Planning Gain and its implications for the Parish

Over recent months, Horsham District Council has begun to levy a charge (Planning Gain) on individual new houses built in the parish. This has been standard practice on larger developments for many years.

West Chiltington has very few potential sites for large-scale development, but is susceptible to small-scale infilling. Without the recent change in policy, the Parish would have a steady stream of new houses, without the benefit of the Planning Gain that would have been achieved, it they had been built on a single site.

Planning Gain is available for use within the Parish, on capital projects benefiting a large proportion of the village. It cannot be used for revenue items, that is day to day running expenses, and minor repairs or replacements, or by clubs/societies with relatively small or narrow membership.

It is the responsibility of the Parish Council, as your elected representatives, to advise the District Council on how the money should be spent.

Planning Gain was discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting on 13^th April 2004, and it will be discussed again at the Parish Council meeting on 11^th May 2004.

Residents are urged to contact the Clerk to the Council (Peter Evans 817 301) with any suggestions as to how the funds should be appropriately allocated. It is hoped that on 11^th May, a first allocation may be made. You are of course welcome to attend the meeting, as with any other Parish Council meeting.

James Mursell

Chairman West Chiltington Parish Council

(815 044)