Local Plan Review: Preferred Approach 2016-2035

Part Two - Development Management

(6) Housing

7.1 In seeking to achieve more sustainable forms of development, the Government has provided clear policy on the provision of new housing. Local authorities should:

• plan to meet the housing needs of the whole community as a minimum, taking account of any unmet needs in neighbouring areas unless there are specific circumstances to justify a different approach,
• provide wider housing opportunity and choice and a better mix in the size, type and location of housing,
• place housing in locations which are accessible by public transport to jobs, shopping, leisure, education and health facilities,
• give priority to using previously-developed land within urban areas,
• make more efficient use of land, and
• promote good design in new housing development, placing the needs of people before the ease of traffic movement.

7.2 The Council aims to enable the delivery of a wide variety of high quality homes that provide all tenures, types and sizes of housing to meet the needs of different people in our community. This includes housing for families, older people, people with disabilities, Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople and students. New housing developments must take account of local need to create a genuine choice and mix of housing in order to help create a balanced, sustainable and inclusive community.

7.3 The following paragraphs identify the types of households, based on existing evidence, which should be considered when planning new housing development in order to meet needs relevant to specific local circumstances. This list is not exclusive as there may also be other types of households that should be considered to be in need of housing in certain areas. In all instances an appropriate mix of housing types, sizes, prices and tenures should form the basis of any new development proposal, and it is anticipated that no one housing type will dominate a scheme unless there is a specific requirement to do so, e.g. a scheme specifically intended to deliver student accommodation.

7.4 Specialist accommodation: Some of our community need accommodation that caters for their specific needs. This may be the more vulnerable members of our society, such as the frail, elderly or those needing specialist social support, who would benefit from on-site support. To create inclusive communities, this type of accommodation should be located in accessible areas with links to public transport and local facilities.

7.5 Specialist accommodation includes hostels, homes for those in later life such as extra care housing, homes for those with disabilities and support needs, and residential institutions. Specialist accommodation should be well designed to ensure it is adaptable and wheelchair friendly. The Council will work with our partners, to identify and secure provision of suitable sites for specialist housing.

7.6 Larger schemes will be expected to include a proportion of accessible homes as part of the overall housing mix, and should also consider the provision of specialist housing for older people.

7.7 Housing for older people: the growing older population is likely to lead to a significant increase in the requirements for specialist accommodation. Different types of homes are required to offer a real choice, be it smaller well-located market housing, step-free housing or more specialised homes offering improved safety and support suited to the various needs of people. The need for residential care or nursing homes is also recognised. West Sussex County Council supports the provision of extra-care housing rather than traditional care homes. The provision of extra-care accommodation on a mixed tenure basis will be encouraged.

7.8 Housing stock should be flexible to meet the needs of an ageing population and enable people to remain in their own homes for longer should they wish. Smaller homes, including bungalows, in suitable locations should also be provided to enable people to downsize and remain within their local community or move to an alternative area with improved access to local facilities. Good design such as level access and flush thresholds to properties, a WC at entry level, door openings of a suitable width and care with the design and internal layout and circulation space can help ensure accommodation is adaptable and wheelchair friendly. Considering factors including a building's layout, materials and lighting can also help people with dementia or sight loss to continue to live as independently as possible.

7.9 Students: The student population of Chichester University was recorded at 5,503 students in 2017 (Source: Chichester HEDNA). Students live at home, in purpose built accommodation on campus, rent rooms in private shared houses or have alternative accommodation arrangements. Whilst students should have a choice of accommodation, this should be balanced with the housing needs of the general population.

7.10 The growth of student living in the private rented sector in Chichester has influenced the dynamics of the housing market in the City and the supply of entry-level market housing, increasing pressure on the private rented sector. To minimise the pressure on the existing housing stock it is desirable that any significant increase in full time student numbers is matched by the provision of purpose built student accommodation, in appropriate and sustainable locations.

7.11 Houses in multiple occupation: Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are dwellings lived in by more than one family or groups of individuals who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom. They provide a valuable source of accommodation to meet the needs of some of our local population. They can offer a more affordable way to live, particularly for students, low paid workers and key workers who cannot afford to access housing on the open market.

7.12 Retention of specialist residential accommodation: It is evident that, alongside the need for additional specialist residential accommodation to be provided, the plan area experiences significant demands on its existing stock of specialist residential accommodation for example the change of use of care homes to open market residential development. This can be attributed to a number of different factors including changes in the demographic profile of the plan area and increasing demands being placed on operators of specialised accommodation.

7.13 Taking account of the need to create and retain a mix of residential accommodation to provide for the different needs of communities within the plan area, the Local Plan Review sets out a presumption in favour of retaining this residential accommodation. However, there may be circumstances where an alternative use is acceptable further guidance is set out in Appendix C.

7.14 Housing Mix

7.15 The Council will seek to ensure that new housing reflects the need and demand of the plan area's existing and future communities, and provides an improvement to the quality and mix of new market and affordable housing in the Plan area.

7.16 An appropriate mix of housing in new developments will help to enable a better flow of the existing housing stock, for example allowing residents to downsize, which will free up larger houses. Therefore the Council will require new development to incorporate a range of different housing types which contribute towards meeting the identified housing needs for different demographic groups in the Plan area.

7.17 The mix of dwellings set out in Policy DM2 is in line with the recommendations of the HEDNA (2018), for affordable rented and low cost ownership housing. In line with the NPPF 2018 (paragraph 64) at least 10% of homes should be available for affordable home ownership, which is reflected in the Policy S6. Further advice can be sought from the Council's Housing Delivery Team.

7.18 The HEDNA recommends that market housing, in particular, should focus on 3 and 4 bed dwellings. However it is acknowledged that in applying the recommended housing mix to individual development sites, regard should be had to the nature of thedevelopment site and character of the area, and to up-to-date evidence of need as well as theexisting mix and turnover of properties at the local level. The figures in the HEDNA should therefore be used as a monitoring tool to ensure that future delivery is not unbalanced. Policy DM2 contains a mix for Market Housing which reflects the demand for smaller housing sizes rather the 4 bed homes in the Plan area. This is informed by the HEDNA which acknowledges the need to provide a greater number of smaller units, which may be regarded to more affordable.

7.19 It is recognised that future housing development will need to respond to local needs when applying a housing mix to individual sites. There will be a regard to bespoke local housing evidence relating to the parish, which could be in the form of a housing needs survey. Such evidence should be robustly and independently prepared, and agreed in writing with the housing authority as an appropriate evidence base for informing new residential development. Where a made neighbourhood plan proposes an alternative housing mix based on robust local evidence, this should be used in place of the mix proposed in Policy DM2.

7.20 Affordable Housing Mix: The Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA) includes an analysis of household incomes, which has been used to consider levels of need for different types of affordable housing. Any tenure split will need to take account of the local housing market and the context of the site. This may be updated in line with any future updates to the HEDNA (or successor documents) or in line with guidance from Homes England or the government. The NPPF 2018 (paragraph 64) requires 10% of all dwellings to be low cost home ownership.

7.21 The HEDNA recommends an appropriate mix, size and type of affordable rented housing required as part of new development. This will be used as the basis for affordable housing requirements over the Local Plan Review period. At the individual scheme level however, the HEDNA's recommendation will be considered together with information on local housing need and stock turnover to identify the appropriate mix of affordable rented housing required.

7.22 The NPPF 2018 (footnote 46) states that policies may make use of the nationally described space standards^[15] where the need for an internal space standard can be justified. The Council will provide evidence as part of the revision of the Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD.

7.23 The Council will also encourage development proposals which seek to meet the housing need of older people and the need for Self-Build housing across all tenures.

7.24 Sub-division of existing properties: The sub-division of larger properties will be considered acceptable where there is local demand for smaller properties and there is sufficient car parking, amenity and infrastructure provision.

Density of New Homes and Neighbourhoods

7.25 Achieving appropriate housing density is important in securing an efficient use of land. However, it is important that this is considered within the context of the need to create high quality development that has appropriate landscape buffers, access to public open space, adequate parking and provision for other amenities to enhance the sustainability of the community.

7.26 The Council will maintain a flexible approach towards housing density as it is important to balance the need to make efficient use of land with the characteristics of the surrounding built up area. This can also be affected by innovative and imaginative design of new homes that respond to site constraints and make the best use of the land available.

7.27 Densities of 35 dwellings per hectare are generally considered appropriate by the Council on most greenfield and brownfield development across the plan area. However, higher densities will be sought in urban areas where sites are better served by public transport and have access to a range of services and facilities.

Affordable Housing on Exception Sites

7.28 Proposals for exception sites (which are defined in the glossary) must meet an identified local housing need in the Parish in which they are proposed. Applications must be accompanied by satisfactory evidence, which demonstrates that the scale and mix of housing proposed will meet a local need. This should be based on information from the Council's housing register or up-to-date parish housing needs survey (that has been approved by the Council as Housing Authority).

7.29 To ensure deliverability, applicants must also demonstrate that the proposal is economically viable. Due to their location, exception sites must be owned and managed by an approved Registered Provider or incorporated Community Land Trust. Exception sites must provide affordable housing for local households in perpetuity; consequently, the units must be secured through a Section 106 with an accompanying Nomination Agreement with the Registered Provider that provides the nomination criteria for the homes.

