Lib Dems Win Renewable Energy Vote!

July 18, 2018Key issues, Motions & Questions, Report back, UncategorizedRenewable Energytorgold

This week at Lewes District Council’s Full Council meeting I had another go at getting renewable energy higher up the planning agenda when it comes to building new homes. Last October I proposed that all new housing and commercial developments incorporated renewable energy. The proposal was lost by just one vote and so I have had wait 6 months in accordance with the rules of the council to put the motion again!

We won! Now the planning applicants (from the 1st Sept 2019) for housing & commercial development will have to work with the officers of the council to include a renewable energy scheme. Also the South Downs National Park are being encouraged to do the same.

Any form of renewable energy scheme can be proposed to provide all or some of the electrical power supply, heating and hot water. Of course new homes and businesses could power their building from an external renewable energy source but in practical terms there are 3 main systems (see diagram above) which are readily available:

Solar panels which could just provide electricity but also can be used to provide hot water and heating. photovoltaic (PV) cells used on solar panels can also be used in conjunction with power storage battery systems and for charging electric cars.
Air source heating which can be used for both hot water and heating.
Ground source heating which can be used for both hot water and heating. Often this is used for underfloor heating as well.

Continue reading Lib Dems Win Renewable Energy Vote! →

More ESCC cuts! – now it’s the music service

July 4, 2018ESCC, UncategorizedCuts, ESCCtorgold

The Liberal Democrats on East Sussex County Council are campaigning to save East Sussex Music Service. Sadly the Conservatives seem set on pushing this and other cuts through.

Let them know what you think… please signing the petition Click Here. The petition closes on the 20th July 2018. Please add your name. ALSO please give your comments on the consultation – it closes on 27 July 2018:

This consultation has a special Young Person’s consultation – Click Here

————

Opera star lead an Ouseday protest over proposed music service cuts:

Allan Clayton and his fellow ‘pirates’. Photograph by Willie Robb

Read more in the Sussex Express – Click Here

Lewes Neighbourhood Plan – submit your views by Mon 23rd July!

July 4, 2018UncategorizedLewes Town, Planning, SDNPAtorgold

The Lewes Town Plan has been sent to the South Downs National Park for approval. Once approved the plan will become a legal planning document and planning applicants should take it into account. The planning authority WILL have to take it into account when deciding on planning applications. Check it out and make your comments by Monday 23 July 2018:

Lewes Town Council have prepared a Neighbourhood Development Plan for Lewes. Further details of the neighbourhood plan preparation are available at the Lewes Neighbourhood Plan webpage.

Here is a link to the submitted document:

Lewes Neighbourhood Plan – June 2018

Comments on the Plan can be made by:

E-mail: neighbourhood@southdowns.gov.uk

By Post: Neighbourhood Planning, South Downs National Park Authority, South Downs Centre, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH

Lewes Old Racecourse planning issues

June 19, 2018Key issues, Report back, UncategorizedPlanning, SDNPA, South Downstorgold

Dear Residents,

On 14 June 2018 I attended the National Park Planning Committee meeting, over in Midhurst, and spoke on 5 planning applications concerning (Click here to see the agenda/reports) the land and buildings at the Old Racecourse, Lewes. I voiced my concern on all 5 applications. I asked the SDNPA Planning Committee to refuse them all.

This is an update from Lewes District Councillor Vic Ient for residents in Kingston Ward. It concerns planning matters in the parish of St Ann Without at the Old Racecourse. This blog may also be of interest to people who live in Lewes. 4 out of the 5 applications were refused but there is long way to go in resolving the un-authorised erection of fencing, see the report below from Lewes Eye. Footpath and bridleway rights of way issues weren’t discussed as ESCC are the responsible authority for Rights of Way.

Please also see (click to jump to these items):

Report from Lewes Eye

Parish Boundaries

The main area of the racecourse falls within my ward, – the parish of St Ann Without. The reason I spoke on these applications is because the planning and enforcement situation have become very confused as has the footpath and bridleway issues. I opposed all 5 applications and if you click on the link below you will see me say why. You will hear me speak on the 1st item. To hear the others please just pull forward the timeline at the bottom of the screen to see each item once you have seen the first item:

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Item 8: Application Nos: SDNP/18/00138/FUL
Proposal: Retention of crucifix (Approved)
Please click HERE and the recording should start at this item where I speak (at 00:43:27)

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Item 9: SDNP/17/00340/HOUS
Proposal: Proposed erection of 5 loose box stables (Refused)
See my submission at: 01:10:25

