Bognor Regis Herald Latest Round Up
19 January 2024: 39 Local Stories and 1 Feature
Main page: http://fairplay31.online/brh.html for local information, news sources, local arts and entertainment etc
Major shake up of Local Government in West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton proposed would create Mayor-led Combined Authority serving 1.7 million people
Councils like Arun, Chichester, Worthing, Adur, Horsham, Crawley would disappear
On 10th January, the three ‘upper-tier’ councils of West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove each signed an identical letter to the Government seeking to create a Mayor-led combined strategic authority in a bid to secure priority status in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
This was agreed on the deadline date for submissions. Indications seem to suggest this bid will be successful, and if so the whole face of local government in West Sussex as we have known it will change.
Grumbling is coming from the at-risk second-tier councils that they were not consulted, and there is no mention of the parish-level councils who would remain as to their relationship with the new structure. The Herald is the newspaper of One Bognor which seeks a single level Parish/Town Council to replace the existing 6 covering the 69,000 population urban area of Aldwick, Bersted, Bognor Regis, Felpham, Middleton-on-Sea and Pagham.
If this Combined Authority proceeds, it is likely the County Council elections for this May will be abandoned. The Herald will bring more updates on this radical situation as they arise.
See the papers and video of the 10th January Cabinet Meeting HERE.
The following is a statement issued by the County Council:
The following decision was taken by the Cabinet on Thursday, 9 January 2025. The following represents a summary of the Executive decision taken by the Cabinet. It is not intended to represent the formal record of the meeting. The formal minutes will be published in due course. The report considered and any interests declared are listed on the meeting webpage. Local Government Devolution and Reorganisation CAB08 (24/25) (Item №3) Following consideration of the report the Cabinet approved that the Leader writes, jointly with the leaders of East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council, to the Minister of State for Local Government and Devolution: 1. Confirming the County Council’s commitment to devolution and local government reorganisation as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme, based on a proposal for the devolution of powers to a new combined authority for Sussex covering the areas of the three upper tier authorities (West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove). 2. Confirming the County Council’s commitment to developing proposals for unitary councils across the area including West Sussex to be included in the proposed combined authority for Sussex. 3. Inviting the Government to postpone the County Council elections due in May 2025, for a year, to enable the proposals for local government reorganisation to be developed and to enable the early implementation of the proposed devolution arrangements. Due to the need for this matter to be determined as soon as possible the Cabinet has secured agreement from the County Council Chairman for this key decision to be taken without prior notice in the Forward Plan of key decisions (Part 4, Section 1, Standing Order 3.57) (Regulation 11) because delay would prejudice the County Council’s interests.
A Blast of Hot Air or Cold Comfort for the Proposed Boklok Development in Yapton Regarding Air Source Heat Pumps
Our local reporter investigates.
From Jan. 2025 all new builds are required by law to have Air
Source Heat Pumps installed, to fulfil Net Zero plans, to abolish
new Gas boilers by 2035. ASHPs have been advised as cost
effective and quiet, but does the hype match the reality, and
what is the Arun District Council approach, and that of
Government?
Regarding costs in usage, OVO energy recently supplied
details to their customers for present tariffs. For Gas per
Therm., it is approx. 6p, for Electricity, approx. 24p per kWh.
Approx. 4 times as much. ASHPs also need a 32A spur that
uses more energy, than for that of an ordinary household which
is 13A.
At the ADC Planning Committee Meeting on Nov 15 th 2023 to
discuss the proposed Boklok development for 170 new houses
in Yapton, a local resident raised concerns about accumulative
noise levels of ASHPs. Cllr. Billy Blanchard Cooper indicated
that this matter should be investigated further.
At a subsequent meeting to discuss the same application on
Dec. 10 th 2023, ASHPs were not included on the Agenda.
There is no evidence available, of any subsequent investigative
undertakings by ADC to assess the requirements for
compliance for heat pump installations anywhere in Arun.
