Chichester Local Plan 2021-2039 - Main Modifications consultation

Amend paragraph:

The local Preferred Approach consultation on the Local Plan was based on meeting the identified objectively assessed housing needs of for the plan area is of 638 dwellings per annum²⁷ (dpa), which is a starting point for determining the housing requirement. This excludes any plus an allowance for accommodating unmet need arising from the Chichester District part of the South Downs National Park. The plan period is from 2021/22 - 2038/39 giving a total requirement of a minimum of 11,484 dwellings. From the start of the plan period (1 April 2021) to 31 March 2024 there have been 2,326 completions, leaving a residual need of 9,158 dwellings to be delivered.

²⁷ Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (April 2022)

Amend paragraph:

However, constraints particularly the capacity of the A27 has led to the council planning for a housing requirement below the need derived from the standard method, of 535 in the southern plan areas and a further 40 dpa in the northern plan area, a total supply of 10,350 dwellings over the plan period from 2021 - 2039. As a result of not meeting the identified housing needs, the council is now unable to accommodate any unmet need from the part of the South Downs National Park within Chichester District. The housing requirement is stepped, with an annualised requirement for the years 2021/22 to 2029/30 of 575 dpa, stepping up to 701 dpa for the years 2030/31 to 2038/39.

Amend paragraph:

In order to meet the requirements of the duty to cooperate the council has liaised with have approached neighbouring and other authorities during the preparation of the Plan. to see whether they may be able to meet any of Chichester's unmet needs. Most of the neighbouring authorities are faced with similar constraints and are unable to assist. The latest position will be set out in the Duty to Cooperate Statement of Compliance.

Amend paragraph:

The council will continue to work with other local authorities in the West Sussex and Greater Brighton Strategic Planning Board to address the objectively assessed housing need for housing and other development needs arising in this area. As discussed in paragraph 1.27, this duty to cooperate includes the commissioning of new evidence to understand the potential longer term development needs, including housing, arising within the area, before considering spatial options for addressing this need - taking into account the opportunities available, the potential infrastructure and constraints. These issues are not for the council to consider in isolation, with the joint strategic planning partnership being the agreed mechanism to address such matters in a timely way.

Move paragraph to after policy:

The Plan period runs from 2021 - 2039. To ensure a continuous supply of housing over the plan period, a number of sources of supply have been identified. These include new strategic allocations made in this Plan, retained allocations from the adopted Local Plan 2014-2029 (brought forward into this Plan), existing commitments, sites to be identified at a parish level through neighbourhood plans (or DPD) and sites not yet identified that are likely to come forward through the development management process in accordance with the policies of this Plan ('windfalls').

Replace all policy text.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H1 Meeting Housing Needs

The housing target for the plan area is to provide for at least 10,350 dwellings to be delivered in the period 2021-2039. The broad sources of supply anticipated in this Plan are as follows:

The broad spatial distribution of this supply of housing across the different plan areas is indicated in the table below:

²⁸ Carried forward in this Local Plan (see Policy H2 Strategic Locations/ Allocations 2021 - 2039)

²⁹ Carried forward in this Local Plan (see Policy H2 Strategic Locations/ Allocations 2021 - 2039) Site Allocations DPD 2014-2029)

³⁰ Does not include planning permissions on small sites (1-4 dwellings) permitted after 1st April 2022 as these are included in the windfall allowance.

The housing requirement for the plan area is to provide for at least 11,484 dwellings (638 dwellings per annum) to be delivered in the period 2021/22 - 2038/39 stepped as follows:

575 dpa for the years 2021/22 to 2029/30

701 dpa for the years 2030/31 to 2038/39.

Paragraph moved to after Policy Text.

Amend paragraph:

The Plan period runs from 2021/22 - 2038/39. To ensure a continuous supply of housing over the plan period, a number of sources of supply have been identified. These include new strategic allocations made in this Plan, retained allocations from the adopted Local Plan 2014-2029 (brought forward into this Plan), existing commitments, sites to be identified at a parish level through neighbourhood plans (or DPD), sites to be identified through a Site Allocation DPD/ review of the Local Plan, land to be identified through the Southbourne Allocation DPD and sites not yet identified that are likely to come forward through the development management process in accordance with the policies of this Plan ('windfalls'). The number of completions above or below the housing requirement, since the base date of the plan, will be taken in to account when calculating the council's 5 year housing land supply position on an annual basis.

