New Town Planned

New town planned for Sussex.

New town planned for Sussex

A developer is proposing to build a new town of 10,000 homes in Sussex.

Mayfields Market Towns Ltd wants to create the town less than ten miles from the outskirts of Brighton and Hove.

The development would house up to 30,000 people and be built over a 17 year period.

The multi-million pound project, planned for 800 hectares of agricultural land, is likely to face fierce opposition from residents, with councillors saying they are “horrified” at the proposal.

The company claims the proposal could help alleviate some of the housing demand in Brighton and Hove, highlighting the fact that the city needs up to 19,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Currently the city only has room for just over 11,000 new homes.

Supporters say the plans will also help meet housing demand in Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex.

It is hoped that construction work on the new town could start within five years if planning permission is granted.

The plans would dwarf the neighbourhood plan for Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common which currently identifies the need for up to 250 new homes.

The new town would see the construction of up to five primary schools and an academy with employment opportunities at a new higher education campus or science park.

The developers, who have been working alongside housing association Afinity There are also proposals for a retail high street and smaller parades of shops.

Sutton, say the new town would be a low-rise garden suburb.

Burgess Hill railway station would be the main rail link while a new junction with the A23 at Hickstead would be created for motorists.

Rosemary Burns, chair of Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Parish Council planning and environment committee, said she was “horrified” at the proposals.

he parish councillor said she could not speak on behalf of the council until it had discussed the plans but said she thought there would not be one villager who would support the proposal.

She added: “It’s absolutely unsustainable.

“It would totally alter this area.”

Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common Parish Council leader Jon Wilkinson said he felt the plan was up to 20 years away from becoming a concrete proposal and was not necessary.

He added: “This is kite flying and it’s not a kite that we particularly like the shape or idea of.

“We appreciate the sea and South Downs impacting on Brighton and Hove but don’t look for alternative solutions for an overflow development for an urban town in a rural area.”

A Mayfields Market Towns spokeswoman said: “This new development would relieve pressures to increase development in many of the small, rural villages within these two districts and in sensitive parts of major towns.

“At the same time, Mayfields would also deliver huge infrastructural and community benefits which go above and beyond what potential smaller developments would be able to provide.”

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What do you think? What would you call the town? Email letters@theargus.co.uk, visit www.theargus. co.uk/letters or write to us with your thoughts

You can also make your opinions known to the company behind the plans by visiting www.mayfieldtowns.co.uk

YOUR VOTE

Are you in favour of a new town in Sussex?

Yes:
 39%

No:
 55%

Don't know:
 6%

Thanks for voting - this ballot is now closed

(Credit; The Argus)

Council talks over Balcombe anti-fracking eviction.

More than 1,000 activists set up camp at the height of the protests (Credit;BBC)

Continue reading the main story

Fracking protests

• Q&A: What is fracking?
• Clegg thinks fracking may have place
• Cowdray speaks out against fracking
• Fracking protest divides village

Council bosses are meeting to discuss how to remove anti-fracking protesters from a roadside verge in Balcombe, West Sussex.

It comes after the High Court granted a possession order for verges on the B2036.

Campaigners set up camp during the summer to oppose test drilling for oil, amid fears it would lead to fracking.

At the height of the protest, the site attracted more than 1,000 people but seven are still there.

Sussex Police said the protesters remained at the roadside at Balcombe in one caravan, one structure and one tent.

'Dangers increasing'

After the possession order was granted on Monday, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) promised "an early decision" on how to enforce the order.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

This is designed to strike a careful balance between maintaining road safety and people's right to demonstrate peacefully”

West Sussex County Council

It said action was only being taken in the interests of the safety of road users and the demonstrators.

The council said the B2036 was an unlit road with a 60mph limit.

Vehicle speeds had been increasing since the main protest camp ended and, with darker nights and the change in weather, dangers had increased, the council added.

The local authority said it had provided a designated area where people could gather if they wanted to continue their protest, but camping would not be permitted.

In said: "This is designed to strike a careful balance between maintaining road safety and people's right to demonstrate peacefully.

"We will, following comments by the judge, look at the suitability and siting of this area to see if it can be improved."

It urged protesters to respect the court's decision and leave the roadside with their possessions and any structures they had put up.

'Exploration continues'

Cuadrilla dismantled its equipment at the site in September

Activists set up camp at Balcombe in August after energy firm Cuadrilla began exploratory oil drilling.

No Dash for Gas held a six-day "action camp" that month.

During the summer, Cuadrilla drilled a 3,000ft (900m) vertical well and a 2,500ft (750m) horizontal bore in its search for oil, but said any fracking for shale gas in the area would need fresh permission.

The company dismantled its equipment in September but submitted a request to WSCC for permission to test the flow rate of extraction at the well.

