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Local Government Reorganisation Consultation

A further consultation has now been launched to help decide the future of Local Government in West Sussex.

Following feedback from the previous consultation, which opened in November, the Government is now seeking views on two additional options. These are based on modifications to proposals previously submitted by local authorities in Sussex.

The consultation will run until 23.59 on 15 June and can be accessed at: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/west-sussex-two-unitary-proposal-modification/

In West Sussex, the additional proposal involves the creation of two unitary authorities. One authority would bring together Chichester District, Crawley Borough, Horsham District and Mid Sussex District, serving a population of approximately 566,000. The second would combine Arun District, Adur District and Worthing Borough, with an estimated population of 349,000.

A further option has also been proposed for East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, again based on two unitary authorities. Under this model, Brighton & Hove would be combined with parts of Lewes District, including the wards of East Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven West, Peacehaven East, Peacehaven North, and Falmer Parish, creating an authority serving around 308,000 residents. A second authority would include Eastbourne Borough, Hastings Borough, Rother District, Wealden District and the remaining areas of Lewes District, with a population of approximately 537,000.

As part of the consultation, respondents will be asked whether these modified options would deliver more effective unitary local government arrangements than those previously proposed.

All earlier proposals that were previously consulted on remain under consideration. These include the two options put forward by all eight West Sussex councils. One was for a single unitary authority covering the whole of West Sussex, which was supported by West Sussex County Council. The other was for two unitary authorities in West Sussex – one which would include Chichester District, Arun District, Worthing Borough and Adur District and the other covering Horsham District, Mid Sussex District and Crawley Borough. This option was supported by all of the district and borough councils in West Sussex.

Other proposals included a single unitary authority for the East Sussex area, developed collaboratively and supported by most East Sussex councils, as well as a separate proposal from Brighton & Hove City Council suggesting the creation of five unitary authorities across Sussex. This included placing Chichester District with Horsham District and Crawley Borough; Brighton & Hove with parts of Lewes; Eastbourne with Hastings, Rother plus parts of Lewes and Wealden; Mid Sussex District with parts of Wealden and Lewes; and finally, Arun District with Adur District and Worthing Borough.

Responses to both consultations will be reviewed by Ministers ahead of a final decision which is expected in the summer.

Hard copies of the consultation are available at council offices for those who are unable to respond online. They will also be available at libraries across West Sussex from 19 May.

Further information about local government reorganisation, including more information about the West Sussex Business case can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/devolution and www.shapingwestsussex.org

Local Government Reorganisation Consultation2026-05-20T14:30:31+01:00

Chichester District Council Dog Control Consultation

Chichester District Council are currently reviewing rules for dogs in open spaces and are seeking views on proposals to extend and amend the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control, which is due to expire in October 2026.

Under the current PSPO, the requirement to immediately remove dog mess applies only to public land, such as footpaths, verges, parks and the foreshore. They are now proposing to extend this requirement so that it applies to all publicly accessible land across the district, including privately owned land that is open to the public and free to enter, excluding Forestry Commission land. This would mean that dog fouling measures would apply to the same areas as the current requirement to keep dogs on leads when directed by an authorised officer.

Dogs are welcome in most public spaces, but it is generally recognised that having some designated areas where people can exercise or spend leisure time without dogs can be beneficial — for example, fenced children’s play areas.

A copy of the draft PSPO and answers to frequently asked questions about how the order works and why it is used can be found on the council’s consultation web hub: https://letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/dogsinpublicspaces. People can share their views in the survey by visiting: https://letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/dogsinpublicspaces/participate before 5pm on Friday 5 June 2026. A paper copy of the survey can be requested by emailing: letstalk@chichester.gov.uk.

Chichester District Council Dog Control Consultation2026-05-11T16:04:17+01:00

Voting Information from Chichester District Council

District Dispatch

 

On Thursday 7 May 2026, residents across the county will vote in the West Sussex County Council elections. As a district council, we will be running the election locally on West Sussex County Council’s behalf.