7.30 In assessing the suitability of proposed affordable housing exception sites, consideration will be given to the existing and potential supply of affordable housing from other sites within the settlement. Where the area has a defined Settlement Boundary proposals must demonstrate that there is a lack of sites available within the settlement. They should also be located adjacent to the Settlement Boundary and in all circumstances be well related to the settlement, local services and facilities. Where suitable sites are unavailable, the local housing need may be met in another settlement within 5 miles or their local sub-area.

7.31 Outside Settlement Boundaries, schemes will only be permitted if the Council is satisfied that the existing affordable housing stock will not meet the current local housing need, and where the scheme can be considered to be well-integrated within the settlement.

7.32 Proposals for affordable housing exception sites will not be permitted in scattered or isolated locations, or for large scale development of over 30 units.

7.33 The scale of the development should be appropriate to the settlement. In assessing this, account will also be taken of extant unimplemented permissions in the settlement. Proposals should be of a high standard of design and environmental sustainability, and respect the form, scale and character of the surrounding settlements and countryside.

7.34 Market homes will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and where supported by viability evidence and where public subsidy is not available to deliver a policy compliant affordable scheme. The Council's Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD provides further information on the provision of exception site housing.

7.35 For the purposes of this policy a 'local connection' is set out in the rural allocations policy contained in the Councils' Allocations Scheme. This can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/affordablehousingtorent

(1) Accommodation For Gypsies, Travellers And Travelling Showpeople

7.36 Proposals for sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople within the plan area will be considered where consistent with the Council's strategic requirements in Policy S7.

7.37 This policy sets out a criteria based approach to identifying sites and assessing development proposals for the provision of accommodation. To meet an increased need for pitches and plots in the plan area, the sub-division of existing lawful sites will be permitted where proposals meet the relevant criteria.

7.38 Safeguarding existing sites: To maintain a supply of land and associated accommodation, the Council considers it important to ensure that, within the plan area, existing permanent authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers are retained. Permitted accommodation for sites within the rural area will not set a precedent for permanent built dwellings. In order to protect existing permitted sites from other forms of development, sites will be safeguarded.

Accommodation for Agricultural and Other Rural Workers

7.39 As a largely rural area there is often a need for accommodation for full time workers related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, equestrian activities or other rural based enterprise. This accommodation may require a countryside location where new residential development would not otherwise be permitted. In such cases, applications for new residential development, 'replacement dwellings' or the conversion of an existing building will be required to demonstrate an essential need for the accommodation. Whether this is essential in any particular case will depend on the needs of the enterprise concerned and not on the personal preferences or circumstances of any of the individuals involved. It must be proven that there is a clear need for the rural worker to live near or at their place of work in the countryside in order to perform their employment role.

7.40 Planning permission for new occupational dwellings in the countryside will be assessed thoroughly with the aim of detecting attempts to abuse (e.g. through speculative proposals) the concession that the planning system makes for such dwellings. In particular, it is important to establish whether the stated intentions to engage in farming, forestry or any other rural based enterprise are genuine, are reasonably likely to materialise and are capable of being sustained for a reasonable period of time. The evidence required to be included is outlined in Appendix C.

7.41 The Council will investigate the history of the holding to establish the recent pattern of land use and whether any dwellings or buildings suitable for conversion or occupation have recently been sold separately from the farmland. In order to retain the property for its intended use, a restrictive condition will be included on any such planning approval limiting its occupation to a person solely or mainly, or last working in agriculture, forestry or a rural enterprise.

7.42 There may be circumstances where housing currently restricted to occupation by agricultural or related workers is no longer required for its original purpose. In such circumstances, any application to remove a restrictive occupancy condition for any dwelling in the countryside will need to demonstrate that the need for which the dwelling was approved originally no longer exists. Evidence as specified in Appendix C demonstrating how this requirement has been investigated will be needed to support any application to vary or remove a restrictive occupancy condition.

7.43 The needs of the temporary and permanent workforce in the horticultural industry should be met in the general housing stock as there is no specific need for residential accommodation in the countryside.

Local and Community Facilities

7.44 Local services and community facilities include local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings (including theatres), public houses and places of worship although this list is not exhaustive. It is important that local services and community facilities aimed at meeting daily needs are available where people live, including in smaller towns and villages in order to minimise the need to travel.

7.45 The Council will seek the retention and protection of local and community facilities that serve the local residents within the Plan area and encourage the provision of new facilities either in isolation or by merging with existing facilities.

7.46 Support will also be given to the provision of new facilities where local communities identify a need, particularly in parish/neighbourhood plans.

7.47 As local facilities also include businesses such as village shops, local convenience stores, pubs and farm shops, the Council's Economic Development service can offer advice and support. However, the planning system itself will not be able to protect local facilities where these are no longer commercially viable. In such cases, there is a requirement that the premises have been marketed before any alternative use can be considered and further advice is contained in Appendix C). Meeting the need for alternative local facilities and services should be thoroughly examined and assessed and in the last instance conversion to residential may be acceptable.

(2) Transport, Accessibility and Parking

7.48 Whilst new development may provide opportunities to deliver improvements to transport and, accessibility it is necessary to consider the impact of any new development upon: the existing transport network; highway safety; and current provision for movement for all modes of transport.

7.49 A Transport Assessment and Travel Plan will be required where a development proposal will have a significant transport implication. It will need to be demonstrated in the Transport Assessment that the impact can be satisfactorily mitigated, and Travel Plans should identify reasonable opportunities for sustainable transport modes to reduce the need for major transport infrastructure. Where transport implications are not significant, relevant information on access and movement should be included in the Design and Access Statement, where required.

7.50 The provision of adequate parking for cars and cycles in new development is important. The availability of car parking has a role in improving accessibility to necessary local services and facilities, particularly in rural areas, and for certain groups of society such as the disabled.

7.51 For residential development a local car parking assessment, which is location specific, should be undertaken using the West Sussex Guidance on Car Parking in Residential Developments. For other use classes, the West Sussex Revised County Parking Standards and Transport Contributions Methodology should be used. The level of car parking and cycle provision will be assessed on a flexible site by site basis depending on the provision of public transport and access to local facilities.

7.52 Access to new development should reflect the guidance provided by West Sussex County Council in relation to gateway provision, visibility splays, access to adopted highways and any appropriate signage.

(3) Employment

Existing employment sites

7.53 To support a thriving and adaptable local economy, there is a need to maintain a flexible supply of employment land and premises. However, opportunities for new employment sites are limited; therefore it is important to make best use of the existing stock of employment land and floorspace. This means retaining suitable employment sites and encouraging their refurbishment, upgrading and intensification to meet modern business needs.

7.54 The Council has regularly reviewed the suitability of existing employment sites to contribute towards meeting the economic needs of the area. Where justified, a small number of sites have previously been released for other uses. The evidence of need prepared for this Local Plan Review in the form of the Chichester Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment indicates that there is a significant need for net additional employment floorspace across the plan area. The broad strategy to meet the employment floorspace needs is set out in Policy S8.

7.55 As well as proposing new strategic allocations for new employment floorspace, the strategy is also reliant on protecting existing employment sites from losses to other uses where these continue to remain suitable for business and related employment uses. The Council will particularly encourage the refurbishment, upgrading and intensification of these sites to make them more commercially attractive.

7.56 The main focus of employment floorspace provision within the plan area is for those uses within the B Use Class. Employment uses other than for that falling within the B Use Class may be permitted on existing employment sites where they are of a similar character to the B Use Classes in terms of providing jobs, the skills they required and their contribution to the GVA of the plan area.

7.57 On exception, it may be appropriate to allow for alternative non-employment uses on existing employment sites. For instance, the commercial attractiveness of some employment areas could be enhanced by allowing for some small-scale complementary uses (e.g. gym or children's nursery) to be provided for workers on the site. There may be other occasions where part of an employment area is located in an area which could accommodate leisure or community uses in a way which is compatible with national policy, subject to the other policies of this Plan.

7.58 Where development is proposed which would represent the loss of B classes uses, clear evidence should be submitted to demonstrate that the site is no longer required for B class uses or that the alternative use represents an appropriate leisure or community reuse of the site. To demonstrate that an employment site is no longer required, applicants will be required to provide supporting evidence on the viability of the site for continued employment use (guidance is set out in Appendix C) including the availability of employment land/floorspace in the local area and demonstrating that genuine attempts have been made over an extended period to market the site for business or similar uses.

7.59 Given the limited opportunities for employment uses with direct access to the coast, and reflecting the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Management Plan's planning principles, particular scrutiny will be given to the marketing evidence for marine related employment sites with the aim of preserving these uses.

7.60 Where leisure or community uses are proposed on existing employment sites, it should be clearly demonstrated that there is a compelling need for the development in the location proposed and how the proposal would enhance the attractiveness of the site as an employment area. Development proposals for main town centre uses (including offices) would be expected to comply with the other policies of this Plan, including the direction of such uses to retail centres and edge of centres in the first instance (see policies DM11 and DM12).