It said the new application did not include a request to carry out hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

This month, the firm signed a new 30-year lease on the land to allow it to continue exploration work.

(Credit; BBC News)

Work begins on Southampton's £21m art complex.

How the Southampton arts centre will look

WORK is underway on Southampton's new £21m arts complex.

Mayor Ivan White 'cut the first sod' at a ceremony at Guildhall Square this morning, beginning a development that has been years in the making.

Cllr White said: "This has been through all political iterations and all parties are very, very proud of the plans and strongly support construction.

"This completes the final part of the jigsaw of the arts square and the cultural quarter."

The city council has teamed up with Grosvenor Developments to deliver the complex by Spring 2016.

McLaren Construction has been appointed to carry out the work, which will provide film,theatre and dance studios, a contemporary art gallery and educational space.

The wider scheme will also create 300 jobs, shops, restaurants and 38 apartments.

Simon Armstrong, project director for Grosvenor, added: "We are delighted to reach this point in the project cycle.

" This is the first time Grosvenor has worked with the city council and McLaren and we are looking forward to a fruitful partnership and delivering this contract on time and on budget."

(Credit; Daily Echo, Southampton)

Petrol thrown over PCSO in Plymouth on Bonfire Night.

Police are trying to trace a man as they investigate an incident in which a PCSO had petrol thrown over them.

Officers in the West Park area of the city are seeking the identity of a man who is alleged to have been involved in an incident that took place on the West Park playing field on Ringmore Way in Plymouth, sometime between around 4.30pm and 5pm on Tuesday November 5.

It is alleged that two offenders were involved in throwing petrol over a bonfire with some petrol also being thrown over a nearby PCSO. It is understood that the PCSO was then assaulted and the offenders ran off.

A 17 year-old man was arrested later that evening by police. He has been bailed until January 8 2014 while officers carry out further enquiries.

Police would like to identify and locate the other alleged offender who is described as being around 6ft tall, of slim build and was wearing dark clothing.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has some information about the possible identity of those involved they are asked to call 101 and quote reference EL/13/4696.

(Credit; Plymouth Herald)

Operators will splash the cash at Southsea’s Pyramids Centre.

THE new operator of The Pyramids Centre plans to splash out £200,000 on better facilities.

BH Live intends to spend the cash at the Southsea leisure complex over the next 18 months.

It comes after the company, which runs other venues including Bournemouth International Centre, took over from former operator Southsea Community Leisure Limited last month.

BH Live’s chief executive, Peter Gunn, said the past four weeks had been about ‘getting the basics right’, and now was the right time to get down to serious business.

‘There is a bit of work that needs to be done,’ he said.

‘The first few weeks has been about getting the basics right. The next phase is about introducing a serious of improvements and some investment.’

The money will pay for a new cafe, an improved reception space and features for the main pool, including new inflatables. An exercise studio is to be built in a space at the back.

More details were to be discussed at the venue today during a networking event being attended by businesses.

Portsmouth City Council, which owns the building, is responsible for its upkeep and will need to do some maintenance work in the near future, though the initial cost of that is unknown.

‘This is part of a long-term commitment being given by BH Live,’ said Mr Gunn.

‘We don’t view this as a short-term agreement with the council. We want to go ahead with this with confidence.’

(Credit; The News of Portsmouth)

Christmas is coming to Poole

The much loved Dolphin shopping centre and Poole Town Centre Partnership Santa Parade is back this year and better than ever before. Taking place on Sunday November 17 from 10am, it will include Christmas themed entertainment for the whole family.

The free event is a feast for the eyes with real reindeer, a marching band, fun characters, chocolate treats, music, dancing and of course Father Christmas himself. 

A special appearance will be made by the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Philip Eades, as well as the cast from the Lighthouse’s panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ including actress, comedienne and impressionist Debra Stephenson joining in with the celebrations.

This year’s parade is themed around Santa’s toy workshop, with dancing elves, stilt walking toy soldiers and ballerinas all lining up the streets to welcome the arrival of Santa to his grotto in the Dolphin shopping centre.

The jolly fellow himself will welcome children to his enchanting alpine lodge where he will reside until his busiest night of the year. Entry to the grotto is £4.50 and each child will receive a wrapped gift chosen especially by Santa himself.

Following the parade, the festive fun and games will continue throughout the day at the Centre with the opportunity for families to discover Santa’s workshop and meet his crew of trusty elves. Children will receive their very own elf hat, take part in a treasure trail and decorate Christmas gifts. As well as the free activities on offer, entertainment from the parade will perform at intervals throughout the afternoon.

The Dolphin shopping centre management team is keen to make the parade an enjoyable day out in Poole for families and will be offering free car parking at the centre all day.