Add new table:

Table XX Housing Supply

Amend paragraph:

In order to achieve the levels of housing supply required to meet identified needs the housing requirement, it is necessary to make provision for larger scale development in the plan area. In total the Plan provides for at least 7,5000 dwellings to come forward from such sites, including allocations carried forward from the 2015 Local Plan. Details of the These strategic locations and allocations expected to deliver this source of supply are summarised set below with the detail for each site in Chapter 10.

New paragraph after 5.6. Text taken from paragraph 5.10 with correction:

Developments of 5 or more dwellings will be counted against the parish housing requirements. Developments of less than 5 dwellings will not count against the parish housing requirements as they are already taken into consideration in an allowance made for future delivery from windfall small sites.

2^nd new paragraph after 5.6. Final sentence moved from 5.6:

Policy H2 sets out the gross dwelling numbers for each strategic location/ allocation. Details of any extant permissions are set out in the supporting text of relevant policies in Chapter 10, including any implications these have for dwelling numbers. Note: some large-scale strategic development is currently expected to be provided for through neighbourhood plans.

Amend paragraph 1,3.

Delete paragraph 4.

New final paragraph.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H2 Strategic Locations/ Allocations 2021 - 2039

The following strategic Strategic site allocations are carried forward from the 2015 Local Plan:

The following new strategic sites are allocated:

A broad location for development (BLD) is identified as follows, with the allocation of a site within the BLD to be identified through either the neighbourhood planning process or subsequent the Southbourne Site Allocation DPD:

The following strategic locations have been identified where neighbourhood plans or a Site Allocation DPD/ review of the Local Plan will be are anticipated to be prepared to identify the sites required:

If draft neighbourhood plans making provision for at least the minimum housing numbers of the relevant area have not made demonstrable progress, the council will allocate sites within a development plan document in order to meet the requirements of this Local Plan.

In order to demonstrate the delivery of the housing requirement, in instances where work on a neighbourhood plan stalls, the plan is turned down by the community at the referendum stage, or the parish council hands back the allocation of housing to the council, sites will be identified and a review of settlement boundaries will be undertaken by the council in the Site Allocation DPD or review of the Local Plan (whichever is sooner).

³¹ Additional 300 over previous allocation of 1,000.

³² An additional 245 to the 50 allocated in the Policy BO1 Site Allocation DPD 2014 - 2029 (total of 295)

Amend paragraph:

Following a similar approach to the 2015 Local Plan, it is proposed that The responsibility for identifying sites suitable for small-scale housing is assumed at a parish level in order to address the needs of local communities. In accordance with the Local Plan settlement hierarchy, it is intended that such new housing should generally be directed primarily towards the larger, more sustainable settlements.

Amend paragraph. Text moved from paragraph 5.10.

Indicative The gross housing numbers to be planned requirement for each parish is are set out in the policy below. Some flexibility may be allowed for minor amendments to housing numbers for individual parishes subject to the detailed investigation and assessment of potential sites through neighbourhood plans and in the subsequent Site Allocation DPD. Paragraph XX also applies to Parish Housing Requirements.

New paragraph after 5.8:

Extant permissions for 5 dwellings or more within each parish since 1 April 2021 are deducted from the requirement, the net number for each parish, as at 31 January 2025, is set out in the table at paragraph XX.

Amend paragraph 1.

Delete rows from table.

Delete paragraph 2.

New final paragraph.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H3 Non-Strategic Parish Housing Requirements 2021 - 2039

Small-scale housing sites Housing allocations will be identified to help provide for the needs of local communities in accordance with the parish housing requirements set out below minus extant permissions for 5 dwellings or more within the parish since 1 April 2021. Suitable sites will be identified either through neighbourhood plans or subsequent development plan document. Note that a '*' against a parish name indicates that a strategic allocation/ broad location for development is identified or strategic location for development is made as set out in Policy H2.

