West Sussex County Council has published its first autumn Forward Plan under the leadership of the new Liberal Democrat-led administration, outlining the local authority’s priorities for the next four months.
The document, released on 1 October 2026, marks a significant shift in direction following the May elections, which left the council in a state of No Overall Control. Councillor Jay Mercer (Liberal Democrat) is the Leader of the Council.
The Forward Plan serves as a roadmap for how the administration intends to navigate a balanced chamber.
Key Infrastructure and Planning Deadlines
One of the most pressing items in the plan is the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation. The council must adopt these new national planning rules by 31 October 2026. The shift will change the procedural threshold for planning applications, determining which developments are decided by elected councillors on committees and which are delegated to professional planning officers.
Further east, a community-led petition regarding the A29 Eastergate War Memorial roundabout reached the 1,000-signature threshold on 1 October. The petition, which calls for urgent pedestrian safety measures, is now expected to be considered under the council’s formal review process.
Public Consultations and Meetings
The administration is also overseeing the expansion of the West Sussex Public Chargepoint Network. Residents have until 19 October 2026 to participate in the ongoing consultation for new electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve green infrastructure across the county.
Decision-making on these and other items will be formalised at a meeting at County Hall in Chichester:
- Cabinet Meeting: Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at 10:30 am.
The Cabinet meeting on 21 October is expected to provide further clarity on how the “No Overall Control” status of the council will affect the speed of decision-making, particularly regarding contested infrastructure projects.