New Employment Sites

7.61 New strategic employment-led sites are allocated through Policies AL5 at Southern Gateway, AL6 at Land South-West of Chichester and AL15 at Chichester Business Park, Tangmere. These policies set out the detailed site-specific requirements for development at these sites. Other strategic site allocations also make provision for new employment land to come forward as part of a wider allocation. It is recognised that there may be proposals in the future for additional employment provision outside of the strategic site allocations and existing employment sites. Significant new office developments will be encouraged to locate within Chichester City and the settlement hubs of the plan area. Other B Class employment uses, and similar uses, will be encouraged within the settlement boundaries of other defined settlements within the plan area. Policy DM21 provides for the conversion of existing buildings in the countryside to employment uses.

(1) Retail

Chichester Centre Retail

7.62 Chichester City centre (town centre as defined in the NPPF paragraph 85) is lively and economically resilient. It has proved to be one of the more resilient centres in the country in times of economic downturn, primarily due to its largely affluent catchment population and attractive environment.

7.63 The vitality of the city centre depends strongly on its attraction as a high quality shopping destination. Its traditional role as the main focus for retail activity has been challenged by 'out-of-town' retail outlets and internet shopping. In addition, increased mobility means that people are prepared to travel further afield to shop in larger centres. In this very competitive environment, it is important that the city continues to develop and enhance its retail offer in order to retain existing market share and attract new trade. However, the historic character of the city centre could mean that potential future retail development may be constrained.

7.64 Nevertheless, in order to maintain and enhance Chichester City's retail position, in addition to providing additional floor space, the overall experience for people visiting the City Centre must improve. The Chichester Vision outlines various ways to enhance the City experience including the early evening and night time economy, the built and natural environment and reducing the dominance of traffic congestion and surface car parks.

7.65 For Chichester City Centre, its ground floor primary and secondary shopping frontages are shown on the policies map, and are listed in Appendix D. These have been reviewed as part of the Local Plan Review as shown on the proposed changes to policies map.

7.66 Primary Shopping Frontage - the most important retail frontages of Chichester town centre have been defined as Primary Shopping Frontages, because it is important that the retail frontages in those streets are retained and enhanced. This prime area has the highest proportion of A1 (shop) uses, the highest Zone A rental values, and the highest pedestrian flow levels in the whole town centre. In order to protect its liveliness and economic resilience, changes of use from shops (Use Class A1) to other uses will be carefully controlled.

7.67 It is recognised that some non-retail uses provide essential services and need to be located in town centres; but such uses, particularly if grouped together, may undermine the vitality of the city centre by failing to attract visitors or by forming blank and inactive frontages. Policy DM11 encourages town centre uses that are complementary to retail, to the surrounding secondary shopping frontages. Where a non-retail use is introduced in the primary shopping frontage, an active and visually appealing shop frontage should be maintained.

7.68 Secondary Shopping Frontages - a number of outer shopping streets have been defined as Secondary Shopping Frontages. Within these secondary frontages, non-retail uses such as offices, hotels and medical practitioners, may be permitted, providing that they do not result in the loss of amenity in terms of noise, disturbance, smell, litter, traffic generation and opening hours.

7.69 For applications for new shop fronts and shop signs within the Chichester City Conservation Area consideration should be given to the 'Shopfront and Advertisement Design Guidance Note' (2010) which sets out design criteria against which the Council assesses applications for new shopfronts and shop signs within the Chichester Conservation Area.

Edge and Out of Centre Sites – Chichester

7.70 Following the conclusions of the Retail Study, it may be appropriate for larger scale retail and leisure development to be accommodated on edge or out-of-centre locations, provided that such development does not harm the vitality and viability of the City Centre. All out of town retail and leisure development, with the exception of sites allocated in the Southern Gateway, will be required to consider the sequential approach as set out in national policy (NPPF paragraph 86). The size threshold for the sequential approach is set out in Policy S9.

7.71 Where the type of goods sold or leisure service provided and the particular retail or leisure format cannot reasonably be accommodated within the existing shopping centre, the first choice for alternative development sites should be 'edge of centre' i.e. sites which directly adjoin or can be reasonably related to the defined City Centre boundary.

7.72 If such sites cannot meet the demand for additional floorspace, then 'out-of-centre' developments can be considered for appropriate types of retailing e.g. superstores, retail warehouses or leisure uses which require space not typically found within traditional retail centres. This type of development may be acceptable on peripheral sites away from the defined City Centre area within the Chichester City Settlement Boundary, providing that such development does not adversely affect the vitality and viability of the existing retail centre as a whole, taking into account the cumulative effects of the existing and proposed development.

7.73 It is essential that retail and leisure facilities on such sites complement, rather than compete with, those provided within the City Centre. Such retail units will be restricted to a minimum size of 1000m² and to the type of goods sold, i.e. bulky goods which require large units. These units are restricted to limit their potential impact on the smaller retail units which are predominant within the City Centre. Proposals for units over 2,500m² of retail floorspace, should be supported by a retail study demonstrating that there will not be an adverse impact on the City Centre.

7.74 Sites should be accessible to the community by foot, car, public transport and cycling. In addition, sufficient car parking should be provided on site and the development should not add to traffic generation on the surrounding roads and in the town centre. Sites proposed for such development should not be required for other uses such as employment uses or housing.

7.75 Only when it has been demonstrated that there are no suitable alternatives sites within City centres or edge of centre would development proposals be considered sympathetically and by exception for leisure (and community) uses to come forward on existing employment sites in accordance with Policy DM9.

(1) Built Tourist and Leisure Development

7.76 Tourism is an important economic sector and is dependent on the quality of the cultural heritage, natural and historic environment and facilities on offer. It is necessary to balance the provision of visitor facilities against the need to safeguard the landscape, character and environment.

7.77 Visitors support a range of facilities and services which are important to the local economy and enhance its attractiveness as a location for businesses and residents. However, due to a lack of suitable accommodation, an insufficient number of tourists are able to stay overnight. To support the visitor economy, new tourist accommodation and attractions will be encouraged in areas that can accommodate additional visitor numbers without detriment to the environment. This will enable development and provide facilities that could extend the tourist season and also benefit the local community.

7.78 Chichester city and the Settlement Hubs, in particular East Wittering and Selsey, are the preferred locations for new tourism and leisure development, so that new facilities are accessible to existing visitors and that new accommodation is provided where visitors can access a range of services.

7.79 Within smaller villages and the countryside, proposals should fully assess the potential to re-use existing buildings and extend current businesses, in preference to new build. If there are no other alternative sites or buildings, new sensitively designed tourism buildings and serviced accommodation may be permitted in these locations. A more restrictive approach will be taken where development would be more intrusive and environmentally damaging. Occasionally larger scale facilities may be appropriate where they are associated with enhancing visitor use or appreciation of a specific feature or location. Proposals will need to demonstrate the requirement for and compatibility with a countryside location.

7.80 It is recognised that the natural environments of Pagham Harbour and Chichester Harbour are attractive tourism and leisure destinations albeit that these areas are also particularly environmentally sensitive to increased recreational disturbance. The Council will carefully consider any proposals with the potential to lead to an identifiable increased impact on these areas to ensure that their impact is minimised.

7.81 Any proposed leisure development for schemes of 2,500 sq. m and above will be required to be accompanied by an impact assessment that considers the impact of the proposal on existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal; and the impact of the proposal on town centre vitality and viability, including local consumer choice and trade in the town centre and the wider retail catchment (as applicable to the scale and nature of the scheme).

7.82 To demonstrate that a tourist or leisure development is no longer required, planning applicants will be required to provide supporting evidence (guidance is set out in Appendix C) demonstrating that genuine attempts have been made over an extended period to market the site for similar uses.

(1) Caravan and Camping Sites for Tourism

7.83 Camping and caravanning provides accommodation for a significant number of tourists to the plan area each year. The Council supports the retention of such sites, and in principle, is supportive of the development of new facilities to enable the tourism industry to continue to grow.

7.84 Where possible, development of new facilities should be directed towards sustainable locations which are not covered by an Article 4 Direction. It is essential that any proposals do not have a significant adverse impact on the special qualities and tranquillity of the landscape. In particular, the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the setting of the National Park, Pagham Harbour, or the undeveloped coast; all of which attract tourism in the first place.

7.85 For the purpose of this Local Plan Review, caravan and camping sites are those which primarily provide accommodation in temporary and mobile units such as static caravans, pitches for touring caravans, tents or yurts.

7.86 The Council will use seasonal occupancy conditions and/or holiday occupancy conditions to prevent the permanent occupation of the site. The holiday season will not be unnecessarily restricted, but closure periods may be necessary to prevent tourist accommodation becoming places of permanent residence.

7.87 Applications for new caravan or camping sites will be required to provide evidence of need and justification for location. Applications for the intensification/alteration of existing caravan or camping sites should provide evidence of high demand (guidance is set out in Appendix C).

(1) Horticultural Development

7.88 To ensure that the plan area's horticultural industry remains nationally and internationally competitive, it is important that sufficient suitable sites are available. To support this activity, the Council has designated Horticultural Development Areas (HDAs) in the countryside, where glasshouses and related facilities, including packhouses, may be allowed and the impact of their large size and bulk is minimised.