On the day, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Please check your polling card carefully as your polling station may have changed. You don’t need to bring your polling card with you to vote, but it can help speed up the process if you do. You can also find your polling station at: https://wheredoivote.co.uk/.

If you are voting in person, you will need to show one form of original photographic ID. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK or EEA driving licence; and certain concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Expired ID is accepted, provided you are still recognisable from the photograph.

The name on your ID must match the name you used to register to vote, and photocopies will not be accepted. You will also need to show photo ID if you are voting on behalf of someone else. A full list of accepted photo ID is available at:
www.electoralcommission.org.uk

If you’re voting by post, please ensure your completed ballot is returned in good time. Postal votes must be received by 10pm on polling day to be counted. Residents are being reminded that the law around handing in postal votes has changed in recent years and this means that anyone visiting Chichester District Council offices or a polling station to hand in a postal vote will need to sign a declaration form. Due to this, the council is asking people not to post votes through their letterbox, because they will be unable to accept them. Instead, voters will need to bring their postal votes to the council’s reception where they will be asked to sign a form to confirm that the vote has been received. However, if someone posts their form to the council by Royal Mail, a signed declaration is not required.

We are committed to ensuring voting is accessible for everyone, both at polling stations across the Chichester District and throughout the entire voting process. Our polling station staff are fully trained and will be available to assist voters, and polling stations will have accessibility measures in place. You may also bring someone with you to help you vote if needed. Each station is equipped with a range of tools designed to help you cast your vote, and you can find more information on our website: www.chichester.gov.uk/article/40658/Accessibility-at-Elections

Votes for this election will be counted on Friday 8 May and we expect the first results to start coming through early afternoon. Election results for divisions in the Chichester District will be published on our website at: www.chichester.gov.uk/electionresults and county-wide results will be published here:

www.westsussex.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/elections/county-council-election/

For more information about the elections, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/elections. The Electoral Commission also provides guidance at: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections.

Voting Information from Chichester District Council2026-05-05T11:31:27+01:00

Next Steps for the site of the former Angel Inn, North Street, Midhurst

Three years ago today, we all awoke to the news of the devastating fire on North Street, Midhurst. In one terrible night, we lost several businesses and residences. The four months that followed were a nightmare for everyone in the area, with North Street completely closed to traffic and daily gridlock on the alternative local routes. Eventually, the scaffolding was erected and the road re-opened, albeit minus a pavement on that side.

Since then there has been very little progress at the site, other than the occasional Surveyor and the erection of the display on the hoardings.

Easebourne Parish Council has written to the SDNPA and Historic England today to express support for the position taken by Midhurst Vision Partnership, Midhurst Business Partnership and local traders – that the remains of the site should now be delisted, demolished and redeveloped. However, this must be carefully managed to ensure that there is no disruption to traffic flow through Midhurst. You can read the letter here.

The Council is hopeful that this will be the final push to reach a resolution that all parties are satisfied with.

Next Steps for the site of the former Angel Inn, North Street, Midhurst2026-03-16T14:05:11+00:00

Grant Applications Open for 26/27 Financial Year

The next Finance Committee meeting is due to take place on Wednesday 1st April and grant applications will be on the agenda.

If you are an organisation which provides a service/benefit to the residents of Easebourne then please take a look at our Grants and Donations Policy to see whether you are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION FORMS AND ALL SUPPORTING PAPERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 25TH MARCH 2026 IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED. Any received later than this will be invited to re-apply at the October round. Only applications with a completed form will be considered – a standalone letter will not.

Grant Applications Open for 26/27 Financial Year2026-03-09T14:54:58+00:00

Road Closure – Woolbeding Lane

The National Trust have let us know that they are undertaking essential works on the buildings at Woolbeding Gardens over the next 14 weeks. This will unfortunately require a full closure of the road from the junction with Hollist Lane beginning on the 2nd March, meaning no access to the A272 along this route. Additional signage will be placed at the Easebourne end of Hollist Lane, to minimise the number of vehicles heading down there and having to turn around. Access will be maintained for emergency services at all times.

Road Closure – Woolbeding Lane2026-02-23T15:11:22+00:00
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