Many people are finding things tough at the moment due to current cost of living pressures. We have launched a new 'Supporting You' campaign to highlight the range of help that you can access. Find out more about the support that's available to you.
Chichester District Council has approved plans to ensure the continuation of its Community Wardens service, ensuring that this important work can continue to support residents and communities in specific areas of the district for years to come.
We know how challenging people are finding things at the moment due to rising goods and energy prices, inflation and cost of living pressures.
1.jpg "Supporting You campaign launch photo: Link to 'Campaign is launched to help those struggling with cost-of-living pressures'")
A campaign to help people who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures has been launched by Chichester District Council.
A local West Sussex artist and designer is ready to wow customers with her floral designs and artwork, after moving into one of Chichester District Council's `pop up' shops in Crane Street.
The state funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday was one of the biggest single ceremonial events staged in Britain since World War Two and was a fitting tribute to a Queen, whose commitment to her role and country is unrivalled.
It was an incredibly sad day last Thursday, when we were all informed of the death of Her Majesty, The Queen.
Chichester District Council is inviting people to share their thoughts and suggestions on the theme of its next climate change focused event for residents, as part of a new public consultation.
A bank holiday has been declared for Monday 19 September 2022 as the country comes together for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral.
We will be holding a Members' Briefing on Thursday 22 September at 9.30am relating to the current outline planning application for the second phase of development at the West of Chichester Strategic Development Location (22/01485/OUTEIA).
The Members' Briefing due to take place on Monday 12 September relating to the current outline planning application for the second phase of development at the West of Chichester Strategic Development Location, has been postponed.
Chichester District Council and its residents join the nation in mourning the death of Her Majesty, The Queen.
Work has begun to improve the energy performance and carbon footprint of part of Chichester District Council's short stay accommodation.
I hope that you all had a wonderful summer and that you enjoyed the fantastic weather.
A packed programme of free classes is on offer to Chichester District residents who want to increase their exercise levels and improve their overall fitness this autumn.
East Pallant House will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 29 August 2022 and will reopen on Tuesday 30 August 2022.
Chichester District Council has set out how it proposes to use its £1m allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) over the next three years to encourage economic growth and improve quality of life in the district.
A multi-agency operation has been launched to crackdown on shellfish being illegally harvested from Chichester Harbour.
There's still time for residents, landowners, farmers, community groups, schools, businesses, and charities to apply for subsidised trees to plant in their communities.
Chichester District Council is inviting community groups and parish councils to apply for funding to help support Ukrainian refugees in the district as part of a new grant scheme.
Our colleagues at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are sharing important information about how you can keep safe and help prevent wildfires during the hot weather we're currently experiencing.
.jpg "Culture Spark 2022 logo: Link to 'Culture Spark literary events coming to the Chichester District this autumn'"){kind=logo}
Literary fans will be able to hear from critically acclaimed authors about their latest books and the stories behind them at two events in Chichester this autumn, as part of the Culture Spark calendar.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat affecting West Sussex from Thursday 11 August, with temperatures set to peak on Friday and Saturday.
Residents in the district are being asked to use water wisely over the coming weeks as the hot weather is expected to continue.
1.jpeg "Chichester Cross Market 2022: Link to 'Council pursues £13.7m Levelling Up Fund grant to provide economic boost to Chichester District'")
A £13.7 million bid to help revitalise Chichester has been submitted to the government by Chichester District Council.
Now that the summer holidays have officially started, you may be looking for activities to keep your children or grandchildren entertained.
I'd like to thank everyone who attended our Summer Street Party and Cross Market & More in Chichester last Sunday. The event was a huge success!
Councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to passport government funding from the Homes for Ukraine scheme to Voluntary Action Arun Chichester (VAAC) and Sanctuary in Chichester, to strengthen the support offered to Ukrainian guests who are living in the district.
A new holistic service to support residents who are struggling with the cost of living is to be launched by Chichester District Council later this year.
Over £300,000 of additional funding will be invested into Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery to help them to recover following the lengthy Covid-induced closures.
