REX’S NOTES MAY 2025 Local Council Updates
PLANNING
The Government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill is proceeding at pace through the parliamentary committee stages and is expected to receive Royal Assent by the summer. This new legislation is a central plank in the Government’s drive for growth – and aims to simplify and speed-up the planning process. It devolves power to council officers to make delegated decisions – rather than having to progress through the Council Planning Committee route.
GATWICK AIRPORT
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander MP) has published the Independent Inspector’s report for Gatwick second runway Development Consent Order (DCO) planning application.
Despite the Inspector not agreeing to the consent, the ministerial decision is to be
‘minded to approve’ the DCO subject to certain conditions being cleared by October 2025. This involves further work being undertaken to satisfy noise, environmental
and infrastructure concerns raised during the year-long examination process.
DEVOLUTION
This month has seen many local county and borough council elections taking place – mainly in the Midlands and North of England. Lincolnshire has elected a new unitary authority Mayor and has seen a significant shift in political make up for that new authority.
Sussex Mayoral elections will take place in May 2026 as the first part of the radical reorganisation and transfer into new unitary council authority. The new Mayor portfolio is vast and further details of this planned roll-out will be published over the summer months.
And finally, the newly-elected Mayor of East Grinstead is John Belsey, with Stephanie Reeves as Deputy Mayor, while the new Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council is Mike Kennedy.
TOWN DIARY DATES
1 June, 6 July
& 3 August East Court Live events
7 September Classic car day
18 October EG Bonfire procession event
9 November Remembrance Parade
15 November Big Reveal & Christmas lights
7 December Christmas Market
Rex Whittaker
21 May 2025