A review of an exciting plan to provide new jobs and homes in and around Chichester has been given the green light by councillors.
The first stage of a Chichester’s Local Plan consultation process began on 22 June for six weeks and will ask everyone how they would like the district to look up to 2034.
The local plan was adopted in July 2015 after the Government approved it. The Government requires Chichester District Council to prepare a local plan based upon an increase in the number of people expected to live, work and visit the area.
Cllr Susan Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning at Chichester District Council, said the move was the first stage of an extensive consultation programme. She added: “This initial stage will give people the opportunity to say how they would like to see the area develop. All the comments we receive will be carefully considered before we undertake further consultation about more specific details such as housing numbers and locations next year.
“The Local Plan is vital because it provides the policies against which planning applications are assessed and it sets the direction of future development in the district (excluding those areas in the South Downs National Park.)
“The plan also provides the basis for parish councils to prepare neighbourhood plans and allows us and other agencies to plan ahead to ensure that infrastructure is provided to support development.
“Many people cannot afford to live in this area, where they work, and many younger people don’t look for jobs here because they cannot afford the housing costs. The local plan offers us the opportunity to try and address these issues.
“The plan shows that we will accept change, but more importantly that we are in control of this change and are able to balance growth with other important local interests. It’s crucial that we shape the future of our district and protect our beautiful environment, as well as strengthen our ability to resist harmful speculative development. This is very important to our local communities and we would encourage everyone to take part in this consultation process.”
*If people can’t take part online, they can call 01243 785166 and ask for the planning policy team to request a paper copy. All responses must be received by 3 August.
