Statement of Community Involvement - August 2023

2. Planning Policy

Local planning documents

2.1 The council has a strategic vision for Chichester District^[2], and the Planning Policy team produces documents containing the planning policies to achieve it.

2.2 They consider a range of different issues such as the provision of new housing, and the delivery of employment, retail and open space, seeking to ensure that these are delivered in the right place at the right time.

2.3 There are two main types of planning document; Development Plan Documents (the Local Plan) and Supplementary Planning Documents.

2.4 Development Plan Documents are formal plans that set out policies for a particular geographical area. They are subject to public consultation and a Sustainability Appraisal, which is an assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of a plan. They must also be considered at independent examination and obtain Full Council approval before they can be adopted.

2.5 Supplementary Planning Documents can expand upon a particular theme covered in a Development Plan Document to provide additional detail and guidance. These are also subject to consultation and may sometimes require a Sustainability Appraisal. Although Supplementary Planning Documents are not subject to independent examination, they need to obtain approval at Full Council.

2.6 The Chichester District Local Plan, together with the housing and employment requirements identified therein, relate to the part of the district that does not fall within the park authority boundary. The South Downs National Park Authority produces its own Local Plan. Their current Plan was adopted in July 2019.

Producing a planning document

2.7 From time to time, the council will need to produce new planning documents, or update existing documents. The timetable for drafting and consulting on the plans is kept up to date and published on the council's website. Full details are found in the Local Development Scheme. This can be accessed at: http://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/24662/Timetable---Local-Development-Scheme

2.8 Depending on whether we are working to produce a Development Plan Document or a Supplementary Planning Document, there will be different preparation and consultation stages to undertake. We will involve people as early as possible and invite feedback on the draft documents. We will also ensure that people are kept informed throughout the document drafting process. The steps involved in Development Plan Document production, and opportunities to participate are summarised on the next page.

2.9 The process for preparing a Supplementary Planning Document is similar to a Development Plan Document, however, they are not subject to independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

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2.10 When the council consults people and organisations on a planning document, we will be guided by the following five engagement commitments:

1. Be clear about what we're doing - From the outset we will ensure that people understand why we are consulting and engaging them, and how their comments will help to inform or influence decisions. Clear timescales will help people understand when and how their input will be used.

2. Be inclusive - We will provide opportunities for people to engage with us to ensure that our plans and processes reflect the diverse and varied communities that make up our district. We will actively work to remove barriers to participation.

3. Be accessible - We will ensure that people have opportunities to take part and are made aware of consultation exercises as early as possible, so they are able to participate at the right time in the process to influence decision-making.

4. Be transparent - We will make clear how the decision-making process will work and how consultation feedback will be used, giving people the confidence that their input and involvement is actively being used to help shape decisions that affect them. This will mean being clear in stating who makes the decisions and when the decision will be made. At the end of each consultation period, we will undertake an analysis of all the responses received. This will be included in a summary report published on the council's website, outlining the actions that we propose to take.

5. Be accountable - We will let people know how we have reached decisions. This will involve making clear the different types and sources of information that have been considered in reaching a final decision.

2.11 By using a range of methods to inform, consult and involve people at the right time, we will enable them to influence the future planning of the Chichester Local Plan Area. The methods are flexible in order to tailor the consultation methods to the individual circumstances and different audiences we are targeting.

2.12 We also have to meet the statutory consultation requirements of the Planning Regulations. To meet these requirements, we will:

• Make all consultation documents available to view at council offices during normal office hours. For a Development Plan Document, the statutory consultation stage is a minimum six-week period. For Supplementary Planning Documents, consultation lasts a minimum of four weeks.
• Publish documents and supporting information, including details of where and when copies of the documents can be viewed, and how people can comment, on the council's website: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/localplan

Who do we involve?

2.13 When preparing planning policy documents the council consults various organisations, known as 'Specific Consultation Bodies'^[3], depending upon the nature of the consultation being undertaken. These organisations include:

• Environment Agency
• Natural England
• Historic England
• Coal Authority
• Network Rail
• National Highways
• Adjoining local authorities (Havant, East Hampshire, Horsham, Waverley, Arun, South Downs National Park)
• Parish councils (including those which adjoin the district in neighbouring local authority areas)
• Relevant county authorities (West Sussex County Council, Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council)
• NHS Sussex
• Sussex Police
• Homes England
• Sport England
• The Marine Management Organisation
• Relevant electronic communication companies
• Relevant electricity and gas companies
• Relevant sewerage and water undertakers, such as Thames Water, Southern Water and Portsmouth Water

2.14 The Council consults with many other people, groups and organisations who have particular interests or local involvement, and are able to offer a variety of perspectives, contributing knowledge and expertise across a range of subject areas. These include 'General Consultation Bodies' representing the interests of different racial, ethnic, disability and faith groups or local businesses, or whose activities benefit the Local Plan area. Other parties might include local residents, residents' associations and members of the development industry.

2.15 To ensure seldom heard groups are represented, the council will work closely with relevant organisations that have experience in a particular matter to find the best means of consulting with these groups.

2.16 If you are interested in finding out more about consultation on planning policy documents, you can email your contact details to us at planningpolicy@chichester.gov.uk, or call us on 01243 785166 and we will add you to our database so that you are automatically notified of any new consultations.

2.17 Before a Development Plan Document can be adopted, it must be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate. The examination considers whether the document is sound and legally compliant. The procedure used, either written form or to be heard in person by the Inspector, will depend on the issue and evidence that the Inspector is dealing with, and the nature of the representations.

2.18 All written comments made in the six-week consultation period at the pre-submission, undertaken within Stage 3, will be considered fully by the Inspector in deciding on the main matters and issues for all types of examination. You will only be able to appear in front of the Inspector if you are seeking a change to the document being examined.