Kingston councillor queries Brighton and Hove rationale

Councillor Stella Spiteri has written to Brighton and Hove asking for more details of their thinking with regard to their proposed expansion in the Newhaven and Kingston direction.

Dear Councillor Sankey,

Re: Government Reorganisation Proposal – Inclusion of Newhaven and Kingston Wards

Following your recent announcement regarding Brighton & Hove City Council’s proposal to include the Newhaven and Kingston wards within a revised local government boundary, I am writing to request further information on this significant development.

On behalf of myself, as District Councillor for Kingston Ward, and fellow Newhaven Councillors,  I am keen to understand the rationale behind this proposal and what it would mean for residents, particularly in terms of local representation, planning policy, service delivery, and council tax for both Kingston and villages and Newhaven.

Given that Kingston lies within the South Downs National Park, could you please clarify how the governance arrangements would work in this context? In particular, how would the City Council intend to coordinate with the South Downs National Park Authority in respect of planning and environmental management responsibilities?

It would be helpful to understand the strategic objectives behind the reorganisation, any consultation processes planned, and the anticipated timeline for further developments.  Can you please advise what alternate boundaries have, and are, being considered.

I look forward to your response.

Cllr Stella Spiteri, Kingston Ward