Consultations

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council is consulting on extending the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), in Burgess Hill, West Sussex to tackle the anti-social use of vehicle activity, also known as car cruising.

Mid Sussex District Council is also consulting on including two additional areas within the designated PSPO area.

Public Spaces Protection Orders are made under Section 59-75 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

The consultation and draft Order, including the areas proposed under the Order can be found here.

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council is consulting on its new Equality and Diversity Scheme 2020 – 2024.  The Scheme sets out how the Council meets its duties under the Equality Act and includes:

• The Council’s Equality Objectives and examples of some of the actions that we intend to take to support their achievement.
• An assessment of the issues faced by each of the protected groups in Mid Sussex and examples of the measures that the Council is taking to meet their needs.  Similar information is provided in respect of residential location; income or skill level; and the Armed Forces community.
• A section focusing on the Council’s Equality and Diversity responsibilities as an employer.

To provide your comments on the proposed scheme please email  neal.barton@midsussex.gov.uk by 18^th March.

The final version scheme is due to be considered at Council on 1^st April 2020.

Policy document

Proposed Mid Sussex District Equality and Diversity Scheme 2020- 24

Consultation Details

Comment on this consultation

About this Consultation

Notice is given that Mid Sussex District Council (the Council) in exercising their power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Sections 59-74) propose to extend PSPOs.

Up until 2017, the Council operated dog control matters under Dog Control Orders (DCO). From 17 October 2017, the Council introduced PSPOs to replace the DCOs. These PSPOs are due to expire on 16 October 2020. The Council is seeking to extend these PSPOs for another 3-year period.

Site designations for each of the PSPOS can be seen in Schedule 1 – Dog Fouling, Schedule 2 – Dog Exclusion, Schedule 3 – Dogs on lead by direction, Schedule 4 – Maximum number of dogs.

The Consultation

As part of the extension of the PSPOs the Council is seeking its residents’ views and wishes to hear from people from within the District, and those who visit it, on the proposed extension of the PSPOs.

The PSPOs will cover:

Fouling of Land by Dogs

This PSPO requires people having charge and control of dogs to remove faeces. This PSPO applies to any land which is open to the air and to which the public have access.

Sites owned by the Council which are covered can be found at Schedule 1.

Dogs Exclusion

This PSPO excludes dogs from:

• Enclosed children’s play areas,
• Any other fenced reactional areas such as: tennis courts, bowling greens, skate parks and multi-activity areas owned by the Council

Sites owned by the Council which are covered can be seen in Schedule 2.

Dogs on Leads by Direction

This PSPO requires people having charge and control of dogs to put their dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. This applies to land owned by the Council on which formal sports or community events regularly take place. This also applies to all designated nature reserves where a dog is considered to be out of control or causing alarm and distress

Sites owned by the Council which are covered can be seen in Schedule 3.

Dogs (Specified Maximum)

This PSPO specifies a maximum number of dogs that can be taken onto land by one person. This maximum number is 6.

This PSPO applies to some Council owned nature reserves, adjoining land and several larger recreation grounds.

A full list of sites owned by the Council which are covered can be found at Schedule 4.

If any of the conditions of the PSPOs are breached a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 can be issued. Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and being liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1000). The Orders will have effect for three years (less 1 day) from the date they are made.

In extending these PSPOs, the Council seeks to promote responsible dog ownership and believes that the extension of these PSPOs will address the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners which has a detrimental effect on the quality of life for the residents of Mid Sussex.

The Council receives a number of complaints each year related to dog issues and the extension of these PSPOs seek to ensure that everyone using public open spaces can enjoy the facilities on offer safely, including dog owners.

For more information on the proposed PSPOs and the online consultation please see Consultation documents section below.

Consultation documents

• Dog exclusion
  • Map - Dog exclusion
• Dog fouling
  • Map - Dog fouling - Burgess Hill
  • Map - Dog fouling - East Grinstead
  • Map - Dog fouling - Haywards Heath
  • Map - Dog fouling - All Rural Parishes
• Dogs on lead by direction
  • Map - Dogs on lead by direction
• Dogs specified maximum amount
  • Map - Dogs specified maximum amount

Hard copies of the documents may be inspected throughout the consultation period at the following address:

Mid Sussex District Council
Oaklands
Oaklands Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1SS

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council propose to amend our existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy to reflect the recent Statutory Guidance by the Department for Transport. The new standards provide Council’s with a framework to embed further safety standards to protect the public.

