BREAKING NEWS: Chichester local plan gets the green light

The council broke the news this afternoon (May 22) after surviving repeated calls from developers to up the number of houses it was planning to build in the district until 2029.

The plan will now go to July’s cabinet and full council meetings with a recommendation it is formally adopted.

“This is great news for the district,” said Susan Taylor, the new cabinet member for housing and planning at Chichester District Council.

She said she hoped the plan would address the problem of many being unable to afford to live in this area, where they work, and many younger people staying away as they could not afford the housing costs.

“The local plan offers the opportunity to try and address these issues and by introducing this plan we are showing that we will accept change, and importantly that we are in control of this change and are able to balance growth with other important local interests,” she said.

The local plan will become a new benchmark against which all planning applications must be in accordance with.

“Throughout this process we have highlighted the significance the plan will play in shaping the district and protecting our beautiful environment. It will strengthen our ability to resist harmful speculative development,” added Cllr Taylor.

“We would like to thank everyone who has assisted with this very long and complex process.

“Your involvement has been crucial in helping us to achieve this fantastic outcome, which will make sure that our district has a bright future, with a strong economy and a thriving working population.”

The inspector’s report concludes that the Chichester local plan provides an appropriate basis for planning the future of the district (excluding those areas within the South Downs National Park), providing a number of modifications are made to the plan.

All of the modifications were suggested by the council, including an early review to take account of the possible upgrading of the A27.

The inspector’s full report can be found on the council’s website at www.chichester.gov.uk under Planning Policy.