Karen Dunn

1 week ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Karen Dunn

‘A tidal wave of demand’ for services for children with special needs and disabilities has seen West Sussex councillors call for a ‘lifeline’ from their MPs.In 2024/25, the county council overspent by more than £54m on the high needs portion of its Dedicated Schools Grant – money from the government to fund the county’s schools budget. This was nothing new and the situation is the same for local authorities up and down the country – there simply is not enough money to pay for what is needed.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Karen Dunn

Public meeting to debate traffic and 20mph limitKaren DunnLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceGoogleTraffic issues will see residents debate implementing a 20mph speed limit in StorringtonTraffic issues in a West Sussex town will be discussed at an open meeting including potentially implementing a 20mph speed limit.

1 week ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Karen Dunn

Around 30 students aged 19-25 who have special needs will no longer receive help with transport to college once a new West Sussex County Council policy comes into effect. The travel assistance policy was approved by Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people & learning earlier this month, to bring the council in line with government guidance. It is due to come into effect in September, with a budget of £1.45m per year.

1 week ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Karen Dunn

A planning inspector has overturned a decision to refuse permission for a two-storey double garage at a home in Lodsworth. The application, for The Mill House, on Halfway Bridge, included a car port and loft space for a studio office. It was turned down by the South Downs National Park Authority in July 2024 on the grounds that the scale, design and siting would be harmful to the character and appearance of the house and the area.

1 week ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Karen Dunn

Plans to convert an old Ministry of Defence army cadet hall into a workshop, studio and flat have been submitted to Chichester District Council. The application for the Drill Hall, in East Row, also seeks permission to replace a rifle range with a single storey building to provide extra studio space.