Local Plan 2045 Scoping Consultation

4. Setting out a vision for the plan area

4.1Local plans are required to set out a positive vision and spatial strategy. Based on the draft NPPF, the vision will need to be supported by no more than ten measurable outcomes. Policy PM2: Local Plans in the draft NPPF states that the new vision and outcomes will need to:

• articulate how the area should change over the plan period;
• set aspirational aims and objectives underpinned by a realistic appreciation of what the plan’s policies can genuinely shape and deliver;
• reflect longer term expectations extending beyond the plan period where appropriate, including for large scale development proposals; and
• have particular regard to meeting the identified development needs of the area in a sustainable manner in accordance with policy S1.

4.2An overarching principle of the current local plan is to support sustainable development and the local community in the context of a climate emergency. The new local plan will need to enable the delivery of infrastructure, jobs, accessible local services and housing for future generations while protecting, conserving and enhancing the historic and natural environment.

4.3The current local plan vision is supported by seven objectives. These are likely to be replaced by the ‘measurable outcomes’. The measurable outcomes will help monitor progress towards meeting the vision statement. They will flow from the aims and objectives identified in the vision statement and will need to outline how the desired change will be delivered and measured. When policies have been developed, they will be linked to the outcomes.

4.4The development of the vision statement will be informed by feedback and engagement on the key priorities set out in the topic sections of this document. The key priorities have been drawn from national planning policies, issues that are specific to our area, the baseline information and wider corporate priorities, values and objectives.

4.5The topic-based sections begin by providing background information for each subject area, outlining the current position and context (Where are we now?). They then explore the key issues, challenges, and opportunities affecting the Chichester plan area (What are the challenges and opportunities?). As there will be changes to the development management policies that can be included in the new local plan, an initial indication of the types of policy areas which we are expecting will be covered by the new National Planning Policy Framework ‘decision-making policies’ (when finalised) is also included in each topic area section. The final scope of policies will be refined once the changes to the NPPF are finalised.

4.6Each section also includes the relevant objectives from the adopted local plan at the outset. These offer important context and a useful foundation for identifying the key priorities for each topic area (What are the key priorities?).