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Item 10: SDNP/17/05255/FUL
Proposal: Renewing existing and installing new fencing work with access gates
See my submission at: 01:36:30 (Refused)

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Item 11: Application Nos: SDNP/17/02082/FUL
Proposal: (Retrospective) Retention of temporary erection of electric fencing using chestnut stakes (Refused)
See my submission at: 02:09:30

—

Item 12: Application Nos: SDNP/16/06136/FUL
Proposal: Construction of manege, fenced surround and shallow earth bank (Refused)
See my submission at: 02:26:00

—

https://southdowns.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/326603/start_time/2607000

Planning Committee June 2018 – Thu, 14th Jun 2018 – 10:00 am – South Downs National Park Authority Webcasts

southdowns.public-i.tv

Chris Smith of the Open Spaces Society has given an excellent report on the current situation following the SDNPA meeting on Thurs 14th June in his Lewes Eye blog. He has kindly allowed me to publish this summary:

LEWES RACECOURSE NEWS

(picture- courtesy of Chris Smith “permission for this track and fencing, together with other fencing erected since the picture was taken has been refused”)

By Chris Smith: The South Downs National Park planning committee has turned down a load of planning applications at Lewes Racecourse including plans for loads of fencing and a cinder road, much of it already in place.

The National Park also turned down plans for a manege (a surfaced training rectangle for horses)

The only thing that they agreed to was the retention of a crucifix that has been put up near the main track up to the racecourse.

Vic lent, the district council member for the area and Robert Cheesman of the Friends of Lewes spoke strongly against the applications being granted. The Open Spaces Society, the South Downs Society and many others submitted written objections.

But do not get too excited. Speakers for the applicants were able to allege that some or all of the application was existing fencing that had been authorised in the 1980s and 1990s and officers were unable to contradict them because they had not brought the relevant information with them. Expect new applications for fencing that is alleged to be “existing” and legally erected. If you can remember the area in the 1980s and 1990s and can say where the fences were, please get in touch. At contact@leweseye.co.uk

But there is no reason why the road shown in the picture should not now be taken up.

You can see which applications were discussed here and by copying and pasting the application numbers and pasting them into the search box here. You can see the web cast of the meeting here

Chris Smith for the Lewes Eye

PARISH BOUNDARIES

In most planning applications and enforcement cases, connected with the Old Racecourse, we have seen recently the land ownership is spread across 3 parishes, Hamsey, Lewes (Lewes Town Council) and St Ann Without. I believe that the local authority should consult all 3 parishes. This has not been the case to my knowledge. Hopefully in future planning applications the National Park and Lewes District council will ensure they notify all 3 parishes of future planning applications.

Lewes ‘losing out’ under new rail timetable

May 21, 2018public transport, Rail, UncategorizedSouthern Railwaytorgold

Today I was interviewed by BBC Radio Sussex where I commented on the rail timetable changes. I said that GTR had not paid attention to the detail of which services would be affected in the Lewes area in their efforts to produce more trains on the Brighton mainline. Stations like Plumpton, Lewes and Berwick are suffering with less train services than before. You can listen to my broadcast by clicking below:

Cllr Vic Ient being interviews on BBC Radio Sussex

Lewes loses out under new rail timetable, say local Lib Dems

The new Southern Rail timetable which comes into force on 20 May sees extra trains, new carriages, new connections and other welcome improvements to train services for commuters. The good news seems to be spread right across the country – except in Lewes, which loses out under the new timetable.

Vic Ient, Lib Dem District Councillor and transport spokesperson said: “It seems the rail network is to see big improvements all over the place except for rail travellers in the Lewes constituency. Here, far from improvements, we are going backwards.

“The shortened journey times from Lewes to London, down to 61 minutes in the off-peak, which Norman Baker secured, have been reversed, with journeys now lengthened to 70 minutes. And the Ashford service, which Southern have long wanted to cut but which Norman fought successfully to keep, has been chopped, now he is no longer there to stop them.

Sarah Osborne, Lib Dem Group Leader on the District Council said:

“It is clear that the Tories, including our Councillors and MP Maria Caulfield have been asleep on the job. While in other areas, local representatives have been successfully fighting for their patch, here they have let this series of cuts go through. This is another sign of how the Conservatives are not listening to the needs of the people of Lewes.”

