Latest News of Local Interest
Twenty Fewer Turbines
The BBC reported yesterday:
Plans for a wind farm in the English Channel have been reduced because of concerns about the impact on views from the South Downs National Park. The number of turbines has been cut by 20, to a maximum of 175, in a revised scheme submitted to the government. The proposed Rampion offshore wind farm would be visible from the national park .. Underground cabling will pass through the national park from Worthing to a new electrical sub station at Bolney, in West Sussex .. Ducting for the underground cable would be installed in a trench, which would be restored within weeks. “We are not suggesting there is never going to be any impact from a project like this,” said Mr Tomlinson.
The West Sussex County Times now has the SDNPA reaction:
Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We’re pleased to see that E.ON has listened to our concerns regarding the visual impact of the Rampion proposal on the South Downs National Park, however we think that there is more to be done especially on the routing of the cables.” .. In response to concerns of the impact on the South Downs National Park, E.ON has put forward a number of solutions. These include a ducted method of cable installation to reduce the time required for trenching and restoration, tailored construction to reduce the impact on the chalk grasslands at Tottington Mount and a commitment to communicate with users, informing them of the impact on Public Rights of Way.
The Fulking Parish Council response to the Rampion proposals, from 29th September 2010, can be found here [PDF] and the SDNPA response, from 8th October 2010, is here [PDF].
Post updated 10th and 11th April 2013.
Fulking Parish Council – Budget 2013-2014
Fulking Parish Council set a budget of £7,303 for the coming financial year at its meeting on 10th January 2013.
The Parish Council budget covers items such as the grass cutting & maintenance of the playground at NTF, street lighting and repairs, public liability insurance, website hosting, cost of audits, subscriptions to local societies, a donation to the Hassocks & Hurst Community Bus as well as additional training for Councillors & Clerk and the Clerk’s salary.
The budget has increased by £960 on last year which means the average payment by a household will rise by approximately £6.80 for the year based on a Band D property.
A full copy of the budget is available here (PDF).
Andrea Dickson
Clerk to Fulking Parish Council
andreadicksonfpc@gmail.com
Ian Phillips appointed to SDNPA
Today’s Midhurst and Petworth Observer reports:
Ian Phillips has been appointed as a new member of the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to replace Tom Tupper, who stepped down from the role last month. Ian Phillips, who lives in Farnham, is a chartered landscape architect and town planner with more than 25 years’ experience in urban and rural local government. His professional interests include green infrastructure, policy development, planning for trees and community engagement and he has spoken on these topics at national and international events. He serves on the Landscape Institute’s council and policy committee and is chairman of its appointments committee. He pursues a keen interest in trees as chairman of the Tree Advice Trust, as a contributor to relevant British Standards and as a member of the Trees and Design Action Group.
Mobile Network Antennae
If you have ever wondered where the electrons are (not) going as you stand in the garden with your mobile, you need wonder no more. Our new reference page (listed in the sidebar under the About Our Village heading) will tell you more than you could possibly want to know.
Local Interest Films
Devil’s Dyke – A Victorian Pastime and The Devil’s Dyke in October (Television South 1986). Poynings Village Hall, 8:00pm Friday 5th April/2:00pm Saturday 6th April, admission free.
Mike Airey
Pyecombe Spring Concert
An evening of chamber music on Friday 19th April, with a variety of songs performed by the Constanza Trio featuring John Walker, Jane Money, and friends from the Brighton Chamber Choir. Doors open at 7.00pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 each and include nibbles and a glass of wine. Tickets can be purchased from Orion News in Hassocks or from Andrew Munday on 01273 566276 or email avmunday [at] yahoo [dot] com. The concert is in support of the Pyecombe Church Extension Project.