If draft neighbourhood plans making provision for at least the minimum housing numbers of the relevant area have not made demonstrable progress the council will allocate sites for development within a development plan document in order to meet the requirements of this Local Plan.

In order to demonstrate the delivery of the housing requirement, in instances where work on a neighbourhood plan stalls, the plan is turned down by the community at the referendum stage, or the parish council hands back the allocation of housing to the council, sites will be identified and a review of settlement boundaries will be undertaken by the council in the Site Allocation DPD or review of the Local Plan (whichever is sooner).

Add new Table:

Table XX - Parish Housing Requirements - Gross and Net Figures as at 31^st January 2025

Amend paragraph:

Suitable sites and locations for development will be identified meeting the criteria set in Policy S1 and Policy S2 (Spatial Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy) and other policies in the Plan. It is intended that the identification of sites and phasing of delivery will be determined by local communities through neighbourhood planning in consultation with the council. In areas where parish councils do not wish to prepare their own neighbourhood plan, the council will work with the parishes to identify sites in a subsequent development plan document. Housing sites for Chichester city will be allocated through the preparation of a neighbourhood plan or of the a subsequent development plan document and, if the latter is the case, may include sites adjoining the Chichester city settlement boundary in neighbouring parishes (including sites separated from the settlement boundary by the A27).

Delete paragraph. Text moved to preceding supporting text.

Some flexibility may be allowed for minor amendments to housing numbers for individual parishes subject to the detailed investigation and assessment of potential sites through neighbourhood plans and in the subsequent Site Allocation DPD. Developments of 6 or more dwellings will be counted against the parish housing requirements. Developments of less than 6 dwellings will not count against the parish housing requirements as they are already taken into consideration in an allowance made for future delivery from windfall small sites.

Amend paragraph:

In order to be in a position to update this Local Plan within the next five years the cCouncil will need to consider future population and household growth. At the same time, the requirement for sufficient homes to house a local workforce without relying on excessive in-commuting to the District's workplaces will need to be considered. The continual evolution of National Planning Policy also presents challenges as in what national, regional, sub-regional and plan area strategic planning context any future reviews of this plan maybe undertaken.

Amend paragraph:

As indicated at paragraph 5.4, the West Sussex and Greater Brighton Strategic Planning Board has been commissioned to prepare the evidence base for the Local Strategic Statement 3 (LSS) for the longer term period 2030-2050. This work will, if progressed, involve neighbouring authorities, which may provide a strategic context in which to plan for the district's future after 2039 and present one option for dealing with future housing growth. Similarly, the cCouncil will continue to work bilaterally with neighbouring authorities in seeking to find cross boundary strategic solutions to future growth requirements.

Amend criterion 2,3.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H4 Affordable Housing

Provision of affordable housing will be required as set out in criteria 1 to 4 below and in accordance with the type, mix and tenure requirements set out in Policy H5 (Housing Mix).

1. On-site affordable housing provision will be required on sites of 10 dwellings or more, or sites of 0.5 hectares or more at the following percentages:

1. North of the Plan Area - 40% on greenfield sites, 30% on previously developed land.
2. South of the Plan Area - 30% on greenfield sites, 20% on previously developed land.

Strategic Locations/Allocations will make provision as per the requirements set out above unless otherwise stated in the site-specific allocation policy.

2. On sites of 6 to 9 dwellings, in areas designated as rural areas as shown in Appendix B, the council will seek an equivalent financial contribution for the provision of affordable dwellings as a commuted sum³³.
3. Where the affordable housing calculation results in fractions of homes, the fraction will be sought as an equivalent commuted sum using the calculation set out in Appendix I;
4. Where the affordable housing requirement causes a proposal to be financially unviable, developers must assess the below options in order of preference:

1. Establish if any public subsidy is available to deliver a policy compliant mix;
2. Alter the tenure mix within the affordable housing percentage required by the policy;
3. Reduce the overall percentage of housing provided as affordable units;
4. Provide a financial contribution for affordable housing to be delivered off-site

Commuted sums will only be accepted in very exceptional circumstances if supported by evidence, including, where appropriate, viability evidence. If it can be demonstrated that affordable housing on site is not appropriate, development of affordable dwellings on another site may be considered. If this is not achievable, the council will seek a financial contribution to enable provision of affordable homes elsewhere in the plan area, this is to be calculated in accordance with the latest information on the council's website. The council will expect the requirements of criterion 4 to be demonstrated through an 'open book' process. An independent valuer appointed by the council, at the developer's cost, will provide an independent viability assessment.