Hundreds of people flocked to the city centre this weekend to enjoy the Chichester Summer Street Party and Cross Market & More.
An Amber warning for extreme heat is in place for Sunday 17 July, Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July.
Living history from the Stone Age to the frontiers of space brought The Novium Museum to life as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special event on Saturday 9 July.
I'm really pleased to tell you that you can now apply for subsidised trees to plant in your community, as part of our Tree Chichester District scheme.
A Level 3 Heat Alert is in place for our area from Monday 11 July to Friday 15 July, and an Amber warning for extreme heat from Sunday 17 July into early next week.
.jpg "Cllr Penny Plant recycling pods: Link to 'Improvements made to textiles, small electricals and coffee pod recycling trial'")
Chichester District Council is introducing improvements to its textiles, small electricals, and coffee pod collection trial, which will enable residents in the trial area to book their free kerbside collection online from Monday 18 July.
I'm pleased to let you know that the council has joined forces with Coastal Partners to protect our nine miles of coastline by sharing coastal and management expertise and resources.
.jpg "Tree scheme: Link to 'Thousands of subsidised trees available for planting in the Chichester District'")
People will be able to apply for subsidised trees to plant in their communities from Monday 11 July, as part of a Chichester District Council initiative to increase tree planting across the district.
The first results of the 2021 Census have been released this week by the Office for National Statistics, providing a glimpse of how Chichester District's population has changed over the past decade.
It's hard to believe, but our Novium Museum celebrates its 10th anniversary in July.
Sir David Attenborough has written to show his support for a project that has been launched off the Selsey coastline to help protect marine habitat.
Residents and visitors are invited to join two free community events taking place this summer in Chichester and Midhurst, as part of the Culture Spark calendar.
A new exhibition at The Novium Museum in Chichester will highlight the huge range of unrivalled cultural experiences that the district has to offer when it opens on 25 June.
I hope that you managed to enjoy the beautiful weather we experienced last week. Although the temperature has now dropped slightly, it is likely that we may experience more of these hot weather spells over the coming months.
Residents and visitors to East Wittering will soon be able to browse, book and buy products online from local businesses and shops, thanks to a new online platform provided by ShopAppy. More than thirty East Wittering businesses have already signed up for the service and more are expected to join over the summer.
Chichester District Council's Pop-Up Shop initiative is now welcoming applications from budding entrepreneurs and start-up businesses at any time throughout the year.
Chichester District Council's Summer Street Party is back on Sunday 17 July, running as an all-day event for the very first time, and showcasing city centre businesses as well as food and entertainment from across the district.
Chichester District Council has joined forces with Coastal Partners to protect its nine miles of coastline by sharing coastal and environmental management expertise and resources.
The Novium Museum is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate its 10th anniversary this July with a birthday party and special exhibition.
A Level 3 Heat Alert is in place for Sussex on Friday 17 June.
Taking steps to make a big difference to our environment.
Over £4 million has been issued in total, to nearly 30,000 households in the Chichester District, as part of the government's energy rebate scheme.
Chichester District Council's Licensing Committee has agreed to bring the council's registration fees in line with national legislation on skin piercing businesses in a meeting this month.
.jpg "Chichester Local Plan branding: Link to 'Chichester Local Plan Review update: 10 June 2022'")
We're busy pulling together the Chichester Local Plan - and we are working hard to find solutions to the various issues we face.
Residents in the Chichester District are being offered a rare opportunity to secure an affordable new home in Loxwood, West Sussex.
Now that the sun has finally started to appear, many of us will take advantage of visiting our fantastic coastline.
A project to increase the amount of much-needed short stay accommodation in the Chichester District is already making a real difference to the lives of local people facing homelessness.
Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to allocate £30,000 to tackle a recent increase in graffiti and fly posting across the district.
Our offices will be closed from 4pm on Wednesday 1 June, and will reopen at 9am on Monday 6 June 2022.
Young people between the ages of 16-25 in the Chichester District are being invited to take part in a new TikTok challenge to create a short video expressing what culture means to them.
