that particular working group. Viki has organized the email inbox and filed all emails under the relevant working groups/headings and also saved all documents on the google drive and written a guide to all of this. ACTION: Viki to update and circulate instructions for using the gmail account and google drive. 6. Tidal Walls Scheme/Environment Agency (EA) - Have Your Say Day Involvement – Dawn – Done – see actions Agreed it was important to stay up to date with the Environment Agency tidal wall plans on two levels: (i) so the construction period can be built into the Neighbourhood Plan phasing; (ii) to take account of the long term impact. ACTION: Invite James Fuller from the Environment Agency to the next Management Committee Meeting – Dawn. 7. Timetable/Project Plan for Neighbourhood Plan - Dawn/Mike Gibson Mike Gibson explained that the core of project plan will be happening over the next 6 weeks. Then everything will flow from the next Have Your Say Day. Banners for the Have Your Say Day were discussed with placement at Saltings Roundabout and on the Ferry Bridge agreed. ACTION: Placement & wording of banners to be agreed by the Community Engagement group. 8. Additional Funding Sources Update Mike G explained there is £2K to apply for. From this £2,000, £1,600 will be set aside for consultancy fees with the remaining £400 allocated to the next Have Your Say Day. ACTION: Mike to check whether there are any further sources of income the committee can apply for – to discuss with Stuart from AECOM and to see if the Local Authority can give additional funding from the £5,000 allocated to them for the Neighbourhood Plan.. 9. Any other business Adur Outdoor Activity Centre – Update The criteria for organisations wishing to bid will be released shortly. It has been agreed that the local community will have representatives on the panel which will decide on the successful bidder. It was agreed that the Neighbourhood Forum should put someone forward for this – Viki volunteered. ACTION: John & Viki to discuss further and Viki’s name to be put forward to the relevant parties. Adur Slipways Working Group John reported that there were originally 3 options considered: Soldiers Point; Ferry Road and Adur Rec car park. There is agreement in principle for Adur Rec and Ferry Road whereas Soldiers Point does not have Port Authority backing. It was agreed that the slipway should come under the Transport & Working group and that Brendan Whelan, Chair of the Shoreham Slipways Group should join Transport & Movement Working Group. ACTION: John to give Brendan’s contact details to Ben. Public Meeting Lancing – Friday 22nd/Saturday 23rd April 2016 There is a public engagement meeting being held regarding property development by Hyde - near the Saltings Roundabout, north of Brighton Road / west of New Salts Farm Road. Hyde have an initial proposal of 46 houses however the full site could have up to 600 houses on it. Concern was expressed regarding the increased traffic on the A259 and at Saltings Roundabout thereby affecting access to and from the Beach. Next management committee meeting: Wednesday 11th May #AECOM #design #BeachGreen #flooddefences #AOAC #planning #funding #management #minutes

  • Brighton Festival’s theme is Home & Place

    SBNF will soon be drafting policies to help shape the future of our community. With that in mind, here are three thought-provoking Brighton Festival events to get you inspired, plus a chance to be part of a unique global video project by a Turner-Prize winning artist. “the theme of home and place is especially relevant with so many people in the world on the move now looking, like all of us, for a place we can belong” - Laurie Anderson, Guest Director of Brighton Festival 2016 A Room With Your Views Turner-Prize winning artist Gillian Wearing is seeking participants to be part of a unique, global, collective filmmaking project - one of the largest of its kind ever to be produced - for a new commission, A Room With Your Views, as part of this year’s Brighton Festival. The project aims to capture a snapshot of views from people’s homes all over the world - from urban spaces to remote countryside - and invites the public to film a short clip of either their curtains or blinds opening to reveal a view from their window. Like the curtains going up at the beginning of a stage play, each view will be a pictorial unveiling of a landscape, cityscape or even a brick wall. The idea is very simple; film a very short clip of either curtains or blinds opening to reveal the view from a window, preferably without showing hands or arms. Upload your film to yourviewsfilm.com http://brightonfestival.org/event/8122/gillian_wearing/ Know My Neighbour Social isolation is finally being recognised as one of the most damaging issues within our society, yet presenting a viable solution for it is still seemingly a long way off. Know My Neighbour is an attempt to cut to the heart of this epidemic by encouraging neighbourliness as a way of changing people’s lives. Join them for a panel discussion about this vital subject. http://brightonfestival.org/event/8301/know_my_neighbour/ Writing Home New Writing South will be throwing open its doors to get people writing about home. What is home? Is it a place, a feeling or something else? Drop in to The Writers' Place to put your words on paper in our typewriter den, then add your piece of writing to our wall of words. For more inspiration come along to a drop-in workshop. http://brightonfestival.org/event/8539/writing_home/ The 50th Brighton Festival will take place from 7-29 May 2016 http://brightonfestival.org If hese events have re-kindled your community spirit, there is still time to join a neighbourhood forum working group and help us design a strong community on Shoreham Beach #privacy #design #housing

