It is difficult to understand the decision to allocate this site when so much of the supporting documentation, the Sustainability Appraisal, indicates that Highgrove Farm is of medium/low capacity and states 'It is possible some built development may be accommodated within the existing cluster of buildings to the north of Broadbridge. Highgrove would result in a stand alone estate to the east of the existing village, intruding into the gap between Bosham and Fishbourne and obliterating the views from the AONB to the South Downs.
It seems illogical to allocate grade 1 and 2 farming land for housing when less valuable land must be available within the district.
Surface water flooding - the site is known to have a very high water table so it will be very difficult to control the release of excess water at a reasonable rate. This water will drain to the south-western corner and from there into what is known as the East Ditch. The East ditch flows into the harbour at Stumps Lane. When the tide is high there is no where for this water to go except into the surrounding roads and houses.
Foul water - Although there may be sufficient headroom at the Harts Farm WwTW the pipe infrastructure has had little attention since it was installed in 1939. It's poor state has given rise to the frequent flooding of streets and houses during times of heavy rainfall. At these times foul water is also pumped into the harbour via the CSO at Stumps Lane. It is the responsibility of Southern Water to ensure that the correct infrastructure is in place to cope with new development. Currently they are unable to cope with the current situation. Conflicting information given by Southern Water is making it difficult to have confidence in them.