Detailed summary of changes

A summary of the changes are as follows:

1. Duration of Licences – There have been representations from older drivers (over 65) regarding 3 year licences. They have enquired about the possibility of being allowed to apply for a yearly licence. From age 65 drivers must have a yearly medical to remain licensed and some drivers feel that they may only want to continue for a further 1 or 2 years at that age.
   
   
2. Changes in Licensing Policy - Any changes in licensing requirements for drivers will be followed by a review of the licences already issued.
   
   
3. Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Update Service – All drivers and Private Hire Operators will subscribe to the DBS Automatic Update Service and provide evidence of this subscription. DBS checks will be undertaken by the Licensing Team every 6 months on all drivers and Operators
   
   
4. Common Law Police Disclosure/Referrals to the Police/DBS – The Licensing Authority will maintain close links with the police to ensure effective and efficient information sharing procedures. Any decision to refuse or revoke a licence as the individual is thought to present a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult will be referred to the Police and DBS.
   
   
5. Licensee Self Reporting - Licence holders should be required to notify the issuing authority within 48 hours of an arrest and release, charge or conviction of any sexual offence, any offence involving dishonesty or violence and any motoring offence. An arrest for any of the offences within this scope should result in a review by the issuing authority as to whether the licence holder is fit to continue to do so. Importantly, a failure by a licence holder to disclose an arrest that the issuing authority is subsequently advised of might be seen as behaviour that questions honesty and therefore the suitability of the licence holder regardless of the outcome of the initial allegation.
   
   
6. Licensee Self Reporting - Applicants and licensees will be required to to disclose if they have had an application for a licence refused, or a licence revoked or suspended by any other licensing authority.
   
   
7. Complaints Against Licensees – Currently, it is more likely that a complaint against a taxi driver would be made directly to the licensing authority whereas a complaint against a private hire vehicle driver is more likely to be made to the operator. Operators will be required to advise the authority when any driver is subject to complaints regarding safeguarding, dishonesty, abusing customers or more than one complaint which does not fall into these categories in any 12 months.
   
   
8. Overseas Applicants - the Authority will seek criminal records information from overseas when an applicant has previously lived outside the UK for any period of more than three continuous months since the age of 18.
   
   
9. Fit and Proper test – The Authority will formerly adopt the guidance relating to the ‘Fit and Proper’ test that will be used in all decision making.
   
   
10. Safeguarding Awareness Training - Introduction of Mandatory Safeguarding awareness training. The training will also address County Lines issues. If a driver fails to complete it within a fixed time period, then their licence will be suspended until the safeguarding training is completed.
    
    
11. Criminality Checks on Vehicle Proprietors - It is important that licensing authorities are assured that those granted a vehicle licence also pose no threat to the public and have no links to serious criminal activity. The Authority will require a basic disclosure from the DBS and that a check is undertaken annually. An individual may apply directly for a basic check and the certificate will disclose any unspent convictions recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC).
    
    
12. In-vehicle visual and audio recording – CCTV - All licensing authorities should consult to identify if there are local circumstances which indicate that the installation of CCTV in vehicles would have either a positive or an adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users, including children or vulnerable adults, and taking into account potential privacy issues. The mandating of CCTV in vehicles may deter people from seeking a taxi or private hire vehicle licence with the intent of causing harm. It will also provide protection for drivers from customers who may wish to harm them. The Consultation will seek views on vehicles will be required to have a Council approved CCTV system installed by October 2022.
    
    
13. Stretched Limousines – The licensing of stretched limousines will be included in the Policy.
    
    
14. Criminality checks for Private Hire Vehicle Operators – Operators who do not already supply an enhanced DBS certificate to the Council will be required to supply an annual basic disclosure annually. This check will also apply to all named directors of the company
    
    Booking and Dispatch Staff – The Authority will, as a condition of granting an operator licence, require a register of all staff that will take bookings or dispatch vehicles is kept by the Operator. Operators will be required to evidence that they have had sight of a Basic DBS check on all individuals listed on their register of booking and dispatch staff and to ensure that Basic DBS checks are conducted on any individuals added to the register. Operators or applicants for a licence will be required to provide their policy on employing ex-offenders in roles that would be on the register as above.
    
    
15. Operator records – The licence conditions will be amended to ensure that more detailed information is taken in respect of each booking. This information will enable the passenger to be traced if this becomes necessary and should improve driver security and facilitate enforcement.
    
    
16. Use of PCV licensed Drivers – The use of a driver who holds a PCV licence and the use of a public service vehicle (PSV) such as a minibus to undertake a private hire vehicle booking will not be permitted as a condition of the private hire vehicle operator’s licence without the informed consent of the booker.
    