  • Shoreham Beach is growing younger

    Across Europe, the population is ageing and this is certainly true in Adur, with the over 65 age group increasing more than any other in the coming decades. However, if we look at Marine Ward Census info, new house sizes and alterations, plus "Brighton Drift" research by the Future Adur Schools Team, the average age of people living on Shoreham Beach may well be getting younger. This graph shows the population growth in the Marine Ward area from 2001 to 2011. The majority of the local population is under 45 and this trend looks set to increase. We are preparing a Neighbourhood Plan that sets out a vision for the next 15 years - when many of today's young people will have children and/or houses of their own. Help design our future neighbourhood via three workshops (surveys): transport, re-development and community facilities. These workshops cover various aspects covered in the council's new 'Place Plan' - boosting new homes, employment and local economic growth. The Plan also reflects the key priorities for West Sussex in particular delivering skills, digital connectivity and health & well being services. According to Adur & Worthing Councils, the population of Adur is expected to grow by 5,000 in the next 20 years - part of the 100,000+ extra people expected in West Sussex. Growth in Adur is constrained by limitations on land availability for homes and employment space due to the South Downs National Park and the coastline. Our Neighbourhood Plan will sit alongside the district-wide Local Plan and has to be taken into account by the Local Planning Authority when it is making decisions on planning applications (see our frequently asked questions for more info). The district-wide Local Plan (Adur Plan) identifies over 3,600 new homes and 41,000 sqm employment floor space with the potential to create up to 3,319 new jobs over the next 15 to 20 years. The two priorities set out in the Adur Plan are: Priority 1: – New Monks Farm and Shoreham Airport Development at New Monks Farm & Shoreham Airport provides the opportunity to deliver; 600 new homes; 25,000 sqm new employment space potentially creating a maximum of 2,024 new jobs. Investment involves: Flood Risk Management Measures – Adur Tidal Walls Scheme: to deliver development­enabling flood defences. New A27 Junction and measures supporting the Shoreham Sustainable Transport Package: to deliver both development­enabling and mitigation associated with traffic growth. New Primary School at New Monks Farm: to deliver a new facility to support population growth and planned housing growth. Priority 2: Shoreham Growth – Shoreham Harbour Development at Shoreham Harbour provides the opportunity to deliver 970 new homes, (plus the Parcelforce development, which brings the total to 1100) 16,000 sqm new employment generating floor space potentially creating around 1,295 jobs. Investment involves: Flood Risk Management Measures in Western Harbour Arm: to help deliver new housing and employment floorspace. Shoreham Sustainable Transport Package: to deliver both development­ enabling and mitigation associated with traffic growth. Business Relocation: supporting existing businesses interested in moving to new premises, to enable new homes and employment space to be provided within the Harbour. New/extended Primary School in the Shoreham area: to deliver the capacity necessary to support population growth and planned housing growth.’ #housing #employment #planning #survey #school

  • Management Committee minutes - March 2016

    Wednesday 2nd March 2016 -– 7.15pm Minutes to Approve of Management Committee Meeting – 17th February 2016 – unanimously approved. Outstanding Actions from the minutes: Beach Green Q&A notes – Dawn to send to James Appleton & developer for approval. Clips of Mike Gibson explaining neighbourhood plan to be uploaded to website – Emma Whelan. Have Your Say Day notes to be uploaded to website – Mike Whelan. Liaising with Beach Green Developer / LPA Q&A notes – circulation & approval – see above. Preferred developer process – Dawn received the following statement from James Appleton: "The Council has awarded preferred developer status to the promoters of the proposed cafe/restaurant so that he can start consultation with the local community in connection with his architects initial sketch ideas for the replacement building. The developer was also keen to see whether there would be any community support for other play or leisure activities on the Green and he was willing to consider funding such equipment if there was community support." The Executive Member, Angus Dunn has also stated after the 2016 SBRA AGM that, "There is a total lack of support for anything other than a cafe - and then only to enable refurb of the toilets. Even at this early stage of the process, it is fair to say that in light of the residents views (which you will recall were exactly as I expected), I will not agree to a lease for a footprint beyond that marketed (the second, correct time). "I will also expect the cafe design to be prepared in consultation with the community - the SBRA and Neighbourhood Forum seemingly a good place to place. I appreciate this also has to go through the planning process however unless I see significant evidence of community involvement in and support for the design, I will not agree a lease." #BeachGreen #SBRA #management #minutes #planning