Tenure

25% of the affordable housing provision will be made up of first homes, which will be available to first-time buyers at a minimum of 30% discount from market value and accord with other national policy requirements concerning first homes.

The tenure split of affordable housing should be as follows:

• 25% first homes
• 35% social rent,
• 22% affordable rent
• 18% shared ownership

Planning permission can be granted for an alternative tenure split provided that robust evidence demonstrates that a different split is more suitable, for example where it is appropriate in order to meet local needs.

Opportunities should be taken to include a proportion of affordable older persons accommodation as part of the affordable housing provision, particularly involving care provision.

Other forms of affordable home ownership will be considered if a suitable justification can be provided, though this should not be at the expense of the social rented component of the tenure mix set out above.

Sub-division of sites

Where a site has been sub-divided or is not being developed to its full potential so as to fall under the affordable housing threshold, the council will seek a level of affordable housing to reflect the provision that would have been achieved on the site as a whole had it come forward as a single scheme for the allocated or identified site.

³³ See website for information about calculation of commuted sum.

Amend % requirement.

Amend 2^nd paragraph.

New final paragraph, footnote 47 from policy A8.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H6 Custom and/or Self Build Homes

New sites over 200 units which are allocated in the Local Plan will be required to provide self and custom build serviced plots³⁵ as set out in the relevant site-specific allocation policies.

In the event that any housing sites come forward for development that are strategic in scale (over 200 residential units), and that are not allocated in this Plan, In all other instances 2 5% of market units provided on strategic scale housing sites should be self/custom build.

Self and custom build serviced plots will also be encouraged as part of other residential development sites, though there is no requirement for a specific number of plots.

Plots/units must be extensively marketed at a reasonable value for at least 12 months. For the first two months of this marketing period, the plots will be prioritised to individuals and associations of individuals on the council's self-build register. Where the council agrees that the plots have been appropriately marketed (for a period of not less than 12 months) and have not sold within this time period these plots may be built out as conventional market housing (this option is not available for plots granted via the exception sites criteria referred to below).

The provision of custom and self-build plots via the neighbourhood planning process is encouraged, particularly where a need can be demonstrated via the council's Custom and Self-Build Register, or via evidence gathered as part of the neighbourhood planning process.

A serviced plot of land is a plot of land that either has access to a public highway and has connections for electricity, water and wastewater, or, in the opinion of a relevant authority, can be provided with access to those things within the duration of a development permission granted in relation to that land.

Amend paragraph:

Exception sites are offered at below market value to provide affordable homes for local people. Proposals for exception sites (as defined in the NPPF) must meet an identified local housing need in the parish in which they are proposed. For both first homes and rural exception sites, occupiers will need to demonstrate a local connection, which may be as a result of residency, having family or employment in the local area. For the purposes of rural exception sites, this policy a 'local connection' is set out in the rural allocations policy contained in the council's allocations scheme^XX. For first homes exceptions sites, guidance on First Homes is available through the council's Housing team^XX.

^XXhttps://www.chichester.gov.uk/applyhousingregister

^XXhttps://www.chichester.gov.uk/housingtobuy#firsthomes

Amend paragraph:

First homes exception sites can come forward on unallocated land outside of a local or neighbourhood plan. First homes exception sites will not be permitted in 'designated rural areas', this means Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks and other areas designated as 'rural' under Section 157 of the Housing Act 1985 (as shown at Appendix B). In contrast, rural exception sites can be located in a National Park or an AONB. National policy sets out that First homes exception sites only need to be 'primarily' for First homes and hence can include a small market housing component where it can be demonstrated it is necessary to ensure overall viability. However, tThe inclusion of a market housing component will need to be robustly justified, taking into account the requirements set out in this regard in national policy and guidance.