Because the application for Y/52/23/PL was refused, Boklok
appealed against the decision. In result, a Government Review
was held on Dec 10 th 2024 at the Arun Council Offices in
Littlehampton. The effect of any non- compliant, accumulative
noise from ASHPs for terraced, semi- detached dwellings and
flats, was raised again by the same resident, at the Review.
The Inspector’s final decision on the application is awaited.
Because of significant interest and concern from residents
about ASHPs, our local reporter escalated this matter to
Government level by way of a report.
It was submitted to our local MP for Bognor Regis, Alison
Griffiths, on Aug 5 th 2024, who responded immediately, and
advised that she would forward the details to the Government
Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. After 2 requests
for a response from the department, one was received on
Nov.5th 2024. from DESNZ via Dr. Miatta Fahnbulleh MP and
passed on through Alison Griffiths MP to our reporter.
It contained a link to a previous Gov. review report from Nov.
2023 on Accoustic Noise Levels from ASHPs, which had
already been referenced in the concerns report to DESNZ. Ms.
Fahnbulleh’s response also contained a link to a review on
ASHPs by Apex Acoustics Ltd., which had been commissioned
by Nesta UK. (Innovation Agency for Social Good).
The report by the former was limited in scope, as apparently
based on a desktop and modelling review. It referred solely to
2, high density terraced streets in London. No confirming
information was supplied, as to whether any properties in either
street had an actual ASHP installation.
No test results were included for other property archetypes or
with reference to semi-suburban or rural areas, where the
ambient noise floor level is lower, and the noise from an ASHP
would be more noticeable.
From past property sales information on the internet, the
streets under review by Apex Acoustics Ltd., established that
one contained 34 terraced dwellings, the other 49. The current
required compliance level for one appliance is 42dB. The
accumulative acoustic outcomes cannot be disputed, by the
Laws of Physics, as follows: -
‘The accumulative effect of noise increases by 3dB for every
doubling of the number of sources. ((appliances)).
For a run of terraced houses, such details would need to be
factored into any calculations, and added to the 42dB figure,
irrespective of any other factors in review, to be compliant, ie., if
the appliances were above 42dB initially.
34 terraced properties accumulate noise levels of 15.3dB,
57.3dB. in total, including 42dB from a single appliance.
49 terraced properties accumulate noise levels of 17dB, 59dB
in total, including 42dB from a single appliance. In both
instances, showing noise above compliance levels in the
terraced street scene examples, as not indicative of ‘quiet’.
Such details of science and the Laws of Physics in respect of
accumulative levels, were not included in the Apex Acoustics
Ltd. report, or in response from Ms. Fahnbulleh, who stated in
part: -
‘The available evidence suggests that heat pumps are
generally quiet…………the findings of research suggests that
noise emissions from heat pumps were not reported as
noticeable sound by most participants in the focus of research,
and complaints are rare.’
As no heat pumps were established as being in the streets of
the ‘focus of research’ area, it could perhaps explain the lack of
‘noticeable sound’ and why ‘complaints are rare’. She also
added, ’The Government will keep its position on cumulative
noise under review to ensure that this does not become an
issue and reflects the latest best evidence’.
As scientific evidence submitted to Ms. Fahnbulleh was
allegedly dismissed, in favour of desktop surveys and
modelling, it is questioned as to how ‘best evidence’ is to be
achieved.
Our local reporter also contacted a second MP, Damian Hinds
(East Hants.), on the same subject, on Aug.8th 2024, who also
advised that he would pass on their same report details
immediately to DESNZ.
After promptings for a reply twice from DESNZ by Damian
Hinds MP., a reply was received to him on Dec.4th 2024 from
the Rt. Honourable Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for the
Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and passed on to
our reporter.
The response received, supplied the same link again, to the
previous Government report from Nov. 2023. Also stating in
apparent repetition response, to the details from Ms.
Fahnbulleh MP as follows: -
‘The available evidence suggests that heat pumps are
generally quiet and complaints are rare. The findings of the
research indicated that noise emissions from heat pumps were
not reported as a noticeable sound by participants in the areas
of focus for research’.