  • Beach Green Cafe Initial Concept - public consultation notes - SBNF Have Your Say Day

    BEACH GREEN DEVELOPMENT – PRESENTATION & Q&A - NOTES SBNF Have Your Say day - 6 February, 2016 In attendance: James Appleton: Head of Economic Growth, Adur & Worthing Councils Corin Morton: CDMS Architects Brian Wilson and John Williams: Wilbo's, the ADC preferred developer and about 80 Shoreham Beach residents Discussion facilitated by Mike Gibson, SBNF Neighbourhood Planning Adviser Introduction Click here to see initial concept sketches by CDMS Architects. Click here to complete a workshop (survey) of residents' views - available until the end of March 2016. James Appleton explained that the Beach Green toilet block (marked in red on the diagrams) is available on a lease for redevelopment and Adur & Worthing Council have identified a preferred developer (Brian Wilson who is in attendance today). They have instructed CDMS Architects to draw up some initial concepts for public consultation. The planning process for the site has not yet started; no lease has been agreed as it would be subject to planning consultation and development. What is happening to the Beach Huts? Nothing – they are outside the red area which is the development area. Concern was expressed regarding the initial concept as part of the area has been designated a nature reserve since 2006 – it is not a seaside resort. No one locally has been spoken to – it was confirmed that this was the start of the process and this presentation/discussion was the first consultation with the local community. A representative of Friends of Shoreham Beach (FOSB) suggested that a community room be considered tying in with the education around the nature reserve. Where is the capital coming from for the restaurant? What amount is a contribution to local funds? Reference was made to the building on Lancing Beach Green which was empty for a long time. James reiterated that the details of the lease have not been negotiated yet. The council want to retain the freehold long term giving an annual revenue stream to the council - at this stage it is not known what this will be. The developer needs to understand the build costs which are not yet established. There is no lease currently but an outline business case which will be dependent on build/running costs. If planning consent is not granted the developer will walk away – he is working ‘at risk.’ It should be an asset - not an eyesore - which will be beneficial both to the council and the local community. Is use of the entire green essential? James confirmed that development is to be contained within the site marked red on the document. The developer has outlined some long term thoughts on adjacent areas of the green but this is land that is outside the area for which a lease is on offer. Has due diligence been done on the financial background of the developer? James responded that some months have been spent on due diligence and that this will continue. When any lease is signed the council will need to be 100% sure of the financial status of the developer as the land is being leased not sold so the council have an ongoing financial interest. Brian stated they have made it clear to the council that at the point any plans are approved the money will be in the bank to cover the whole project. If there is no development outside the red lined area will the development still be cost effective. James responded that if there is nothing outside the red lined area the developer may take the business decision as to whether the investment should be made. James re-iterated that this is the start of the process. If the Neighbourhood Plan just allows development of the toilet block the developer will have to look at a cost vs return analysis and use this as a basis to decide whether to invest. Is it true the restaurant wants to serve halal food? Developer responded this was not the case although others noted it was stated in the consultation documents circulated. Cllr Liza McKinney asked who the developer has spoken to at the council and whether they had seen the proposal documents? James responded that the council’s estates team and resources team had been involved and seen the consultation documents, including Cllrs Dunn & Dollemore (both members of Adur Planning Committee). Is this development aimed at residents or day trippers? The character of the beach must be retained ‘it is not Blackpool’. James responded that this was an opportunity for the local community and the beach which does have lots of visitors. Any development would be primarily sustained by local people and those enjoying the coast. The developer will have to consider if this is enough footfall to sustain the proposal – would the local community alone be sufficient to sustain? Has the developer done any other seaside developments before? The developer responded that he had not done any similar developments in the UK but had done restaurants and hotels abroad in Turkey and Russia. John Haffenden stated that there are a number of other restaurants/cafes close to the sea that don’t have other facilities and appear to be doing nicely. Perch at Lancing is continuously full with a queue outside. Perhaps more research could be done into potential footfall. Developer stated these are just ideas and they are asking the local community to be involved. The architect was introduced and stated he felt it was a positive site, a focal point with open space and the nature reserve which was a good opportunity. The ideas outside the red line are ideas to supplement the site for the community. It was suggested that the community should approach this with a sense of optimism, that a wide demographic should be involved including the youth of the community. Mike responded that as the plans unfold people should go on the website and look at them. He noted that from the household survey there was a preference for facilities for the very young and very old. Joss Loader stated that the household survey focused heavily on provision for younger people and the protection of open spaces. Is there any statutory requirement for the council to provide public toilets on the site? James confirmed there was not. The questioner responded that therefore the council could step away from maintaining the toilets as happened at Sea Lane Café and the Cemetery. These plans are a way of locking in to the continuance of public toilets. Who is responsible for the derelict road and area there plans to upgrade it? James responded it is part of a wider study and would require some external funding. The council are talking to Sustrans about it. Mike stated it could form part of the neighbourhood plan. The importance of the public toilets was stressed and an individual stated that the local community got together around the millennium to remove the blot on the local landscape that they were then and involved children in the mosaic etc. James raised the point that councils are closing public toilets and making local shops open their own toilet facilities to the public. A point was raised that a community room could generate an income stream. What are the proposals for The Old Fort? The architect confirmed there were no proposals for The Old Fort as part of this development, it was mentioned as a design influence on the project, not in any other capacity. James followed up that the Friends of Shoreham Fort had secured funds for a feasibility study of the site. The popularity of Perch was noted and a wish for a similar facility here. This would mean needing to keep the Beach Green car park. How many developers approached the council prior to the decision to appoint Wilbo’s? The developer who is responsible for the Café at Littlehampton was mentioned. James confirmed that the Littlehampton developer did not bid. The council had a shortlist of 3 from an initial offering of 5 or 6. Some on the shortlist were not detailed proposals – in the end the council had 2 worked up schemes. An analysis was then done of the two bids for the building only. An individual asked to reinforce the idea that he didn’t think people were against the café and toilets but that they needed to fit in with the area. Joss Loader asked what the council’s communications department were doing about raising awareness of the development (aside from the work of the SBNF and SBRA). James responded that the council will work with developers and local groups, Joss stated the council should lead not assist with awareness as they have the funds and the statutory duty to consult. James stated the developer also has a statutory duty to consult as part of the planning application. The council would welcome input on consultation and how best to engage. The council will have place material on its website, liaise with local media and possibly have a dedicated web page. John Haffenden re-iterated that SBNF only found out about this a matter of days ago and that a lot of work had been done to bring the information today for consultation. SBNF is keen to hear views expressed and Mike Whelan is working on this on the website. The architect & developer agreed to stay and answer individual questions about the proposals. Click here to complete a workshop (survey) of residents' views - available until the end of March 2016. #BeachGreen #survey #parking #planning #employment