Amend paragraph:

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 with the settlement. Proposals for affordable housing exception sites will not be permitted in scattered or isolated locations., or for large scale development of over 30 homes.

Amend paragraph:

The scale of the development should be appropriate proportionate to the size of the settlement. Proportionate should be determined with regard to the form, scale and established pattern of the settlement. However, sites will be unlikely to be considered proportionate in size if they would lead to an increase in the number of homes in a settlement by more than 5%, or if they would have an area exceeding 1ha.defined in the NPPF as not larger than one hectare, or exceeding 5% of the size of the existing 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.

Delete paragraph:

The council's Planning Obligations and Affordable Housing SPD provides further information on the provision of exception site housing.

Amend criterion 1.

Delete criterion 2.

Amend criterion 4.

Amend paragraph 2.

Change criterion numbers 8-12 to letters.

New criterion e.

Amend criterion 12.

Amend final paragraph.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H7 Rural and First Homes Exception Sites

Proposals for affordable housing on rural exception sites will be supported where all of the following criteria are met:

1. There is an identified local housing need which cannot be met by existing, allocated or future permitted affordable housing provision;
2. Proposals for rural exception sites are for up to 30 dwellings;

2. 3. The number, size, type and tenure of affordable homes should be based on robust and up to date evidence of local need;
3. 4. Occupiers can demonstrate a local connection; to the parish in the first instance, and the immediately surrounding parishes in the second instance;
4. 5. The homes will remain affordable in perpetuity;
5. 6. The site is located adjacent or as close as possible to the existing settlement boundary and does not result in scattered or isolated development in rural areas; and
6. 7. The scale of the proposal is proportionate to the existing settlement, reflects the landscape character of the area, and would be well related to the existing settlement.

In addition to the requirements above, proposals Proposals for first homes exception sites, except in designated rural areas, will be supported where all of the following criteria are met:

1. 8. The site delivers primarily first homes;
2. 9. There is a need for first homes which is not being met elsewhere in the plan area;
3. 10. The homes will remain first homes in perpetuity;
4. 11. The first homes provided are occupied by first-time buyers who meet the local connection test; and
5. The site is located adjacent or as close as possible to the existing settlement boundary and does not result in scattered or isolated development in rural areas; and
6. 12. The size of the site scale of the proposal is proportionate to the size of the existing settlement to which it is adajcent, reflects the landscape character of the area and would be well related to the settlement.

Applications for first homes exception sites that propose the inclusion of a small proportion of market housing will be expected to provide robust evidence that the site would be unviable without such housing being included.

Amend paragraph:

To help provide accommodation for those of different ages and with different support needs, 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, in Chichester city and settlement hubs (as defined in the Local Plan settlement hierarchy) to meet the needs of extra-care housing in the Chichester plan area.

Amend title.

Amend criterion 1.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H8 Specialist Housing accommodation for older people and those with specialised needs

All housing sites over 200 units, including those allocated in this plan, will be required to provide specialist accommodation for older people to include a support or care component. The specific type and amount of accommodation required will depend on the size and location of the site.

Proposals for specialist housing, such as homes for older people, student, HMOs or essential worker accommodation³⁷, and other groups requiring specifically designed accommodation will be supported where the following criteria are met:

1. There is an identified need as set out in the most up to date HEDNA or a parish local housing need study;
2. It will not lead to a concentration of similar uses in an area that would be detrimental to the character or function of an area and / or residential amenity;
3. It is in close proximity to everyday services, connecting by safe and suitable walking / cycling routes or public transport for the intended occupier;
4. It can be demonstrated that the development is designed to provide the most appropriate types of support for the target resident;
5. It can be demonstrated that revenue funding can be secured to maintain the long-term viability of the scheme (if relevant to the type of accommodation proposed); and
6. The scheme is supported by the relevant agencies (if relevant to the accommodation type to be provided).

