An update was released by the SDNPA on 15th May 2026 regarding the fire damaged properties on North Street, Midhurst. Please follow this link for more information – Update on fire-damaged buildings in Midhurst – May 2026 – South Downs National Park Authority
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
The South Downs National Park Authority has now published the South Downs Local Plan (Proposed Submission) for Regulation 19 (Publication) consultation.
This is the final consultation stage before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by a Planning Inspector. This consultation stage differs from previous consultations on the new Local Plan, as the Planning Inspector will be interested in comments related to the Local Plan’s soundness and legal compliance.
The consultation period closes on 23 June 2026
You can view the complete plan by visiting the following link. This will also guide you to where you can submit your comments:
A New South Downs Local Plan – South Downs National Park Authority
A slimmed down version, featuring just the site allocations for Midhurst & Easebourne can be accessed here – Easebourne & Midhurst Sites Only
The Parish Council will also host a Public Meeting where you can join us to review the proposal Local Plan, share your views and help up formulate a response to the South Downs National Park Authority.
This meeting will take place at Easebourne Primary School on Wheelbarrow Castle, on the 4th June from 7pm until 8.30pm.
The Parish Council are also looking for volunteers to help spread the word about this subject, if you think that you may be able to help by assisting with the delivery of leaflets to advertise this meeting please get in touch with the Chairman – mike@easebourne.org. Even if you are only able to deliver to houses on your street this would still be a big help!
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.
The Parish Council has received the below from the National Trust, explaining the reason for the extension of the road closure at Woolbeding:
During repairs to the roof of the building, a rare Barbastelle bat was discovered. Barbastelles are one of the UK’s rarest mammals and are protected by an extra level of UK conservation law compared with other species of bats.
Work on the roof was paused while the National Trust consulted with government advisory body Natural England and ecology experts to ensure the correct conservation procedures were followed to protect this vulnerable species.
This consultation included an application process to obtain a modified bat conservation licence from Natural England allowing us to continue with the work.
During further repair work on the roof, contractors discovered that previously concealed areas of the roof structure and masonry were in a poorer condition than could have been anticipated. Contractors will need to spend additional time repairing these issues, requiring the continued use of scaffolding on the closed section of Woolbeding Lane.
Together, these factors mean the project will be delayed by an estimated four working weeks, extending the end date of the road closure from 5 June to 3 July.
We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and will continue to carry out this essential repair work as efficiently as possible in line with the new schedule.
There will still be access for vehicles to the south end of Woolbeding Lane, including to All Hallows church, and access along the full length of Woolbeding Lane for pedestrians and cyclists.
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.
This year’s War Graves Week is fast approaching. Tours will be held at St Mary’s Church in Easebourne on Saturday 16th May at 11am. Tickets are free and are available to purchase here – CWGC War Graves Week Tour 2026 – Easebourne (St. Mary) Churchyard Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
All Parishioners should be aware of the upcoming local elections. Please follow this link to the West Sussex County Council website for more information Local elections – West Sussex County Council
We’re pleased to confirm that the Planning Application to convert an un-used portion of Easebourne Primary School into a multi-use Community Hub have officially been submitted to Chichester District Council.
The plans are now with a number of statutory consultees for comment and can be seen in full by visiting the SDNPA website and searching for planning application number SDNP/25/04865/FUL
The Parish Council have secured considerable funding for the project already although further fund raising will be required in order to make the project a reality if planning is granted. We have shortlisted sources of additional grants and applications will be submitted as soon as we have approval. We’d also be really grateful to hear from any local residents who would be willing to help with fundraising events in the village.
There will be opportunities in the coming months to view plans in person and discuss the project with your Parish Councillors. The first of these is expected to be at the Annual Village Meeting which will take place towards the end of May.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this incredibly exciting project in the meantime, please contact parishclerk@easebourne.org.