From 20 May the town suffers the following:

* The ending of through services to Ashford International

* The halving of trains to and from London Bridge

* Lengthened journey times

* Connections between Glynde and Berwick severely cut

* Reduced weekday services to other neighbouring villages including Plumpton

* No end to the splitting of trains at Haywards Heath, although splitting has been much reduced elsewhere

Also see this article in Sussex Express 18th May 2018:

Report Back – by Cllr Sarah Osborne Spring 2018

April 29, 2018Key issues, Report back, UncategorizedESCCtorgold

Report Back by County Councillor Sarah Osborne

For residents in Ouse Valley West and Downs county division: (North: – Ditchling; Plumpton; Streat; Westmeston; South: – Falmer; St Ann Without; Iford; Kingston; Rodmell; Southease; Piddinghoe and Newhaven

County Report:

Sadly the news from County is grim. The Conservative administration put up council tax by almost 6% and there will be cuts of over £17m this year and even bigger cuts in the following 2 years at least. The Chief Executive (Becky Shaw) summed up the challenges: “The reductions being put forward for 2018/19 and beyond will increase the longer- term demand and costs facing the East Sussex public sector. They are, therefore, not those Chief Officers would choose to make; If there are no new resources from Government, by 2021/22 the Council will be left with a minimum service offer”

This means that central services will be reduced to a democratic core with minimum support for departments and more self-service. County will not be able to fund early intervention or prevention services in Adult and Children’s Social Care or support schools to improve attainment. Also, management in highways will be towards more reactive maintenance, leading to long-term deterioration of condition.

My grave concerns

I am really worried about the proposed major cuts to community-based support services, refuges for those experiencing domestic abuse and to the Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme, which supports the very poorest residents. I fear the enormous cuts will not only increase the suffering of those residents in our area that need our help most but will result in a false economy as many people will instead need help from other higher cost services (such as the health and adult social care and children’s services sectors) These vital community support services currently enable people to continue to live independently and without them many will not be able to manage.

Examples of cuts already decided or being consulted on presently or in the near future:

Library Closures: ESCC are to close 7 libraries
Cuts in funding for The Stroke Association.
Cuts in Day Centres: We are awaiting decisions on cutting or closing 4 day centres for the elderly and disabled including The Phoenix Centre in Lewes.
Cuts to support services for carers.
Cuts in funding for the Home Works service by 50%: Home Works is a crisis support service for people and families in East Sussex, aged 16 to 64, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Cuts in funding for STEPS: This service plays a key role reducing demand support with many of our customers continuing to live independently despite significant health problems rather than requiring care.
Cuts of 70% proposed for the Discretionary East Sussex Support Scheme (DESSS): The main cause of homelessness is the termination of private tenancies with most people becoming homeless through no fault of their own. A large number of those who become homeless do not have the savings required to meet the demands for rent in advance and deposits and are completely reliant on the loan schemes supported by the DESSS.
Cuts to East Sussex Music Service, which will close the music instrumental service by 2019. If you are concerned about the cuts to the music service please CLICK HERE to sign the petition my group support.

Other matters

Given that the Centre for Public Scrutiny considers it ‘best practice’ for Scrutiny Committees to be Chaired by members of the opposition I proposed a motion to Council that ESCC should follow the advice. Unfortunately, even though the Conservatives have a large majority and Scrutiny recommendations are only advisory, they still voted it down.

In my role on The Health Overview Scrutiny Committee, I have raised the difficulties we are experiencing locally in retaining and recruiting staff in the health and care sectors because of Brexit.

I have continued to raise and successfully resolve problems for residents faced with problems with Adult Social Care, got the restoration of school bus transport for several families and lost count of the number of highways problems I have reported!

Regards

Sarah Osborne

Email: sarahosborne2000@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.osborne.9406

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjo400

Report Back & Discussion on Local Issues evening

April 24, 2018Key issues, Report back, Uncategorizedtorgold

Dear Residents, April 2018

For Residents in Kingston Ward (Falmer, St Ann Without, Kingston, Swanborough, Iford, Northease, Rodmell, Southease, Piddinghoe)

Join Councillors Sarah Osborne & Vic Ient for a Report Back & Discussion on Local Issues on:

Friday, 4 May between 6 and 8pm, Kingston Parish Hall, The Street, Kingston

We will both take the opportunity to report back to you on the past year, however, the focus will mainly be on current issues in the ward, at the Lewes Racecourse and generally in the district but you can raise any subject. Here is a list of subjects we hope to cover:

Publication of the South Downs National Park Local Plan – see notes below.
Consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) closes on 10th May
Iford farm estate plan – recently approved by the National Park
Lewes Racecourse planning applications and enforcement matters
Shooting on the Downs – progress on the Lawful Development Certificate application
New Transport Vision for the Sussex Coast by SCATE
Government plans for the A27
C7 Road safety and the effect of increased traffic caused by developments in Newhaven and Peacehaven etc
Highways repairs and safety projects
Bus services and tourism
Rail services and the campaign to restore the Lewes to Uckfield railway line
Footpath, bridleways and multi-user paths developments associated with the Holiday Lodge development
Bridleway and footpath issues
Cycling and walking investment proposals to be considered by ESCC
Waste, Recycling & Litter and the campaign for a plastic-free Lewes District
Air Pollution
ESCC Cuts
Funding of local projects including applying for funding via the Community Infrastructure Levy grants

Sarah and I are looking forward to discussing these and other issues concerning the ward with you. I’m hoping I can help you campaign on some of the issues which are of concern to you and also to use my influence as your councillor to represent you on these and other issues.

Notes (item 1):
It is anticipated that the South Downs National Park will have published the final version of their plan and submitted it to the Government for approval by the end of April 2018. The Government will then appoint an inspector who will hold a hearing/s to review the plan. Following this, the inspector will make a recommendation to the government. From what I hear the whole process is likely to be over by September 2018.

We look forward to seeing you.

PS: If you’d like to catch up with all my news please follow my website, Facebook or Twitter:

https://sussexcampaign.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CllrVicIentLibDem/ https://twitter.com/victor_ient

For all my past news and updates, click here: b log news.

Regards

Vic Ient
Lewes District Councillor – [Kingston Ward: Falmer – St Ann Without – Kingston – Swanborough – Iford – Northease – Rodmell – Southease – Piddinghoe]
T: 07788720929 E: vic.ient.libdem@gmail.com W: https://sussexcampaign.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CllrVicIentLibDem/ https://twitter.com/victor_ient Google: SussexCampaign

Brexit would have been REMAIN if 16-17 year olds had the vote

April 4, 201816+ age group, UncategorizedEUtorgold

EU referendum: the UK result would have been REMAIN had the vote been allowed for 16 and 17-year-olds. These young people are now, in 2018, eligible to vote. Since this business started with a referendum it should end with a referendum where people decide on whether they like what the Conservatives have negotiated. That vote should include 16 to 17-year-olds! For more information on what the Lib Dems policy, see: https://www.libdems.org.uk/europe

According to the BBC the final figures were 16.1 million people voting in favour of staying in the EU. I think these people need representing as well as the 17.4 million. I hope you would agree. I campaigned for the 16 to 17-year-olds to get a vote in Brexit referendum. They should have been allowed to vote as it’s their future even more so than the older people who seem to have mostly voted to come out. In 2016 there were 1.46 million 16 to 17-year-olds and if they had voted in accordance with the opinion polls at the time we would not be coming out of the EU. The majority for coming out of the EU was about 1.27 million.

Thankfully we still live in a democracy and I believe it’s the right of myself and organisations like the Liberal Democrats to put forward proposals and suggestions, and indeed campaign on these matters. Would you rather we and the 16.1 million are silent? We have seen what happens when democracy is suppressed in places like Russia, Turkey, Syria and Zimbabwe to name just a few.

In most organisations, including all FTSE 100 companies, require a two thirds or three-quarter majority to change the constitution/articles of association. Why should that have not been the case with regard to such an important decision as our trading arrangements with 27 other countries? The decision by the Conservatives to operate on a simple majority could have meant we would be coming out of the EU if there was just one vote difference! Ridiculous!

The amount of misinformation promulgated before the Brexit vote was shameful including the promise by politicians such as Boris Johnson (now Foreign Secretary!) that £350 million a week would go to the NHS if we come out of the EU!

More road spending proposals by UK government!

March 13, 2018Uncategorizedtorgold

Only a few days left to have your say on the government’s plans for a major road network. The consultation closes on Monday 19th at 11.45pm. Respond to the consultation online at: https://www.gov.uk/dft#consultations
or by email to: MRNconsultation@dft.gsi.gov.uk

The government says that £1 billion will be available! They say it will: reduce congestion + help build more houses + support cyclists, pedestrians & disabled people. I’m puzzled as to how they think building motorway style roads will help cyclists pedestrians and disabled people! Also, the proposals say nothing about road/rail integration or bus services.