Proposals which may result in the loss of specialist needs accommodation will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for such accommodation in the plan area, or alternative provision is being made available locally through replacement or new facilities.

³⁷Those meeting the essential local worker definition as set out in the NPPF

Amend criterion a.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H10 Accessible and Adaptable Homes

On all residential development sites:

1. 5% of affordable housing must meet wheelchair accessibility standards M4(3)((2)(b)) where there is an identified need on the Housing Register and the council will have nomination rights.
2. all remaining dwellings must meet accessibility and adaptability standards M4(2)³⁸

Where it is not possible to provide dwellings at M4(3) Building Standards on site, an equivalent off-site contribution should be provided³⁹.

³⁸ Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document M - Access to and use of buildings (or subsequent updates)

³⁹ See website for information about calculation of commuted sum.

Amend paragraph:

TheGovernment's Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS 202415) requires councils to assess and meet gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople's accommodation needs. Meeting this need has the same level of importance as every other housing need within the plan area. PPTS 2015 was updated in 2023 and then again in 2024, to the effect that the definition of travellers for planning purposes now includes again to no longer include those gypsies and travellers who have ceased to travel permanently, and also all other persons with a cultural tradition of nomadism or of living in a caravan. However, the needs of all travellers still have to be met in an appropriate manner.

Amend paragraph:

A new Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment was completed in 2022 (GTAA) in order to inform the new Local Plan, which builds on the previous joint study undertaken in 2018/19, which was produced on behalf of a group of Coastal West Sussex Authorities. The need requirement, as per the new GTAA is set out below. The latest GTAA is based on the definition of travellers as set out within PPTS 2015, as that was the relevant version at the time the GTAA 2022 was completed, however, the consultants who prepared it have subsequently updated the need figures to reflect the amendments made to PPTS in 2023. The amendments to PPTS in 2024 were not relevant for the purposes of the Examination and hence the Plan is not informed by those amendments.

Table 5.1 Additional pitch provision required in the plan area to accommodate gypsies and travellers

⁴⁰ This includes the figure from the base date of the GTAA, which is 2022, so this period is effectively a 7 year period.

⁴¹ This category includes a proportion of the undetermined need (6830%), as per the methodology used by the consultants who produced the GTAA.

Table 5.2 Additional plot provision required in the plan area to accommodate travelling showpeople

Amend paragraph:

Given the high level of need within the plan area the council has had to utilise a wide range of options for meeting this need. This entails providing pitches on the strategic housing allocation sites, supporting increases in the density of pitches on existing authorised sites which have been assessed as being acceptable in principle for additional pitches, and allowing pitches to come forward on a case-by-case basis. The council will also consider allocating additional pitches via the forthcoming Allocations DPD.

New paragraph after paragraph 5.66:

The provision of pitches on strategic allocations should be considered from the outset as part of the masterplanning process, and pitches should be provided in parts of the site which would be suitable for any other form of housing i.e. they should not be pushed into areas such as noise buffers or areas of public open space. If there is an opportunity to provide pitches with their own vehicular access then this may be beneficial, but is not essential. Pitches should be seen as akin to self and custom build plots, and they should be provided as serviced plots, with access to a public highway or the local access road within the development, and have connections for electricity, water and wastewater. While pitch design can be left to individual applicants, developers may find it beneficial to agree a set of design principles for these as part of planning applications (which could be established by a condition), or even set out the specific design of the plots as part of reserved matter submissions or full applications. Conditions will also be imposed regulating the occupancy of the plots (i.e. requiring that the occupants meet the definition within PPTS). The marketing arrangements and cost of pitches will need to be addressed via conditions and/or the s.106 agreement.

Delete 2^nd bullet.

Amend paragraph 3,4,6,7.

New paragraph. Footnote moved into policy.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H11 Meeting Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeoples' Needs

The Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment identifies the potential need for permanent pitches and plots for the period 2024 to 2039 as:

• 124 130 additional permanent residential gypsy and traveller pitches (for those who meet the PPTS 2023 definition) of which 90 95 pitches are required before 2029;
• 34 additional pitches will be needed for those who don't meet the definition; and
• 40 additional plots for travelling showpeople, of which 26 are required before 2029.