7.89 There are four designated HDAs as shown on the Policies Map:

• Tangmere;
• Runcton;
• Sidlesham and Highleigh; and
• Almodington.

7.90 Large-scale horticultural glasshouses at Tangmere and Runcton are characterised by major expanses of large buildings, which have good access to the main road network. Their businesses supply large supermarkets, garden centres and food chains, and are required to adapt and improve constantly to maintain this market. Consequently, operators seek to increase production volume, with larger premises to achieve the economies of scale required to remain viable. The Council considers that the HDAs should remain available for growing and packing horticultural products and other process directly related to the preparation of vegetable and salad products, such as washing and shredding. Other related processes, including cooking, which do not require a countryside setting, should be located on industrial estates.

7.91 Smaller scale horticultural glasshouses will be focused within the existing HDAs at Sidlesham and Almodington. This is due to the nature of the land as former Land Settlement Areas formed in the 1930s, which were later designated as Horticultural Development Areas in 1992. Many of the horticultural businesses located in these areas are smaller scale. However the patchwork nature of the landholdings makes land assembly, and therefore expansion, difficult. These areas are further from the A27 than the Tangmere and Runcton HDAs and are less well served by the road network.

7.92 As set out in the spatial strategy, it is not expected that large scale glasshouse development will occur in the Sidlesham and Almodington HDAs to the same extent as at Tangmere or Runcton. The principle to be followed in the Local Plan Review is therefore to reinforce the use of the Sidlesham and Almodington areas for smaller scale horticultural / market garden operations rather than larger scale glasshouse development.

7.93 It is acknowledged that additional land may be required by the horticultural industry to expand further through the plan period. The preferred approach for horticultural development is for land within existing HDAs to be used first and if not possible, land adjacent to an HDA. When it can be demonstrated that no suitable land within HDAs is available land outside HDAs may be considered, with development adjacent to Runcton HDA likely to be considered sympathetically.

7.94 Policy DM15 is divided into two parts; the first part applies to horticultural development within a designated HDA where in principle horticultural development is acceptable. The second part of the policy is a criterion based policy which applies to new horticultural development outside designated HDAs, including extensions. The criteria in both parts of the policy are applicable to applications located outside a designated HDA.

7.95 The policy for development outside HDAs requires applicants to demonstrate why the development cannot be located within an HDA. It is important therefore for the applicant to provide reasons why the new development cannot be located within an HDA. For example, why the land within HDAs is not available for development. This may need to be substantiated with evidence such as an enquiry log including how it was followed up and why it was unsuccessful i.e. whether the marketing price was realistic.

7.96 Where it can be demonstrated that development within HDAs is significantly hindered, particularly at Runcton and Tangmere, the Council will, where appropriate, investigate the use of its compulsory purchase powers, when all other avenues have been exhausted, to enable the expansion of the horticultural industry.

7.97 When considering the proposals for new development outside HDAs including; packhouses and polytunnels, attention will be given to transport and accessibility, visual impact on the landscape and the amenity of local residents. In addition that soil, water, air noise and light pollution levels are minimised and mitigated.

7.98 Water resources are managed by the Environment Agency through a Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) approach. This assesses how much water is available in each catchment, how much is allocated to people and how much is needed to sustain the environment. The Arun and Western Streams Abstraction Licensing Strategy (March 2013) sets out the current situation within the Chichester District.

7.99 Any future applications for abstraction licences will be considered in accordance with this Strategy, taking into account the needs of the environment and existing abstractors are met. Any proposals for horticultural development should consider any potential impact on water resources and consider mitigation measures to reduce its impact and maintain security of supply.

(2) Sustainable Design and Construction

7.100 A key issue for the plan area is accommodating the development needs within environmental and landscape limitations, whilst promoting more sustainable patterns of development through enabling improved accessibility to key services and facilities, public transport nodes and employment opportunities.

7.101 All development should achieve high environmental standards, be appropriately designed for the site and its setting, and adaptable for long-term use. Developers will be encouraged to implement appropriate mitigation and adaptation initiatives to address the potential impact of climate change. Development should utilise sustainable design and construction techniques, for example, energy conservation and efficiency, water efficiency, reducing waste, re-using materials and recycling materials. All relate to the need to make the most efficient use of limited resources. It is recognised, however, that planning alone cannot ensure that development is sustainable or that energy is conserved. The Council will seek to ensure that the principles of reducing our impact on the environment and climate change are followed in other Council strategies.

7.102 The energy efficiency of new development is influenced by factors such as housing design and orientation. The layout and orientation of developments are important in determining how much daylight and sunlight is received within buildings, in gardens and in the open space between buildings. Sunlight is a good source of energy, which building design should seek to use effectively in order to reduce consumption of conventional fuels.

7.103 Building related energy consumption is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The need to achieve higher levels of energy efficiency and locally produced clean, low carbon and renewable energy related to new development is an important aspect of sustainable construction. However, sustainable construction for new and refurbished buildings incorporates more than just aspects of energy use. It also relates to other environmental impacts that buildings and inhabitants cause, for example, on water drainage and usage, waste generation and the use of unsustainable materials (in construction). Improved design of buildings can also lead to benefits in terms of ecology and quality of life for residents.

7.104 BRE operates a voluntary new homes certification scheme called the Home Bench Mark. It recognises where performance meets best practice standards in the housing sector, drawing together a range of complementary quality and performance standards and combining this with the latest scientific research. The scheme standards with the Bench Mark are evidence based and are represented by a simple 5 star rating supported by a number of performance indicators to ensure a healthy home with low running costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

(1) Stand-alone Renewable Energy

7.105 National policy promotes increasing energy efficiency, the minimisation of energy consumption and the development of renewable energy sources. This Plan supports development that promotes these objectives. An important element in this is to ensure that the Council embraces effective energy efficiency and the use of off-site renewable energy in all new development, helping to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and therefore climate change.

7.106 Parts of the plan area's landscape features and resources mean that they may be suitable for the development of renewable and low carbon energy schemes. These schemes must however, be appropriately sited and not conflict with existing landscape character or uses. Proposals should therefore be accompanied by a landscape assessment appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposal and its setting, especially near the South Downs National Park and designated areas, such as the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

7.107 Further guidance is available in the NPPF and the Department for Communities and Local Government's "Planning practice guidance for renewable and low carbon energy".

(2) Flood and Water Management

7.108 The Council recognises there are various locations in the plan area that are subject to flood and erosion risk and where location specific measures, such as additional flood alleviation, will be required to protect people, properties and vulnerable habitats from flooding.

7.109 Any development should seek to achieve an 8m setback on fluvial watercourses and a 16m setback on tidal watercourses between proposed built development and nearby watercourses, flood defences and culverts. Where it is not possible for development to be set back or sited outside flood risk zones, schemes should be designed to be resilient to future flood events. In locations prone to flooding, flood resistant and flood resilient measures should be incorporated as an intrinsic part of the development scheme.

7.110 Flood resistance measures involve designing and constructing a building to prevent floodwater entering the building. Mitigation methods used may involve:

• Installing flood barriers across doorways and airbricks;

• Raised finished floor/threshold levels above predicted flood levels.

7.111 Flood resilience measures entail designing and constructing the fabric of the building to reduce the impact of flood water upon entering the building. These measures may include;

• The provision of safe access and egress routes in the event of a flood;

• Using treated timber and water resistant materials and wall finishes to resist water logging and ensuring minimal drying times;

• Locating power sockets, electric, gas and phone circuits all above predicted flood levels;

• Installing one-way auto seal valves on toilets;

• Fitting tiled floors instead of carpets on ground floors.

7.112 Any risk must be assessed by using the Environment Agency Flood maps and the Council's SFRA.

7.113 Built development can lead to increased surface water run-off and therefore new development is encouraged to incorporate mitigation techniques in its design and apply National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in accordance with Policy DM18.

7.114 Potential techniques that may reduce surface water run-off could include:

• Green roofs to reduce peak flow and discharge rates or rainwater harvesting;

• Permeable pavements using materials such as permeable concrete or crushed stone or porous asphalt;

• Swales and basins as temporary storage for storm water reducing peak flows to receiving waters and facilitating water infiltration directly into the ground;

• Infiltration trenches and filter drains in the form of stone-filled reservoirs facilitating gradual ground infiltration with a filter strip, gully or sump pit to remove any solids at inflow point;

• Ponds and wetlands to accommodate variations in water levels during storms.

7.115 In determining the suitability of SuDS for individual development sites, developers should seek advice from the Environment Agency and West Sussex County Council in their role as lead flood authority. Reference to SuDS can also be found in the Council's Adopted Surface Water and

7.116 Foul Drainage SPD available on the Council's website.

7.117 By their very nature, basement and below ground level developments are more susceptible to flooding. As a result, these proposals must demonstrate that all flood risk has been considered and risks minimised by way of an impact assessment and/or site-specific flood risk assessment in order that they are sufficiently resistant and resilient to all forms of flooding.
Impact assessments (if required) should account for:

• How the proposal affects surface water and groundwater flows and levels;

• Proposed construction and mitigation measures relevant to the development's sited flood zone;

• Any potential cumulative impacts the development has upon flooding to surrounding properties/areas;

• Proposed sustainable drainage measures. Drainage connections to sewers should be fitted with one-way valves to prevent drains flooding basements or below ground level buildings in the event that they surcharge.