In Sussex, the proposal is to include the whole of the A26 in the trunk road network and also include the A22 . There are also proposals affection Brighton and Hove City Council area. Nothing is said about the A259 on the coast from Newhaven to Brighton via Peacehaven where there is very serious congestion!

I really can’t see why spending money on the A26 north of Lewes will actually help. There is already far too much traffic funnelling down through Malling Steet, Lewes and there is major congestion getting through the Cuilfail Tunnel. I can’t imagine that the government are proposing to build another tunnel to relieve the traffic in our existing one! What is needed is a rail link from Uckfield to Lewes which will relieve the traffic on the existing A26 and help people travel to and get to jobs in Eastbourne Lewes and Brighton. In the other direction, it will help people travel to London without relying on the only rail link north to London via Hayward’s Heath and Gatwick. The BML is a high-risk strategy and the government are doing nothing to solve the problem!

Click here to see the full consultation document

Click here to see what ESCC have said

Click here to see what WSCC have said

Residential waste and recycling collection in Lewes District

March 8, 2018Report back, Uncategorized, WastePlastic Waste, Recycling, Wastetorgold

Cllr Vic Ient with one of the new 240 L recycling bins

New Recycling Scheme Update

The roll-out of the new recycling scheme is well underway. The coastal towns of Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven etc have all received a new recycling bin and are benefiting from the much-expanded recycling service. For more details of the service CLICK HERE

The Lewes District Council scheme is separate to the East Sussex County Council recycling centres where you take your recycling and rubbish including such things as electrical goods, old fridges and bikes as well as garden waste. For more information on the county services and their proposed changes click here

Current status of the programme for roll-out of the full co-mingling service:

the new service is currently being rolled out in my council ward – Kingston Ward (Piddinghoe up to Kingston). See my recent post: click here
The next area will be Lewes which should roll-out in April.
All other areas will follow and be completed by July.

Some people have commented they don’t like the blue lids. I agree but I am pleased the new service is coming into operation. It has taken me over two years of badgering to get the Conservatives to implement a recycling scheme which will help us reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to the incinerator and help lift us off the bottom of the council league tables for recycling. When I joined the council we were down at 24% whereas other councils around the country were achieving around 50%. We are now steadily climbing the league tables and I’m sure we will well exceed the 30% which is where we are at the moment within the next few months!

What can you recycle?

Here is a summary from the LDC leaflet:

If you can’t take the 240 L bin you can ask the council to give you a smaller bin – 140 L. If you have any queries or need assistance telephone 01273471 600 and press option 4 and then option 1.

Residents who can’t manage a wheelie bin can continue to use their existing containers (a combination of black boxes and bags) for recycling. If residents are using their existing recycling boxes and bags the advantages are that they can mix up what they’re putting in those containers after the roll-out has been carried out in their area.

So, what about the rest of the rubbish? In summary, there are two scenarios:

Those residents who can’t take a wheelie bin:

Recycling – residents can continue to use their existing recycling bags and boxes for the full ‘co-mingling’ recycling service.
Residents can use any receptacle for their ordinary waste but there may be an opportunity for the whole street to get a free bag (green) for their ordinary waste. This would only be issued where households cannot take any type of bin and where there is high gull/vermin activity. This has the advantage that it will be very difficult for vermin and gulls to break open the bag. This should keep the streets a lot cleaner in places where there are terraced houses and flats.
Food waste – residents can continue to use their existing food waste bins. This service does not change.

Those residents who can take a wheelie bin:

Recycling – residents can get a free 240 or 140 L wheelie bin (blue lidded).
Ordinary waste – residents can continue to use their existing receptacle or buy a 140 or 240 L ordinary waste bin for £20 or £30 (see below).
Food waste – residents can continue to use their existing food waste bins. This service does not change.

Ordinary refuse bins

Smaller 140 litre bins are suitable for households with 1-4 people. They cost £20 including VAT and delivery.
Larger 240 litre bins are suitable for households with 5 or more people. They cost £30 including VAT and delivery.

‘Bring sites’

In coordination with the roll-out of the full co-mingling service ‘bring’ sites are being upgraded. This has already happened in some of the coastal towns.
‘Bring’ sites are also being upgraded with a large bin to take tetra packs and coffee cups – see the example picture below.
The number of ‘bring’ sites will be reviewed as part of the current review and roll-out programme.

Campaigning to protect our environment!

News and information about the environment around us, – information, updates and challenges