The Local Plan provides for a range of mechanisms for making provision for gypsy and traveller and travelling showpeople accommodation including:

• Allocating pitches on suitable sites, including provision of pitches on new strategic housing allocations, as set out in the site-specific policies;
• Appropriate intensification of suitable existing authorised sites as set out in Policy H12; and
• Flexible release of sites on a case-by-case basis as per Policy H13.

All gypsy and traveller and travelling showpeople pitches/plots provided must comply with the site design policy (Policy H14).

Pitches consented in the plan area should be marketed initially⁴² for at least 12 months for travellers with a local connection.

Offsite accommodation in lieu of pitches required on strategic sites will only be acceptable where all of the following criteria are met:

1. The alternative site provides for at least the same quantity of provision as required by the relevant allocation policy (unless it can be demonstrated that the need level for the district has been reduced);
2. The alternative site is considered as sustainable with regards to access to services when compared with the site allocation for which it is a substitute; and
3. The site can be developed within the same timeframe (or faster) as the housing allocation site being replaced.

In addition to the site allocations within this Local Plan, in the event of any non-allocated housing sites coming forward for development in the Southern plan area, accommodation for Gypsies and travellers (whether they meet the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites definition or not) should be provided on development sites of 200 homes or more whilst there remains an identified need in the plan area. 3 pitches should be provided for every 200 dwellings proposed. Off-site provision in lieu of the required pitches can be provided as an alternative, subject to compliance with the criteria set out above.

Where there is a shortfall in provision, sites will be allocated within a Site Allocation DPD. The council's annual monitoring process will help ensure provision is provided at the appropriate time.

Proposals for the loss of existing sites approved for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople, or sites last used for that purpose within the last two years, will be required to demonstrate that there is no longer a need for this type of accommodation in the plan area or that the site is no longer suitable for that use.

In all cases, proposals for gypsy, traveller and travelling showpeople's accommodation are expected to contribute to relevant access management strategies to mitigate recreational disturbance to SPAs in accordance with Policy NE6 (Chichester's Internationally and Nationally Designated Habitats), and Policy NE7 (Development and Disturbance of Birds in Chichester, Langstone and Pagham Harbours and Solent and Dorset Coast SPAs, and Medmerry Compensatory Habitat).

⁴² For at least 12 months

Amend paragraph 1.

Amend bullets 6, 7.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H12 Intensification sites

To meet the accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers, proposals for additional pitches on the sites, and for the numbers of pitches, set out in the list below, and shown on the inset maps in Appendix I will be permitted, subject to meeting the requirements set out in the traveller site design policy. The number of additional pitches specified is in addition to the number of pitches on the site which had have been granted planning permission at the time of the Pitch Deliverability Capacity Assessment in December 2022 adoption of the Local Plan.

• Land at Cherry West, 1 pitch
• Land at Lakeside Barn, 4 additional pitches
• Tower View Nurseries: North/South, 1 pitch, Connors/Scant Road East 1 pitch
• Greenacre, 4 pitches
• Sunrise, Southbourne, 1 pitch
• The Stables on Bracklesham Lane, 1 additional pitch (temporary or personal consents owing to future flood risk)
• Five Paddocks Farm, Bracklesham, 2 additional travelling showpeople plots (temporary or personal consent/s owing to future flood risk).

Additional caravans on existing authorised sites which have adequate facilities will also be supported where it meets identified accommodation needs associated with that site, provided this does not lead to overcrowding of sites and the infrastructure is available to meet the additional demand.