  • Cycling, Walking, Parking, Exercise - survey now online

    Transport & movement has a big effect on the quality of life on Shoreham Beach. If you have any views on cycling, parking restrictions, boardwalk extensions or exercise inventions - fill in our questionnaire! What about the plans for Beach Green? If you would like to influence the kind of facilities and activities on the green, please see the section on cycle lanes, boardwalks and fitness loops - let us know what you want. The Neighbourhood Plan will enable local people to have more influence over changes in the use and (re)development of land and buildings. At our last Have Your Say Day (February 2016 ) we launched this workshop seeking ideas and testing opinions about all key sites in Marine Ward. The Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum is not making any proposals at this stage, but is enabling local residents and businesses to input to the next stage - the development of draft policies. This will be the subject of the next Have Your Say day in April/May 2016. If you live or work on Shoreham Beach, this is your opportunity to take part! Short link to survey: http://bit.ly/car-bike-walk Long link: http://www.shorehambeachforum.com/transport-workshop-2016 #design #survey #planning #parking #BeachGreen #cycling #boardwalk

  • Car Parking Issues & Development Opportunities - survey now online

    Car parking, housing and development are big issues on Shoreham Beach and we've heard some exciting ideas from the community. If you have any views on free parking, retail parks, bike parks, or solar-powered car parks - fill in our questionnaire! The Neighbourhood Plan will enable local people to have more influence over changes in the use and (re)development of land and buildings. At our last Have Your Say Day (February 2016 ) we launched this workshop seeking ideas and testing opinions about all key sites in Marine Ward. Concerns over the impact of the Beach Green cafe on the car park? The Shoreham Beach Neighbourhood Forum is not making any proposals at this stage, but is enabling local residents and businesses to input to the next stage - the development of draft policies. This will be the subject of the next Have Your Say day in April/May 2016. If you live or work on Shoreham Beach, this is your opportunity to take part! Short link to survey: http://bit.ly/sbnf-2016-2r Long Link to survey: http://www.shorehambeachforum.com/car-park-planning-survey-feb-2016 #design #survey #heritage #planning #parking #housing #BeachGreen

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