(4) Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

7.118 Chichester Harbour AONB is a unique landscape comprising sheltered open water areas with contrasting narrow channels. The movement of the tide exposes bare mudflat and saltmarsh creating a wide, open and remote wilderness. The undeveloped character of the harbour is unique on the south coast and its status as a Ramsar wetland, a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest reflects its importance to nature conservation. The largely flat hinterland includes highly productive farmland, as well as woodlands and hedgerows that contribute to the rural character of the area. The flatness of the landscape makes the AONB particularly vulnerable to visual intrusion from inappropriate development, both within or adjacent to the boundary, which can often be seen from significant distances across inlets, the main harbour channels, or open countryside. The District Council will have particular regard to these characteristics in determining development proposals affecting the AONB.

7.119 Chichester Harbour Conservancy has produced an AONB Management Plan on behalf of the constituent Authorities (Havant Borough Council, Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and Hampshire County Council). The Conservancy has also produced an AONB Landscape Character Assessment and Design Guidelines for New Dwellings and Extensions, both of which have been endorsed by the District Council. The AONB Management Plan and its supporting documents identify the distinctive features and characteristics of the landscape and provide the framework for the management and ongoing spatial planning of Chichester Harbour AONB. In 2017 the Council adopted the Joint Chichester Harbour AONB Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The SPD provides guidance for development proposals and expands on the vision, objectives and policies of the adopted Development Plan Documents for Chichester District Council and Havant Borough Council.

7.120 Applicants are encouraged to seek pre-application advice from Chichester Harbour Conservancy for proposed development including intertidal structures, reclamation and dredging, increases in the resident fleet or moorings and dry berth transfers.

7.121 Communities within the AONB have development needs which should be met. These include the need for affordable homes, employment, a choice of transport modes, community facilities, and a population sufficient to enable rural facilities and services to remain viable. Where development is likely to have an adverse impact, there may be a requirement to demonstrate which alternatives have been considered and that developing the proposed site outweighs the landscape value of the area.

(1) Development Around The Coast

7.122 Outside the defined settlement boundaries, the character of the plan area's coast, small coastal villages and hamlets should be protected and enhanced.

7.123 Development in close proximity to the sea suffers physical damage caused by wave and wind borne sand, grit and shingle and chemical degradation of materials from saltwater and spray. The Council will generally recommend a minimum of 25 metres setback in particularly exposed coastal locations to safeguard dwellings and residents.

7.124 Easy access for plant and vehicles from the highway to the sea wall/beach is essential to the efficient and effective maintenance and repair of storm damage to coast protection and sea defence works.. The Environment Agency's Land Drainage and Sea Defence Bye-laws require the consent of the Environment Agency to be obtained for any works between low water mark and a line 15 metres from the landward side of the defences it maintains. This 15 metre strip of land is required for access for maintenance and/or future improvement and the Council will ensure the land is safeguarded from obstruction. This may be done by a condition on an approval removing permitted development rights, such as where the land is part of an existing garden or if necessary, by refusal of an application for safety and access relating to coastal defence.

7.125 Reference must be made to the relevant Shoreline Management Plans and Coastal Defence Strategy to ensure that any proposed development is not affected by a coastal management policy or "managed realignment" or "no active intervention". Even in areas where the policy is "hold the line" there is no guarantee of future funding and it is anticipated that all coast protection schemes will require a degree of contribution in order to secure government grant.

7.126 The coast also accommodates a vibrant and active marine economy, including boatyards and marina sites. These make an important contribution to the economy of the wider area and are important for tourism and recreation. It is considered important these are retained in this use, whilst being able to evolve and change to accommodate and develop new technology, provided they do not have an adverse impact on the sensitive environment of the coast.

7.127 Exceptionally it may be necessary for a small part of a marine or boatyard to be used for alternative uses in order to ensure the viability of the remainder to the site.

(1) Alterations, Change of Use and/or Re-use of Existing Buildings in the Countryside

7.128 There has traditionally been a considerable stock of rural buildings converted for other uses. The conversion of rural buildings can help sustain the rural communities and aid economic diversification of rural areas by helping to meet the demand for workspace for rural business or by providing holiday accommodation.

7.129 Many buildings in the countryside are listed or are of listable quality or contribute to local distinctiveness as non-designated heritage assets; many may form part of important farmstead groups or contribute to landscape and/or settlement character. The fact a building is not listed does not mean it is not of historic significance. Where the significance of a building is revealed as part of the planning process it may be treated as a non-designated heritage asset and proposals to alter or replace these buildings will be assessed on this basis.

7.130 Residential conversions often have a more significant impact on the building and its setting through, for example, the proliferation of domestic accessories within the newly created residential curtilage. Therefore, the conversion of rural buildings in the countryside for economic or community uses will be preferred before residential uses are considered (guidance is set out in Appendix C). Where residential use is not permitted development, it will be necessary to demonstrate in detail what has been done to address the impacts associated with permanent residential occupation and to secure economic reuse before residential.

7.131 Where appropriate, permitted development rights will be withdrawn to protect the visual amenities of the area, the size, rural character and appearance of the building or structure, and affordability of the development. It may also be necessary to impose conditions to ensure retention of the proposed use through restricted occupancy for that purpose.

7.132 Development will need to ensure it is sensitive to its surroundings and does not have an unacceptable impact upon local roads. Development proposals should exploit any opportunities to make the location more sustainable (for example, by improving the scope for access on foot, by cycling or public transport). It is unlikely applications seeking approval for the conversion of remote or isolated rural buildings to residential use will be acceptable due to the potential visual intrusion associated with re-use, access requirements and services links.

7.133 Additionally, the buildings must be capable of conversion and/or re-use without significant alteration or rebuilding or an increase in the use of surrounding land for ancillary purposes. In considering what is 'significant', the overall aim will be to conserve and enhance the character of the landscape, whilst retaining as far as possible the rural character and appearance of the building itself and the setting within which it is located. Good practice advice on taking a sensitive approach to alterations and conversions in the countryside is available on Historic England's website.

(4) Development in the Countryside

7.134 Areas outside settlement boundaries, defined as 'countryside', include villages, hamlets, farms and other buildings as well as undeveloped open land. In order to protect the landscape, character, quality and tranquillity of the countryside it is essential to prevent inappropriate development. However, it is important to recognise the social and economic needs of small rural communities and to provide support to enable those who manage, live and work in the countryside to continue to do so.

7.135 Some limited and carefully planned development may be acceptable to enable the countryside and local rural communities to evolve and thrive. Support will be given to the local delivery of services and community facilities such as the retention of local shops, meeting places, sports venues, open space, cultural buildings, places of worship and pubs. Where such development is adjacent to or beyond existing settlements or in a location that is not well served by public transport, it will be essential for development to be sensitive to its surroundings, not have an unacceptable impact on local roads and exploit opportunities to make the location more sustainable (for example by improving access by foot, cycle or public transport).

7.136 In parts of the countryside there is a shortage of sites suitable to meet such needs. The Council will therefore support the conversion of existing buildings and the re-use of previously developed sites for rural affordable housing, local community facilities and/or small scale employment generating uses which are accessible, well designed and well related to existing development.

7.137 Where essential development in the countryside is proposed to meet a demonstrable need, the following preferences for development should be applied:

• Conversion of existing buildings worthy of retention; or
• Redevelopment of sustainably located previously developed sites; or
• If no appropriately located and deliverable previously developed sites exist in the local area, greenfield sites within or immediately adjacent to existing settlements may be considered.

7.138 Rural small-scale economic development should be encouraged where it provides good quality long-term employment, expands or diversifies existing rural businesses, improves local skills and services and contributes towards sustaining a high quality environment and well-being of the local community.

7.139 As part of rural diversification, farm shops can play a key role. However, in allowing for such developments, it is important they have a limited impact on their surroundings or on existing shopping facilities. As such, they should be small scale and sell predominantly farm produce. Where necessary, the Council will restrict the range of goods sold.

7.140 Applications for retail extensions on existing sites in the countryside will be considered where it has been demonstrated that the applicant has undertaken appropriate sequential and impact assessments and given consideration of the development's impact upon the rural character of the area.

Pollution and Contamination

7.141 Policies in this section contain detail on the Council's strategy for reducing pollution from new development and reducing the impact of pollution on new development. These policies should be used alongside the criteria and/or standards detailed in the forthcoming Pollution SPD.

Lighting

7.142 Light pollution caused by excessive brightness over inhabited areas can lead to annoyance, disturbance and impact wildlife, notably nocturnal animals. The design of lighting schemes should be carefully considered in development proposals to prevent light spillage and glare.

7.143 Dark skies are important for the conservation of natural habitats, cultural heritage and astronomy. The plan area includes three 'Dark Sky Discovery Site' designations, all located within the Chichester Harbour AONB; Eames Farm on Thorney Island, Maybush Copse in Chidham and north of John Q Davis footpath in West Itchenor. Development within or directly impacting these areas will be subject to particular scrutiny in terms of their impact on dark skies. The entire SDNPA area is also declared as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Development directly impacting this area will be subject to similar scrutiny.