John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin shopping centre, said: “The annual Santa Parade is a hugely popular event for the residents of Poole and really gets the town into the festive spirit. This year’s event promises to be another major success and one that helps support all the town centre businesses at the start of this very important trading period.” (Fri 8 Nov 13)

(Credit; Poole View)

BAE Systems staff in rally against Portsmouth shipyard closure.

'HUNDREDS of workers who face losing their jobs will take to the streets of Hampshire this weekend in a bid to save shipbuilding on the south coast.'

The Southampton Echo goes on to report that 'the rally comes just days after Hampshire's centuries-old shipbuilding heritage suffered a devastating blow following the announcement by BAE Systems that 940 jobs would be lost.

Portsmouth Trades Council has organised the demonstration, which will march through Portsmouth City Centre tomorrow, in a bid to save shipbuilding in the region.

Workers, their family and friends from across Hampshire are expected to descend on the city from 1pm, to condemn the behaviour of BAE and the government for “destroying the shipbuilding industry”.

Of the 940 highly-skilled workers facing the axe, hundreds will be fromSouthampton, as BAE rolls out a major downgrade of its operations in Portsmouth.

Shipbuilding at the dockyard will end in the second half of next year in what union bosses have called a “devastating blow” to the local economy.'

Suspected arson attack at Newhaven factory led to chemical fear.

A suspected arson attack at a perfume factory risked leaking toxic chemicals into the environment, according to those cleaning up the aftermath. 

The Argus goes on to report that Sixty firefighters battled the blaze overnight at Quintessence Fragrances in Newhaven.

Extra back-up was sent amid concerns over flammable substances and chemicals inside the unit.

                                                                                              (Photo supplied by the Argus)

Witnesses reported seeing fireballs erupting from the factory in Avis Way, Hawthorne Industrial Estate.  

Toxic chemicals used to make perfume were reportedly contained after leaking into drainage ditches around the building.

Graeme Sanderson of Countyclean Environmental Services said: “The clean-up is going to take a few days.

It’s pretty serious.

“Toxic chemicals in the factory have gone into the drainage ditches and if it runs on, you could be looking at death to wildlife and criminal charges.

“It’s been contained by the Environment Agency.”

Up to 40 residents called 999 from 1.40am yesterday.

Surrounding roads were closed and the investigation into the blaze is expected to last two or three days.

Felix Hopkins, 21, of nearby Denton Drive, said: “I was woken up at 2am by the sound of the fire. It was massive, the smoke plume was huge.

“The smoke was travelling over to where I live. There was a really horrible sickly

smell coming because of the cosmetics.”

Fire and rescue commander Richard Moon said: “You can tell it was a sizeable fire by the scale of the destruction.

“The factory was full of chemicals but our staff are trained to work in those kind of conditions.

“It was risky but it was nothing they couldn’t cope with.

“The four walls of the unit are still standing but it’s very badly damaged.

It’s pretty bad news for the company.”

Twelve pumps were sent altogether and the fire was brought under control by 3.45am with a stop message made at 5am.

A neighbouring factory has had some structural and smoke damage.

The A259 Newhaven was closed overnight.

Several businesses on the estate were without electricity for much of the day after the power was isolated.

A member of staff said: “It was awful to see it this morning. Everyone has worked so hard.

“We might be down, but we’ll be back.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed the incident was being treated as a suspected arson attack.

Appeal for socks to help homeless this Christmas.

'PULLING on a pair of socks on a cold morning is something most of us take for granted but these everyday items could prove a lifeline for people living on the streets this winter.'

'That’s the message from Richard Stevens who has launched his 19th annual appeal for people to donate a pair or two of new, warm socks to help those less fortunate than themselves.' reports the Hastings Observer

The footwear can be deposited in special Sox Collection boxes in Holy Trinity Church, Robertson Street, and in the Imagen Gallery in Claremont, and will be distributed to the homeless by the charity Surviving Christmas.

“Warm socks can prove to be a lifesaver if you are living on the streets or in cold conditions and it is a sad reflection on our times that appeals such as this are still very much needed and appreciated in towns like ours,” said Richard.

'On Christmas Day, he will take all the donated socks to the YMCA in St Paul’s Road, where Surviving Christmas provides yuletide hospitality, food and clothing for the homeless or those who have nowhere else to go over the festive season.

Surviving Christmas opens its doors on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27. Socks from Richard’s appeal will be distributed on each of these days.

He added: “I am asking the good people of Hastings to be as generous as possible and to remember those less fortunate than themselves.

“Please support this year’s Sock Appeal.

“This is a practical way in which we can really demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas.”

Last year, the support for Richard’s Sock Appeal was strong with more than 13 black bags filled with socks being collected for those in need locally.' Reoprted by the Hastings Observer