I hope you are looking forward to the extended bank holiday weekend and that you enjoy some of the many Jubilee celebrations that are being held across the district.
Next week will be filled with activities and celebrations and I for one can't wait! The Novium Museum's award-winning Chichester Roman Week begins on Saturday 28 May, which also marks the start of the school holidays. It offers a diverse range of activities and events across the city and surrounding areas, designed to engage visitors of all ages.
.jpg "Culture Spark - Carnival of Lights: Link to 'Culture Spark lantern parades taking place across the Chichester District '")
An impressive display of willow lanterns will parade through Chichester city centre on Friday 10 June as part of the 'Carnival of Lights' event.
The past couple of years have been incredibly tough on everyone, and a significant rise in the cost of living is adding further pressure on people. A top priority for us is to make sure that people are aware of the support that is available and this is why I have dedicated many of my district dispatch columns to focus on the different schemes and initiatives that are available.
A special photographic exhibition - 'We the People' - opens at Petworth House on 30 May, celebrating Chichester District volunteers within the arts communities and local charities.
The award-winning Chichester Roman Week is back this May half term, celebrating Chichester's vibrant Roman history with a packed programme of district-wide events, including a spectacular re-enactment in Priory Park on Wednesday 1 June.
Chichester District Council is progressing a package of measures designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings across the Chichester District.
To mark 20 years since Chichester Wellbeing's first HeartSmart Walk, over 50 volunteers and residents gathered to celebrate the anniversary with a special walk on Monday 9 May.
Helping people to get on the housing ladder and access affordable housing is a top priority for us. We don't own housing stock, but we can use our planning policies to make sure that at least 30% of all large housing developments is affordable housing.
Residents and visitors are being asked to nominate their favourite family business as part of a national campaign being run by ShopAppy, an online shopping platform that can be used to browse and buy products and services from local businesses.
Over recent weeks our officers have been working incredibly hard to issue Government Energy Rebate payments to customers who live in council tax bands A to D.
At a cabinet meeting this week leading councillors at Chichester District Council agreed to start a project which will result in the refurbishment of five public conveniences across the district.
Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to invest £20,000 in assisting with identifying options for Bosham car park that will both improve the welcome to visitors and enhance links with the village.
Small enterprises across the Chichester District will be able to take their business further thanks to a new round of Enabling Grant funding, which will be launched by Chichester District Council on Monday 9 May 2022.
Our offices will be closed from 4pm on Friday 29 April and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 3 May.
As the weather starts to improve, many of us will be out and about enjoying our beautiful district.
.jpg "Cllr Roy Briscoe: Link to 'District Dispatch - 19 April 2022'")
Making sure our residents feel safe is a top priority for the council and its partners.
.jpg "UK bunting: Link to 'Last chance to apply for temporary road closures for Platinum Jubilee street parties '")
As preparations gather pace and street parties are being planned across the district to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Chichester District Council is reminding residents that the deadline for applications for temporary road closures is 5pm on Wednesday 20 April.
We are all more than aware of rising energy bills and the impact that this is having on our monthly outgoings. As countries around the world come out of Covid-19 lockdowns, surging demand for energy has meant energy prices have increased. Over the past year, the price of gas alone has quadrupled. Whilst the problem is global, the effect is being felt by millions of households here in the UK.
Our offices will be closed from 4pm on Thursday 14 April 2022 and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 19 April 2022.
There has been a lot of coverage in the local media about housing targets and how they are reached. We thought it might be worth reminding you of how our housing targets are set and the process we have to follow in order to identify if and how this housing target can be met.
It's hard to believe that we are already in April and fast approaching Easter! There's lots going on, and many things for us to look forward to. I especially enjoyed attending the Culture Spark launch event last week.
Chichester District Council is inviting people to share their views on updates to its Westbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal, which includes a recommendation to extend the conservation area, as part of a public consultation that will run from Friday 8 April until Friday 6 May 2022.
Chichester District Council is progressing a package of new measures designed to improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings across the Chichester District.