(2) Air Quality

7.144 The Council has a duty to review and assess air quality within the district, including both the plan area and that part of the South Downs National Park within its administrative boundary. As highlighted by the West Sussex Transport Plan 2011-2026, traffic congestion is a particularly significant contributor to air pollution in the area and states that around Chichester city, conflict between high levels of A27 traffic and high levels of north-south traffic wishing to cross or join the A27 has led to extensive congestion at peak times, made worse in the summer by tourist traffic.

7.145 Traffic congestion has led to the designation of three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the plan area, located at St Pancras and Orchard Street in Chichester and Stockbridge Roundabout on the A27. AQMAs are designated where air quality exceeds, or is likely to exceed, national air quality standards and objectives. Development within or impacting these areas or that are likely to cause the declaration of further AQMAs will be subject to an air quality assessment. Similarly where proposals have potential to cause impact through dust, particulates, polluting gases or odour or introduce sensitive uses adjacent to existing sources of such pollution, then an air quality assessment will be required.

7.146 Along with all local authorities in West Sussex, the Council is a member of the Sussex Air Quality Partnership and the WSCC Inter Authority Air Quality Group, seeking to ensure that a consistent approach is taken towards dealing with air pollution. Air quality guidance for Sussex (2013) sets out further guidance as to when an Air Quality Assessment is likely to be required. Applicants for development which may require an air quality assessment are advised to contact the council for further advice.

7.147 There are a number of measures mentioned elsewhere in Policies S23 and S32 which seek to encourage a reduction in car use and low emission transport these include; cycling and walking infrastructure, electric vehicle charge points, car clubs and behavioural change initiatives.

(2) Noise

7.148 It is recognised that noise exposure can cause annoyance and disturbance, impacting on quality of life. The Noise Policy and Statement for England and Planning Noise Advice Document for Sussex provide guidance on addressing noise issues in planning applications and where possible improving health and quality of life through the pro-active management of noise.

7.149 Residential and other noise sensitive development proposals located in close proximity to noise sources, including transport, commercial and industrial operations, should be accompanied by a noise impact assessment to determine the suitability of the site for the development proposed. Development proposals, where acceptable in principle, should demonstrate good acoustic design incorporated within the scheme informed by relevant guidance.

7.150 For new noise generating development proposals such as industrial and commercial use, sites should be located an appropriate distance away from noise sensitive receptors. When acceptable in principle, then distance and appropriate design will be important considerations in achieving an acceptable noise environment.

Contaminated Land

7.151 Re-use of land affected by contamination can reduce pressure on greenfield sites and make efficient use of previously developed land. Contaminated land may occur through previous use as a landfill site or due to industrial, commercial and residential use. Sites on or adjacent to land previously used for industrial or similar activities will be assumed to be potentially contaminated.

7.152 All potentially contaminated land should be investigated and remediated prior to development and/or during construction to a standard suitable to the proposed use. A risk assessment of the site will be required to ascertain whether there is potentially unacceptable risk to human health and the environment and to identify if proposed remedial measures to mitigate and monitor the risk are necessary. Investigations should be carried out in accordance with relevant guidance and standards.

7.153 Developers are encouraged to enter pre-application discussions with the Council to establish the level of information required for sites before submission of a formal planning application. For some sites the council will not determine an application until the relevant site investigation and risk assessment documentation has been considered by the council.

(5) Historic Environment

7.154 There are a large number of "Heritage Assets", both designated and non-designated, including Scheduled Monuments, archaeological sites, Historic Parks and Gardens, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas in the plan area. There are also a number of other buildings, which have been identified as important, such as those on the Local Buildings List for Chichester City and 'positive' buildings within Conservation Areas. Further information on listed buildings and the register of Parks and Gardens can be found on Historic England's website. Further details can also be found, including on heritage at risk, on the Council's website http://www.chichester.gov.uk/conservation Outside statutorily designated areas there is a diversity of townscapes and landscapes, containing buildings of historic and architectural value. In rural areas, there are a number of estates, villages, farmsteads and historic houses of heritage significance and some highly valued landscapes. These different character areas warrant protection in their own right.

7.155 The Council's Historic Environment Strategy (adopted February 2017) is available on the website http://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/24666/Historic-environment-strategy-and-guidance It includes an Action Plan setting out the approach to inform a positive strategy for the historic environment.

7.156 Buildings and areas of architectural and historic interest make a valuable contribution to the character of the area; and the historic environment, as a whole, is important for its potential to increase knowledge; its value for leisure, education and tourism; and as a key economic driver. The historic environment is an irreplaceable resource; therefore every effort should be made to ensure appropriate protection and enhancement.

7.157 Wherever possible, the Council will seek to encourage awareness of the heritage assets and promote investigation of archaeological records. This may include joint action with organisations such as Historic England.

7.158 The form and appearance of the built environment combine with elements of the natural environment to give the area its unique character. Whilst buildings of particular merit may be listed, other buildings of architectural or historic interest, or which contribute to the quality of the landscape as non-designated heritage assets, may also be worthy of protection. It is imperative that key buildings which contribute most to the character of the area should be protected.

7.159 Historic Parks and Gardens are an important part of the heritage and environment. They are comprised of a variety of features: the open space itself; views in and out; the planting; water features; built features; and archaeological remains. There is a need to protect such sites and their settings from new development which may have a detrimental impact on the historic interest.

7.160 Local distinctiveness in the built environment is founded on the understanding of the characteristics and influences of the locality particularly its landscape quality and corresponding use of materials. Development will be expected to be designed to a high standard to complement and enhance the varied built environment, creating interesting and attractive buildings and places.

7.161 Where development proposals relating to the historic environment include a Design and Access Statement this should include a Heritage Assessment detailing any impact on heritage assets, whether designated or not. This should include a description of the asset's historic, architectural and archaeological significance with an appropriate level of detail relating to the likely impact of the proposal on that interest. A site analysis identifying the qualities which contribute to local character, including development patterns, history, geology, transportation links, its natural landscape and views, and how these can contribute to the quality and sustainability of the proposed development should also be provided. Where alterations are permitted, there should be appropriate recording of those parts of the heritage asset or its setting affected by the works and conditions may be imposed to secure this. Historical information discovered during the application process shall be submitted to the Chichester Historic Environment Record by the applicant.

7.162 Chichester District itself can be divided into four locally distinctive character areas:

1. The Low Weald to the north of the district. Characterised by predominantly agricultural and woodland areas, small and medium sized villages, hamlets and farmsteads linked by a network of narrow roads and lanes.

2. The Wealden Greensand (mainly within the South Downs National Park). Characterised by distinctive steep woodland slopes, open heathland, irregular fields defined by hedgerows, low ridges and narrow vales drained by streams and rivers.

3. The South Downs (also mainly within the National Park) rising from the Coastal Plain to the south then falling away to the Wealden Greensand to the north. Characterised by a combination of open and wooded landscapes.

4. The Coastal Plain framed with the backdrop of the South Downs to the north. Characterised by a flat, open more exposed landscape with remnants of woodland and small villages connected by a network of narrow winding lanes and minor roads.
   

7.163 Within these character areas there are also several views and vistas, which should be protected in the design and layout of new development. These include views:

• Across the Rother Valley
• Across the Low Weald from the Upper Greensand Escarpment
• Towards Chichester Cathedral
• Towards the South Downs from the Coastal Plain
  

7.164 In addition, Chichester city has a long history as a settlement; reflecting its many layers of history. The combination of its street pattern, Roman/Medieval Walls has led to a compactness, which has been a unique influence on how the City has and will evolve.

7.165 Policies in this plan will be supplemented by conservation area character appraisals, management proposals and the local heritage at risk register. The Council will implement Article 4 Directions where the special character of conservation areas is threatened and buildings or other heritage assets at risk through neglect, decay or other threats will also be monitored.

7.166 A study, "The Future Growth of Chichester: landscape and visual amenity considerations" (2005) assesses how major development around Chichester city might be accommodated without an unacceptable impact on landscape character, or the setting of the city. An urban fringe landscape character assessment and the identification of priority views into and out of Chichester forms the basis of the study. Further work undertaken as part of the landscape study in 2018 supports this work. The Council will continue to work closely with the City, Town and Parish Councils to assess the heritage impact of development; this work will help inform any Development Plan Document(s), Supplementary Planning Document(s), development briefs, masterplans and Neighbourhood Plans which may be prepared.

(2) Natural Environment

7.167 There will be development in the plan area, some of which will be on the edge of towns and villages. In planning for this development the Local Plan Review takes account of and seeks to reduce the impact of development on the natural environment.

7.168 Protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the district includes providing adequate open space, sport and recreation facilities and maintaining the biodiversity. Designated open space and areas of biodiversity form key components of a green infrastructure network. Due to the coastal nature of the district the protection of the coast and views are of importance.

7.169 Development proposals must take account of international, national and local designations as part of their application. Exceptions will only be made where no reasonable alternatives are available and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the negative impacts. Where a development proposal would result in any significant harm that cannot be prevented or mitigated, appropriate compensation will be sought.

