Chichester Harbour campaigners launch website to spread the word

Save Our South Coast Alliance (SOSCA) believes a large, loud, collective argument must be made direct to Westminster.

The committee now has representatives from Pagham, Bracklesham, West Itchenor, Birdham, Fishbourne, Bosham, Chidham, Hambrook and Emsworth.

Spokesman Libby Alexander said: “The Government must wake up to the fact that the planning system is simply not fit for purpose.

“It is becoming very obvious, especially with the juxtaposition of two severe storms, how fragile our environment is and this leads to the fact that individual voices are not being heard.

“Let’s be quite clear, we are not an anti-housing brigade but realists who are deeply concerned about sea level rises, climate change and the devastation of the wildlife. Our desire is simple - we want to leave a good legacy for future generations.”

The group has the support of Chichester Harbour Trust and many other organisations but says it urgently needs individuals to help by writing the Chichester MP Gillian Keegan, asking her to take immediate action to raise the issue in the House of Parliament.

Visit the website www.sosca.org.uk and follow the SOSCA Save Our South Coast Alliance Facebook page for updates.

Libby said: “Everyone knows that historic Chichester is a very special place. It is very special for many reasons, particularly the topography of the area.

“The South Downs National Park is a protected landscape, which we all appreciate. There is a symbiosis between the Downs and the Manhood Peninsula, which acts as a flood plain, and up till recently there has been a natural environmental highway to help our wildlife flourish and thrive.

“Chichester Harbour is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and at present is a Ramsar and triple site of scientific interest. It offers an important home to migrating birds offering much to ornithologists.

“But this precious area is now under serious threat, not only by climate change but also the pressures of considerable housing.

“The northern border of the AONB meets the A259, the road along which they plan and are building developments.”

The alliance is made up of like-minded people who are deeply concerned by the serious impact of climate change and the ‘relentless pressure’ to allocate and build houses in an area which they believe is simply unable to absorb any more without substantial damage to its natural and living habitats.