Chichester District residents of all ages are being invited to attend the Big Swanfield Event, an exciting health and wellbeing afternoon on Monday 11 April at Swanfield Community Centre.
Carbon emissions from Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester will reduce by almost a quarter thanks to a £1.3 million government decarbonisation grant.
.jpg "First Spark launch event at Chichester Cathedral: Link to 'Culture Spark ignites year of cultural celebrations for the Chichester District'")
Culture Spark 2022 has officially launched with hundreds of people attending the First Spark launch events in Chichester, Selsey and Midhurst this week.
.jpg "ShopAppy launch in Chichester: Link to 'Chichester city centre's virtual high street launches'")
Shoppers will be able to buy online from local businesses in Chichester city centre thanks to a new online shopping and e-commerce platform - ShopAppy.com - from Friday 1 April.
The pandemic and the rise in the cost of living has impacted on all of us in many ways. This is why it is more important than ever that people are aware of the support that is available to them. Whether someone is struggling to pay bills, feels isolated; or is concerned about rising energy costs, the council and its partners are here to help.
Many people have been asking how they can help those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Our communities across the district have a long history of helping others in their hour of need, and I know that many of you are keen to support those who have been affected. You will have seen that last week the Government launched the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme. This programme allows individuals, charities, community groups, and businesses across the UK to offer a room or home rent-free to Ukrainians escaping the war, regardless of whether they have ties to the country.
Last week, we met as a council to agree the budget for the year ahead. This is quite a complex task, because we look at the income we are generating from services we charge for; funding from government; and your council tax. All of these elements form our budget for the year.
A Chichester District Council project to increase the amount of much-needed short stay accommodation in the district will be ready to support residents who are facing homelessness from the end of this month.
.jpg "Culture Spark: Link to 'Cultural celebration gets ready to launch in the Chichester District '")
A wonderful season of events, performances, live entertainment and community projects will launch in three beautiful heritage sites at the end of March to mark a momentous year of culture in the Chichester District.
.jpg "Art of Chichester: Link to 'The Art of Chichester exhibition celebrates 60 years of Chichester's culture'")
Sixty years of artistic and cultural achievement across the Chichester District will be celebrated at an inspiring new exhibition being staged by The Novium Museum this June.
Leading councillors at Chichester District Council have agreed to accept funding to extend a successful programme of getting people back into work.
Chichester District councillors have agreed to increase the average council tax bill by £5 a year for a Band D property in order to protect vital services across the district.
Business owners across Chichester District are being encouraged to sign up to a free information event where they can find out more about a virtual high street that could help their business thrive.
I want to start by saying how deeply saddened and shocked we are by the situation in Ukraine. The scenes on the news reports are horrific and distressing. As a council, we stand with the people of Ukraine, and want to offer our support.
.jpg "Weigh Better Life: Link to 'New dates announced for free health and wellbeing programme'")
Candidates are being sought to fill two councillor vacancies at Selsey Town Council in the run up to by-elections on Thursday 7 April 2022.
Excitement is building for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Chichester District Council is reminding residents to check if they need to apply for road closures.
Last year, we told you that the Government housing targets for the Chichester Local Plan area are unlikely to be met due to complex infrastructure and funding issues.
We're pleased to say that we have now reached the point where we can show that we have a 5 year housing land supply. This improved position strengthens our ability to protect the area against inappropriate development.
Planning for our future - Housing
We recognise that planning can sometimes seem incredibly complex and confusing. In this newsletter, we want to answer some of the most common questions people are asking about the Local Plan Review process and to correct some of the myths and misinformation surrounding this.
Planning affects where we live, work and relax; where new shops and community facilities are built; and it protects our historic buildings and the natural environment.
This month, the council announced its timetable for the Local Plan Review.
The council is currently working on the Local Plan Review. This will set out our vision for the future of the district's economy; it will plan for transport and housing needs; it will look at how we can improve the lives of children and young people; it will consider the area's environmental needs; it will support our health and wellbeing; and will ensure that we continue to have a rich arts and cultural environment.