7.170 The Plan area includes parts of four national landscape areas: Low Weald, Wealden Greensand, South Downs and South Coast Plain. A Strategy for the West Sussex Landscape has been developed by West Sussex County Council, which sets a vision for each of the character areas, and landscape guidelines relating to development. Further evidence is also contained within background studies commissioned as part of developing the Local Plan Review.

(1) Biodiversity

7.171 The Council is currently identifying and mapping components of the local ecological networks, including the sites designated for wildlife, priority habitats and the wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them. The findings of this study along with advice from partners will inform decision making in relation to identifying and protecting local wildlife corridors, incorporating beneficial features into development and deciding on mitigation measures. Opportunities should be taken to link habitats as part of a 'green network' to reconnect isolated sites and facilitate species movement (see Policy DM32).

7.172 All new developments are encouraged to take account of and incorporate biodiversity into their features at the design stage, including integral bat and bird boxes and hedgehog accessible fencing and gravel boards. The Policy below protects sites of biodiversity importance, which contain wildlife or geological features that are of special interest. Exceptions will only be made where no reasonable alternatives are available and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the negative impacts. Where a development proposal would result in any significant harm to biodiversity and geological interests that cannot be prevented or mitigated, appropriate compensation will be sought. Conserving biodiversity is not just about protecting rare species and designated nature conservation sites. It also encompasses the more common and widespread species and habitats, all of which make an important contribution to quality of life. The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the biodiversity and geological diversity of the plan area by working with partners to implement the aims and proposals of the Chichester Local Biodiversity Action Plan and the Nature Conservation Strategy.

Development and Disturbance of Birds in Special Protection Areas

7.173 Chichester and Langstone Harbours and Pagham Harbour are both designated as internationally important wildlife sites (Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites) and the Council is under a legal duty to protect their designated bird populations and supporting habitats. Under the Habitats Regulations 2017 we must consider whether development may have a "likely significant effect" on the Harbours.

7.174 If the impact of development is likely to adversely affect the integrity of a Special Protection Area (SPA) - either by itself or in combination with other developments - and this cannot be avoided or mitigated effectively, then the Council is likely to refuse planning permission. Evidence collected during the Solent Disturbance and Mitigation Project indicates that bird species in Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA are being adversely affected by disturbance from human recreational activities.

7.175 For Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA, Natural England advise that considered in-combination with other housing around the Solent, any increase in the number of dwellings would be likely to have a significant effect within 5.6km of the SPA boundary Therefore new housing developments within this zone of influence will need to provide for a package of avoidance and mitigation measures. The planning authorities across the Solent have drawn up a strategic package of mitigations measures, the Bird Aware Solent strategy [link http://www.birdaware.org/strategy]. This provides avoidance and mitigation measures sufficient to avoid an Adverse Effect on the Integrity of the European sites from new residential development and is funded in perpetuity. Developments that result in a net increase in dwellings, including holiday and student accommodation can opt to contribute to the scheme through s106 Agreements (including Unilateral Undertakings). There is currently a scale of contributions, calculated according to the number of bedrooms in each dwelling.

7.176 Applicants for development leading to a net increase in dwellings can also opt to provide their own mitigation schemes as an alternative to a payment to Bird Aware Solent. Such schemes will be subject to assessment under the Habitats Regulations as to their suitability and effectiveness and will need to provide mitigation that is funded in-perpetuity. Such stand-alone schemes should not rely solely on measures put in place within the development, but are very likely to have to provide measures to address disturbance on the coast.

7.177 For Pagham Harbour SPA, an impact from recreational disturbance is also considered to be likely under the precautionary principle, given the similarity of the habitat to the Solent SPAs. At Pagham there is also the issue of potential disturbance in summer to ground nesting birds. Evidence from visitor surveys suggests that the majority of visitors to Pagham Harbour who are resident within Chichester District come from within 3.5km of the site. Within this 'zone of influence' net increase in residential development should provide for mitigation measures to avoid any impact or be subject to an 'appropriate assessment' under the Habitats Regulations to show that any impact (either alone or in-combination with other developments including developments within Arun District) is not significant.

7.178 For Pagham Harbour SPA, Chichester and Arun District Councils have put in place a Strategic Scheme of Access Management and Mitigation or SAMM (delivered through the RSPB as site managers). This is similar in principle to the Bird Aware scheme in that it is funded in-perpetuity through s106 contributions and is delivered through wardening within the SPA and a wider programme of education and awareness-raising.

7.179 For both Chichester and Pagham Harbours some of the bird species for which they are designed, Brent Geese in particular, use functionally linked supporting habitats around the SPA for feeding and roosting. Developments on or adjacent to these areas can have an impact on the SPAs separate to and additional to the impact of recreational disturbance. For Chichester and Langstone Harbours SPA the Solent Waders and Brent Geese Strategy [add link] identifies the areas of supporting habitat and grades them into four categories: core areas, primary support areas, secondary support areas and low use areas. Interim guidance on offsetting and mitigation requirements has been produced. For Pagham Harbour SPA a case by case approach will be adopted and applicants may be asked to provide bird survey data sufficient for an Appropriate Assessment to be carried out.

(1) Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows

7.180 Trees, woodlands and hedgerows are essential features of the plan area's landscape; enhancing its visual amenity, the quality of the environment and providing habitats for a range of wildlife. They can also provide important corridors or stepping stones between habitats and are essential components of the local ecological network. The Council will seek to ensure the management, including conservation and enhancement, of existing valued trees, woodlands and hedgerows, and to ensure that opportunities for restoration and new planting is realised.

7.181 Hedgerows are identified as a priority habitat requiring conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Ancient Woodland is also recognised as an irreplaceable habitat. Where new development is proposed the preference will always be to incorporate natural features into the development and development should be designed from this first principle. Where the loss of trees or hedgerow is unavoidable adequate replacement provision should be secured. All development must be undertaken in accordance with the British Standard 5837 and all tree works must be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998.

(2) Green Infrastructure

7.182 Green Infrastructure (GI) is the term used to refer to the living network of multifunctional green spaces, water and other environmental features in both urban and rural areas, which are capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities, including health and wellbeing. The term covers those benefits provided by trees, parks, gardens, road verges, allotments, cemeteries, woodlands, rivers and wetlands, and also refers to the use of farmland, woodland, wetlands or other natural features to provide services such as flood protection, carbon storage or water purification.

7.183 Green Infrastructure maintains critical ecological links between town and country^[16], and has an important role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change and provides important cooling, shading and filtering effects that will become more significant if temperatures rise as predicted. Trees and woodland, for example, are essential to the value of Green Infrastructure; their appropriate management, retention and provision of new tree planting can help to combat climate change and flooding, alleviate pollution and modify microclimates.

7.184 The plan area has a wide range of sites designated for their sensitive character, flora and fauna and other environmental value. It is important that these areas are protected, maintained and, where possible, enhanced. Maintaining an inter-connected network of green spaces is essential to retaining existing biodiversity and enhancing areas by providing important links and wildlife corridors for species, helping to protect against habitat fragmentation and allowing species migration. The protection and enhancement of biodiversity and open spaces should not just be seen in isolation, but as the development of green infrastructure networks across the plan area.

7.185 Some key strategic green infrastructure assets of biodiversity, landscape and recreational value in the plan area, include but are not limited to:

• Canals, river corridors, tributaries and river valleys;
• Disused railway corridors (e.g. Chichester to Lavant);
• Cycle paths such as Centurion Way and Salterns Way;
• Cycle and pedestrian links within the plan area and to the National Park;
• Natural and semi-natural urban greenspaces such as the Medmerry Realignment, East Beach Pond, ditches, hedgerows, allotments and play areas;
• Farmland which is predominantly arable land in the south of the plan area and pasture and equestrian uses in the north-east;
• Wetland areas at Chichester and Pagham Harbours;
• Trees and woodland areas;
• Wildlife corridors;
• Coastal features such as vegetated shingle at Selsey and West Wittering; and
• Ancient Woodlands and Historic parks and formal and informal recreation areas such as Bishops Palace Garden, Priory Park, and Oaklands Park.

7.186 The plan area also has close links to, and within, the South Downs National Park, which is a key GI asset.

7.187 Growth and new development in the plan area will result in increased pressure on existing green infrastructure networks and may generate demands for new provision. The impact of development may lead to increased user pressure on the more sensitive biodiversity sites and may require alternative compensatory provision, for example in the form of alternative recreational space. This is particularly relevant to Chichester and Langstone Harbour and Pagham Harbour and the impact of recreational pressure on the birds that use these Special Protection Areas. Any negative impacts that the development may have should be weighed against the benefits of the proposal. This may include looking at whether the assets are surplus to requirements, if the proposal impacts on a small area or corridor or if a wider need exists for the development and there is no alternative location. If the adverse impact cannot be negated through reasonable means then mitigation should be provided on or off site. The form and nature of mitigation will depend on the context of the site and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. This will ensure that new provision relates well to the overall green infrastructure network and is suitable to the site.

