Pieter has lived in Birdham for 17 years and, although retired, he has been an active member of the community, first as a Chichester District Councillor from 2006 to 2013, and as a West Sussex County Councillor for the Witterings from 2009.
As a postgraduate aeronautical engineer and having worked in the British aircraft and defence Industry, he now applies his knowledge and life-long interest in engineering to flooding and drainage issues, as well as to highways, all matters of great importance for residents on the Manhood Peninsula.
Pieter has become well known for sorting out local issues. He has also been closely involved in planning matters including the Medmerry realignment scheme in its early stages.
On behalf of the County Council he is a member of the Southern Regional Flood Coastal Committee and of the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Having first sailed in Chichester Harbour in the 80s and, as a County Council member of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, he is committed to its protection.
Reducing flood risk
Pieter introduced the successful Operation Watershed eight years ago in support of County wide local flood risk alleviation schemes. The Council continues to fund Operation Watershed, and over eight years Pieter secured £530,000 funding, facilitating nearly forty local community schemes.
Housing pressure
Large developments are causing increasing public concern. Pieter will continue to work with planning officers and Parish Councils to ensure that the pressures on roads and sewage capacity are recognised.
A27 - Recognising community preference
Mitigation for traffic increase arising from additional housing is being considered, but does not address the necessary separation of through from local bypass traffic. Pieter will continue to reflect public preference for a cost-effective solution, bringing long term benefits to Peninsula residents and the wider community, while having regard for our environment.
Traffic management
Many are rightly concerned about speeding in the villages. Pieter has supported Parish initiatives for speed limits and parking restrictions. He will continue to address further community measures to mitigate for Witterings beach visitor traffic and parking.
Delivering flood resilience
Through the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Pieter has supported DEFRA grant funding for beach management at Bracklesham and East Wittering, and recently for repairs to sea defences at Medmerry. Urgent work with the Council remains such as in Crooked Lane in Birdham.
Your roads
The County Council has increased to £30 million the budget for road maintenance and infrastructure. Pieter will ensure that your local highway needs receive timely consideration and funding. He supports the increasing demand for cycle routes.
Inadequate foul drainage infrastructure
Frequent tanker transfer of sewage from the pumping stations in our Parishes to the Sidlesham treatment works reflects increasing infiltration of rain and groundwater into the sewage network. Pieter will continue to press
the Local Authority and the operator for sewage infrastructure improvements.
Mobile waste service retained
Due to Pieter's efforts working with Parish and Council representatives, agreement was reached to retain this service valued by so many residents.
If you would like to raise an issue of concern, or help my campaign, please contact me:
Telephone: 01243 511319 or email me at: [email protected]