    
17. Assessment of Previous Conditions – Inclusion of exploitation and discrimination offences within the convictions policy.
    
    
18. Intended Use policy for Hackney Vehicles - Mid Sussex has a cap on the number of hackney carriage vehicles that will be licensed, this is set at 154. If vehicles are working remotely away from the District it reduces the availability of vehicles to the residents of Mid Sussex. There are also issues regarding ensuring the driver and vehicle compliance when they are away from the licensing district.
    
    
19. Write Offs - The Authority will not license any vehicle which has previously been recorded as a write off. Potentially some write off vehicles can be repaired and returned to the road however it is difficult to ensure that any repairs have been completed to a professional standard.
    
    
20. Vaping – The current condition will be amended to confirm that drivers or passengers cannot vape in licensed vehicles.
    
    
21. Card Payments - A condition will be added to the vehicle licence that when credit cards are accepted by a driver they cannot set a minimum card payment amount.
    
    
22. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Licences - A condition will be added to WAV licences that the vehicle must always carry the appropriate equipment to transport wheelchair passengers otherwise the vehicle licence will be suspended immediately.
    
    
23. Private Hire Door Signs – On 1st October 2022 Hackney vehicles will have to display door signs with the Mid Sussex Logo and licence number. To apply the same requirement for Private Hire vehicles. This will provide consistency across the fleet of vehicles, it would provide extra visibility and reassurance to the travelling public that they are getting into a locally licensed vehicle.
    
    
24. Licensed Vehicle Emissions – To consult on requiring all diesel and petrol licensed vehicles to be Euro 6 standard from 1st October 2022. Vehicles which do not comply with this standard will not be licensed.
    
    
25. Mandatory Disability Awareness Training – This will be introduced. If a driver fails to complete the training within a fixed time period, then the licence will be suspended until this training is completed.
    
    
26. Vehicle Damage Reporting – To include the requirement of the vehicle proprietor and driver if different to report to the Licensing Team within 72 hours any accident to the vehicle causing damage materially affecting the safety, performance or appearance of the vehicle or the comfort or convenience of persons carried therein.

The public consultation phase is open until the 18th November 2020. Any comments on these amendments should be received by the Licensing Team in writing no later than 18th November 2020. 

All responses will be acknowledged but may not receive an individual reply.

It is anticipated that the final draft, taking into account amendments from the consultation, will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for Community, Housing and Planning for their approval before final approval by Full Council.

Consultation Details

The Council has prepared a draft Town Centre Masterplan for Haywards Heath. The Masterplan sets a vision for the future of Haywards Heath seeking to strengthen the position of the town by encouraging economic growth and attracting people to live, work and visit.

It includes:

• Transport Improvements including measures to improve sustainable travel
• Public realm improvements
• Opportunity Sites for regeneration and renewal

Once approved, the Masterplan will be a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will be used to help make decisions on planning applications. It will also assist those looking to invest in the area and inform infrastructure planning.

The draft Haywards Heath Town Centre Masterplan is now subject to a 6-week consultation, closing Monday 21st December at 5pm.

Consultation Details

Consultation details

Mid Sussex District Council is consulting on CCTV measures at East Court and Mount Noddy in East Grinstead to address anti-social behaviour activities.

The consultation, including the proposed location of cameras if adopted can be found below:

Proposed location of new CCTV cameras:-

• East Court
• Mount Noddy

Mid Sussex District Council, in partnership with Sussex Police and East Grinstead Town Council is consulting on the installation of CCTV cameras in both locations. The cameras if installed, will be monitored by Sussex Police and will play a vital role in helping to prevent crime and disorder, reducing the fear of crime and increasing public safety for both residents and visitors.

The Council takes full account of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of Practice and will follow the guiding principles of these. The basis of these are:  

1. Must be consistent with a legitimate aim and a pressing need
2. Must take into account their effect on individuals and their privacy
3. There must be as much transparency as possible
4. There must be clear responsibility and accountability
5. There must be appropriate security measures in place
6. Access to images should be restricted to nominated staff

Consultation Details

Support for renters at risk of homelessness and advice for landlords stepped up

Mid Sussex District Council is offering proactive support for tenants who may be at risk of losing their home due to the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a rise in unemployment and has placed many people in privately rented housing under significant financial pressure. With the Government’s ban on evictions coming to an end on 31 May and the Furlough Scheme due to expire in September, there is real concern that the next few months will see a large increase in the number of people at risk of losing their homes.