No mention was made in response with reference to the
scientific details ref. accumulative noise, as part the report sent
on to him. The response from both parties at DESNZ would
appear to be standard, rather than an answer to direct
concerns posed.
Very recently it was announced by Ed Miliband MP, that the
minimum Im. distance from a neighbouring property boundary
for ASHP installations, is to be abandoned. It is also rumoured
that the goal posts regarding the current minimum noise
compliance level may be abandoned too.
A recognised august scientific body, as source of review
regarding ASHP research, is the Institute of Acoustics. Some of
its members were approached by the Welsh Government
Energy Division, to prepare a report, ‘Air Source Heat Pump
Noise and Permitted Development Rights in Wales’. Contract
ref. ASHP-PDR 2022/23.
A final report was submitted by contributors Sustainable
Acoustics Ltd., and Apex Acoustics Ltd. in association, on Jan
5 th 2023, to The Welsh Government.
Those compiling the 60- page report were: -
Angela Lamacraft, Sustainable Acoustics Ltd. MSc IENG,
MIOA, Jack Harvie- Clark, Apex Acoustics Ltd.MA (Cantab)
MIOA, and Peter Rogers, Sustainable Acoustics Ltd. MSc BSc
(Hons) FIOA CEng MIOL FRSA. Link to their report ………….
https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2024-
01/ashp-noise-and-permitted-development-rights-in-wales-
phase-2-report.pdf
The significant report explored in great depth, all aspects
regarding ASHPs, and answered many questions through
evidenced research.
For example, the considerable variations in noise levels
between appliances from suppliers/manufacturers, which
appeared in some cases to be in excess of compliant levels for
a single appliance. Also referencing all archetypes of housing in
association and varying degrees of success in heat output from
appliances, and much more, as expected from a full analytical
professional report.
It is unexplained, why a more minor report executed by Apex
Acoustics Ltd. commissioned by Nesta, was referenced as
supporting documentation by DESNZ. As opposed to a fully
comprehensive major report by one of the same contributors,
and other members of the Institute of Acoustics instead.
It is the intention of our reporter to forward the link of the Welsh
Government Report on noise levels for ASHPs, to the local
MPs as previously contacted, to also forward to DESNZ as they
may wish, to assist the latter with their investigations
nationwide.
‘Skanska and Boklok announce a parting of the ways with their Littlehampton development’
‘It was announced on Jan 8th 2025, by Skanska (source MFN) -
’ Skanska has divested 73 of their Boklok homes in Littlehampton for about 23 million. The buyer (unspecified) is a global asset manager. The transaction will be recorded in Residential Development Europe for 2024.
It will be in 3 tranches. One in Dec 2024, the second in the first quarter of 2025 and the third, in the second quarter of 2025.
The divestment of town houses in Littlehampton on the South Coast of England means that the project consisting of a total 112 houses in 2 phases is now sold out.
The handover began in 2024 and will proceed gradually during the first half of 2025 until construction is completed’.
It now raises the question as to the outcome of the development for Yapton.
Hundreds of students combine for Worthing massed choir — Hastings & Rye
Mayor of Bognor Regis’ Weekly Briefing: ‘Warm Spaces’ are welcome in extremely cold weather
South Coast Alliance appeals for information as floods continue in Chichester and Bognor Regis
£1.3 million cash injection to turn part of former Chichester hospital into creative hub
FEATURES
Are you scam savvy? — Free webinars from the WSCC Digital Safety and Fraud Prevention team
Are you concerned about all the different types of fraud and online scams? To help you stay safe, join WSCC for a free, informative webinar on how to recognise and protect yourself from the most common scams.
More than ever before, we have been relying on technology to enable us to work, learn and connect with each other. Inevitably, criminals have exploited and used our increased digital lives to their advantage. This has resulted in a rise in scams including telephone, courier and romance fraud, which have all become an increased concern. Not only is there the financial impact on victims but the emotional impact can be even more significant.
To help raise awareness of these different types of scams, this online session will provide you with the knowledge on how to spot them, and what to do if you or your family become a victim of online fraud.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, register now on Eventbrite, by clicking on one of the dates below:
