Chichester local plan meeting

Today (March 11), a special council meeting will follow on from the morning’s cabinet meeting.

Members will be asked to approve the draft plan and send it for a six-week consultation period, running from Friday, March 22, to Friday, May 3.

The ‘preferred approach’ draft plan is the next stage in the council’s preparation of its local plan, set to be in place from 2014 to 2029. It will cover parts of the district outside the South Downs National Park.

“Our emerging local plan seeks to reflect the changes that the area is likely to face over this period and, through a plan, ensure development is located in the best places in the district,” said local plan manager David Twigg in his report.

“More importantly, the plan will be clear about where development should not take place and the types of areas and landscape that need protection.

“Developing the plan is important as it will enable the council to shape this change and will not allow development to be led by the development sector. Members are clear they want to make these decisions locally and do not want local decisions over-ruled by the planning appeals process.”

Members will also be asked to give officers the authority to make ‘minor editorial’ changes to the consultation material, and approve and publish on the council’s website all relevant background material. Cabinet meet at 9.30am at East Pallant House; special council at 2.30pm.