Planning blueprint for Shoreham Beach

Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association has joined forces with concerned residents to form a steering group to look at the pros and cons of neighbourhood plans, and possible implications for Adur’s Marine ward.

The proposals will be outlined during the association’s annual meeting, at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall, in King’s Walk, on Saturday at 2pm.

Other guest speakers will include East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, independent Marine ward councillors Liza McKinney and Ben Stride, and county councillor Mick Clark.

Association chairman Mrs Joss Loader said: “Neighbourhood Plans – which aim to give local people the chance to secure sympathetic development for their communities – were created by the Localism Act of 2011 and already 500 are under development across the country, including Sompting.

“The plans can be detailed or general, depending on what local people want – and are finalised in conjunction with local planning authorities, who have a legal obligation to help. Funds can also be secured to help cover set-up costs.”

Once implemented, planning authorities and Government inspectors have a legal duty to consider the plan in their policies when deciding applications, both locally and at appeal.

The neighbourhood plan must not challenge the Local Plan, which is current in a draft format in Adur, and cover a clearly-defined area.

If the community decides to press ahead, a final decision will be made at a residents’ referendum, where at least 50 per cent of supporting votes will be required. The whole process is likely to take at least one year.

Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. A secretary is needed to take the minutes. Anybody interested in this voluntary post, should contact Mrs Joss Loader on 01273 388419 for an informal chat, or email [email protected] for more information.