7.188 The Council published its Delivering Green Infrastructure in the Local Plan Area document in 2016. The document is not formal policy but provides guidance to developers on ensuring the delivery of GI in the plan area, and includes a GI Developer Checklist which sets out how the Council expects proposals for major developments to integrate high quality GI from the earliest stage.

7.189 The GI Delivery Document was informed by the Council's Green Infrastructure Mapping project undertaken in 2013 in partnership with Forest Research UK. This sought to identify and map the components of the local ecological networks. The results of this mapping work, in addition to details of species records and the location of priority habitats and designated sites, has enabled the Council to identify and map strategic corridors. These maps are shown in Figure 5.1

(1) Canals

7.190 The Chichester Ship Canal linked Chichester City with the Harbour and, together with the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal, fed into the River Arun at Ford. In conjunction with the Wey and Arun Canal, this created an inland water route from Portsmouth to London via the River Wey.

7.191 Through navigation along this route is currently not possible as a result of road culverts, development or abandonment. The Wey and Arun Canal Trust Limited and The Chichester Ship Canal Trust are working to restore their respective sections.

7.192 The benefits of enhancements to the plan area's canals could include increased recreation, leisure pursuits and economic activity in line with objectives and aspirations set out in the Green Infrastructure policy and national guidance.

7.193 Proposals for development may need to include an ecological study and a transport assessment to identify how proposals will avoid or mitigate any potential impact.

7.194 There remains a further significant length of the former Portsmouth and Arundel Canal within the plan area (between Runcton and the plan area boundary east of Colworth) where there are no proposals for restoration. Nevertheless much of this alignment forms the route of a public right of way which extends eastwards into Arun District.

7.195 These remnants are important early 19th Century historic features in the landscape of the coastal plain and warrant protection and, where feasible, enhancement to facilitate the cultural and historic understanding of the area. They also provide the opportunity for leisure and tourism pursuits.

(2) Open Space, Sport and Recreation

7.196 The Local Plan Review can assist in enhancing well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles by protecting, enhancing and providing new open space, sport and recreation (including indoor) facilities. Open space also forms a key component of a green infrastructure network (see Policy DM32) and therefore contributes to the area's biodiversity assets.

7.197 Open space includes formal facilities such as parks, sports and recreation grounds, children's play areas, outdoor sports facilities, playing pitches, amenity spaces and allotments, and also more informal facilities such as natural green spaces, beaches, lakes, watercourses and recreational routes. Indoor sports facilities include swimming pools, leisure centres, fitness stations and sports facilities provided in community centres and schools, where public access may be restricted to certain times.

7.198 The Chichester Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (including indoor facilities) and Playing Pitch Strategy 2018 proposes quantity, access and quality standards for different typologies in the plan area. When existing provision is compared against the recommended standards, the study identifies a justified need for allotments, amenity open space, play space (especially youth play space) and parks, sport and recreation grounds. The study recommends that levels of provision in new development are considered together with amenity open space. The aim would be to provide amenity/natural greenspaces which have both a recreational value and biodiversity value through native planting. There should be a move away from providing numerous small amenity grass areas, to providing fewer, larger amenity/natural spaces in new development. It recommends that sites which have significant nature conservation, historical or cultural value should be afforded protection, even if there is an identified surplus in quality, quantity or access in that local area. Some areas have sufficient local provision for certain types of open space, although every area is deficient in some form of provision in terms of quantity, accessibility or quality. The study also highlights the very poor access to youth provision, with significant gaps in many of the settlements. Therefore, Policy DM34 seeks to retain all open space unless an equivalent replacement can be provided in terms of quantity, accessibility and quality.

7.199 Where a surplus of provision is identified against the standards set out in the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study including Indoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy 2018, proposals involving the loss of facilities will need to take into account the potential for the use of the land to help reduce shortfalls of other types of open space and future needs arising from development. Policy DM8 covers the loss of community halls.

7.200 New housing developments create an additional need for both open space and recreational facilities. Where access to existing local facilities or the quality of provision is inadequate, new developments will be expected to provide new or improved facilities in respect of allotments, amenity open space, play space (including youth space) and parks, sport and recreation grounds and natural or semi-natural greenspace. The provision of additional amenity/natural greenspace may be required as part of mitigation measures to protect against the potential disturbance to bird populations (see Policy DM30). In accordance with the standards set out in the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study including Indoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy 2018, on-site provision for open space, sports and recreation facilities will be sought to meet the recreational needs of the residents' new housing development. All types of residential development where there is a net increase in homes will be expected to contribute to the provision of facilities. The standards below exclude car parking and changing rooms, which should be provided in addition to the open space quantity standards. However, SuDS and landscape screens and buffers can potentially be provided within the open space if they are both functionally appropriate and form an integral part of the design of the type of open space being provided.

7.201 The study also recommends standards for certain indoor sports facilities including sports halls, swimming pools, synthetic pitches, and health and fitness stations. The Local Plan Review seeks to ensure that existing facilities are protected and where needed positive improvements are achieved. These standards identified are as follows:

Table 7.1 Minimum Open Space requirements from new development

Typology	Quantity standards (ha/1000 population)	Access standard (metres/straight line walk time)
Allotments	0.30	600 metres or 12-13 minutes
Amenity and Natural Green Space	1.0	600 metres or 12-13 minutes
Parks and Recreation Grounds	1.2	600 metres or 12-13 minutes to local facilities 10 minutes drive time for larger multi-functional facilities
Play Space (Children)	0.05	480 metres or 10 minutes
Play Space (Youth)	0.05	720 metres or 15 minutes
Total for new provision	2.6 ha/1000

Table 7.1a Household size multiplier

Dwelling Size	Average Household Size (Census 2011)
1 Bedroom	1.4
2 Bedroom	1.8
3 Bedroom	2.4
4+ Bedroom	2.8

Table 7.2 Thresholds for Open Space provision

Threshold requirement for open space, sport & recreation facilities *CIL (off-site) ✔ S106 (on-site)
Type of provision	1-19 dwellings	20-49 dwellings	50-99 dwellings	100+ dwellings
Allotments	*	*	*	✔
Amenity and Natural Green Space	*	✔	✔	✔
Parks, Sport and Recreation Grounds	*	*	*	✔
Play Space (Children)	*	*	✔	✔
Play Space (Youth)	*	*	*	✔

Table 7.3 Sport/Recreation facilities requirements from new development

Indoor Facility	Quantity Standard (per 1000 population)	Access Standard (Drive-time or walking in urban areas)
Swimming Pools - Based on 4 lane x 25m pool unit	10.05 sqm; or 0.042 pools	Within 15/20 minutes
Sports Halls - Based on 4 x badminton court hall unit	0.26 courts; or 0.065 halls	Within 15/20 minutes
Health & Fitness - Based on individual stations (pay and play access)	5 stations, subject to viability	Within 20 minutes
Small community halls	1 venue for each settlement of 500 people. 1 further venue for each additional 2,500 people but with flexibility of interpretation	600 metres (15 minutes straight line walk time) 15 minutes drive-time might be acceptable in rural areas.

7.202 Further details are set out in the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study including Indoor Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy 2018. The standards and methodology will be set out in the revised Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD. Off-site facilities and improvements will be via other funding sources including CIL. The Council will use appropriate planning obligations to secure the provision and maintenance of open space, sport and recreation facilities.

7.203 The Area Based Policies identify the locations where new and enhanced open space, sport and recreation facilities will be sought in association with strategic development and refers to additional provision that will be sought to address current needs where opportunities arise. Where appropriate, other specific allocations and enhancements will be identified in the relevant Neighbourhood Plans, forthcoming DPD, Supplementary Planning Document(s) and the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

7.204 Recreational activities which are likely to create noise disturbance to the surrounding environment should demonstrate that activities would not adversely impact on the tranquillity and enjoyment of local residents, or other users of the coast and countryside.

Equestrian Development

7.205 Equestrian activities and facilities are very popular in the plan area, particularly on the Manhood Peninsula and the more commercial polo activities in the northeast of the district. The Council recognises the contribution these activities make to the rural economy and the need to make provision for equestrian development. However, it is necessary to ensure that there is no harm to the character and appearance of the countryside.

7.206 Horse related development requires adequate land for commercial enterprises and associated new buildings, generally in a countryside location. New stable blocks and field shelters can often appear isolated and intrusive on undeveloped land; therefore, where possible, the re-use of existing buildings will be encouraged including for any form of staff accommodation where required. Associated development such as lighting, storage, waste disposal, manèges and sub-division of fields can be prominent features in the landscape and in some cases may not be appropriate. Additionally, these uses and structures as well as the re-profiling and manicured appearance of grass land for polo uses can, both individually and cumulatively, change the visual character of an area and its landscape.

7.207 It is essential that any equestrian development does not have an adverse impact on the special qualities of the landscape, for example, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or the South Downs National Park. Therefore, proposals should provide comprehensive details of the development required; such as size, materials and fencing together with a detailed scheme of land and site management. The design and materials of new horse related structures must be in keeping with the character of the rural area. As part of the proposals, the protection of watercourses and ground water from contamination associated with slurry disposal will be required.

7.208 In most cases conditions will be attached to the planning permission requiring stables and field shelters to be used only for private use and not business and commercial uses. Appendix C sets out the details of information which may be required as part of a planning application.