Mid Sussex District Council is taking a proactive approach to help those affected remain in their homes, which includes offering a range of advice and support to keep those at risk in settled tenancies whenever possible.

Local Councils in West Sussex have worked together to create a new survey for private landlords and letting agents to gather further insight into how the Covid-19 has affected their tenants.

Commenting on the survey, Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said: 

As the various Covid-19 support schemes begin to wind down, the Council is anticipating a significant increasein the number of people who need support and advice from our housing team. We’re taking this action now to ensure we’re in the best possible position to helpanyonewho’s at risk of becoming homeless. 

“We’re encouraging all landlords and letting agents to complete our survey, so we can support both tenants and landlords through this difficult period. The survey willenableus to establish a detailed picture of the situation locally, helping us to understand which tenants are in difficulty and where our support is most needed.

“Landlords can complete the form online athttps://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=162099449179. It only take a few minutes to fill out but it will make a huge difference by helping us to identifyprivatetenants who are having trouble andwhoare at risk of losing their homes.”

There are a number of options available to not only support tenants but also landlords in maximising income, minimising void rent periods and giving tailored support to maintain tenancies. 

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council is undertaking a 12-week engagement process to assist with an understanding of what the future of the site could look like.

This initial engagement programme comes at the start of the wider consultation process about what the future of the site could look like. Importantly - there has not been any decision made about its future - and there are not any preconceived ideas about what should happen.

The Council will listen to ideas, thoughts and feedback - and then report back and consult on what has been said about the building and the car park. There is a commitment to work alongside the community and to make sure that all voices are heard.

As a starting point, it would be great to know:

• How has Clair Hall and the wider site been used in the past?

Look under the Ideas section on the Engagement Hub where you can share with us your thoughts on:

• What sorts of uses are needed in the future?
• Should the existing building be redeveloped or refurbished?
• Are there any services that are lacking in Haywards Heath that we could help address through the Clair Hall site?
• What do you like about the site and what could be improved?

The main Clair Hall building is currently being used as a COVID-19 vaccination centre and this will continue until at least next year (2022). This engagement and consultation does not impact the vaccination programme on the site - this programme is about the future after the NHS has said they no longer need to use it.

Please see the Clair Hall Engagement Hub for full details

Consultation Details

Following hearing sessions held in June 2021 and the completion of Action Points, the Inspector has provided suggested modifications to the Council’s Site Allocations Development Plan Document (Sites DPD), which will now be subject to consultation.

The consultation is only about the proposed Main Modifications (and no other aspect of the plan) and are put forward without prejudice to the Inspector’s final conclusions. All representations made will be taken into account by the Inspector.

Once the consultation has closed, responses will be collated and sent to the Inspector to inform his final report. Should the Inspector conclude that the Sites DPD meets legal and soundness requirements, it will be considered by the Council for adoption in Spring 2022.

How to Respond

Online: eForm (a hard copy Word version is available here)

By Email: policyconsultation@midsussex.gov.uk

By Post: Planning Policy – Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands, Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1SS

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council is currently reviewing our Gambling Act 2005 Policy (Statement of Licensing Principles - Gambling Act 2005).

The consultation phase is open until the 10th November 2022.

The draft Policy may also be accessed via the Mid Sussex District Council website or in local libraries and Council Help-Points.

Any comments on the Policy should be received by the Licensing Team no later than 10th November 2022.

Your comments about the revised policy can be provided by post to:

Licensing Team
Mid Sussex District Council
Oaklands Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1SS

Or by e mail to: licensing@midsussex.gov.uk

All responses will be acknowledged but will not receive an individual reply.

Consultation Details

Mid Sussex District Council has published the draft District Plan 2021-2039 for public consultation.

The District Plan 2021-2039 sets out the vision, strategy and policy framework for the district for the period to 2039. It is based on four principles:

• Protection of designated landscapes (such as AONB)
• Making effective use of land
• Growth at existing sustainable settlements where it continues to be sustainable to do so
• Opportunities for extensions to improve sustainability of existing settlements which are currently less sustainable

The consultation draft District Plan 2021-2039 includes:

• Allocation of land for three new Sustainable Communities, each delivering over 1,000+ new homes and on-site infrastructure to support growth, such as primary and secondary education, health facilities, community centres, retail, employment and open space.
• 21 housing allocations
• Updated and new planning policies including for climate change, sustainable design and construction, biodiversity, and electric vehicles.

The consultation is open from Monday 7^th November until 23:59 on Monday 19^th December 2022 and we would like to hear your views.