Local Plan 2045 Scoping Consultation

14. How do I get involved in the Local Plan process?

14.1We want to make sure your voice is heard as the new Chichester local plan develops. As part of this process, we want your views as to how we communicate and engage with the local community, stakeholders, residents and other interested parties.

14.2An engagement strategy has been prepared in accordance with the Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, and underpins the preparation of the new Chichester Local Plan.

14.3The Engagement Strategy sets out how the council will involve people in the preparation of the new Chichester Local Plan 2045. It provides guidance to explain the various consultation stages in the plan making process, how and when people can participate in the process, and what respondents can expect if they choose to get involved. It also seeks to identify underrepresented groups and outlines targeted methods on how we can best engage these groups in consultations. In line with government recommendations and the baseline demographics of the area, the council will make the best possible use of digital tools but will not be digital only.

14.4Your feedback will help shape our engagement strategy. We welcome your views on the potential engagement methods for each stage of the local plan preparation, as outlined in the engagement strategy, and whether there are other engagement methods we should consider.

14.5Under the new plan-making system there are three mandatory consultation stages:

• Scoping consultation (this consultation) - feedback is invited from stakeholders on how to engage with them and what the plan should contain;
• Consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence – a minimum six-week consultation on the proposed local plan content and evidence, including a draft vision; and
• Consultation on the proposed local plan – a minimum eight-week consultation on the proposed local plan and supporting documents.

14.6We will undertake consultations at all three of these key stages set out above and notify bodies and persons that have opted-in to be notified of the plan-making process. After each consultation the council will publish a consultation summary, detailing feedback received, demographic insights and how representations have been taken into account.

14.7The Engagement Strategy outlines a list of methods for publicising, engaging and communicating with stakeholders and member of the public, and includes a list of how these methods could be employed at each consultation stage.

14.8You can view and comment on the draft Engagement Strategy here:
https://www.chichester.gov.uk/localplanconsultation