Move footnote 43 to new paragraph in policy text.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H13 Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Proposals for new sites, or for the intensification or expansion of existing authorised sites⁴³, will be supported where it can be demonstrated that all of the following criteria have been met:

1. The site and proposal is well-related and appropriate in scale to the nearest settled community, having regard to factors such as the scale and form of existing gypsy and traveller sites/pitches and travelling showpeople plots in the area. It must be demonstrated that the number of pitches proposed, considered in relation to both the individual proposal, and the cumulative impact in relation to other existing encampments in the area, will not dominate the local settled community;
2. The site is suitable in terms of topography, and avoid locations where there are significant constraints to development including flood risk, or which are in the vicinity of incompatible uses such as sewage treatment works or contaminated land;
3. The proposal would avoid unacceptable harm to the character of the local area and amenity of neighbouring properties;
4. The site is not in a location whereby it would be in conflict with nationally designated areas of landscape, historic environment or nature conservation protection;
5. The site has safe access to the highway and public transport services and will not result in an unacceptable impact on the highway network;
6. For travelling showpeople sites, a site suitability assessment should be submitted with the proposal which takes account of the nature and scale of the showpeople's business in terms of the land required for storage and/or the exercising of animals; and
7. For proposals outside of settlement policy boundaries, it should be demonstrated that there is a need for the pitch or plot provision within the plan area, and that the proposal will help to meet the identified need for the plan area.

Sites covered by Policy H12 above are not required to comply with these requirements as they have already been deemed to meet the criteria in question.

⁴³Sites covered by Policy H12 above are not required to comply with these requirements as they have already been deemed to meet the criteria in question.

New paragraph after paragraph 5.77:

Travelling showpeople sites entail all of the amenity considerations associated with other traveller sites, however, they also require large areas for the storage and repair of equipment. These areas can vary considerably in terms of size. Analysis of the size of plots is set out in the council's Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople background paper. This sets out that the average travelling showpeople plot size in the plan area is 1500 sq.m and consequently this provides an indication of the area which should be planned for when providing travelling showpeople plots. Sites will need to include suitable areas of hardstanding for the storage and repair of fairground equipment. Clearly, such large storage and maintenance areas have implications in terms of residential amenity and landscape impact, which will require very careful consideration when devising site layouts and assessing relevant applications.

2^nd new paragraph after 5.77:

Appropriate drainage is an essential component of well-designed gypsy and traveller sites. Ensuring that this is achieved will need to have due regard to the council's adopted Surface Water and Foul Drainage SPD, and the West Sussex Lead Local Flood Authority Policy for the Management of Surface Water (or any subsequently updated versions of these documents).

Amend criterion a.

Policy Text Update:

Policy H14 Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople site design policy

New gypsy and traveller and travelling showpeople sites/pitches must meet the following requirements:

1. The site and all the accommodation provided benefits from suitable provision of essential services including water, power, sewerage, drainage and waste disposal, or it can be demonstrated that these will be successfully provided prior to the occupation of the site (and maintained as such thereafter). For drainage, this is to be demonstrated by a Drainage Strategy the preparation of which has regard to compliant with the council's adopted Surface Water and Foul Drainage SPD, and the West Sussex Lead Local Flood Authority Policy for the Management of Surface Water;
2. The site must be well landscaped, including through the provision of high-quality boundary treatments, such as timber post and rail fencing and native planting. Incongruous and/or imposing boundary treatment such as metal fencing will not be acceptable;
3. Proposals should ensure efficient use of land, whilst ensuring that a good standard of amenity is provided for the occupiers, and ensure that the site is not overcrowded;
4. Pitches will need to contain: sufficient amenity space, including an amenity building (which utilises sustainable design principles as set out in Policy P1 Design Principles), space for a static caravan, touring caravan and car parking;
5. The site layout must respond positively to the relevant site constraints and should have regard to how the layout can contribute to the promotion of health and well-being such as ensuring adequate landscaping and play areas for children and achieve a reasonable level of visual and acoustic privacy and amenity for people living on the site and for those living nearby;
6. The design should ensure that the site appears as an open community integrated with its surroundings; and
7. Any storage areas provided need to be designed and located in a manner which ensures that they are not visually prominent and do not have an unacceptable impact on the character of the area or neighbouring properties.

A site layout plan should be submitted as part of any planning application which demonstrates that the site is able to accommodate the number of pitches and/or plots sought in a manner which will accord with the requirements set out above