Policy S2: Settlement Hierarchy

The proposed settlement hierarchy is supported. A concern of the Estate for many years has been the lack of opportunity within smaller rural settlements to provide new housing. Restrictive policies over many have had the consequence of any development opportunity arising in such a location, being utilised for speculative purposes and developments that are out of the reach of most local people in need. The recognition in paragraph 4.20 of the benefits of appropriate development is therefore supported. Although the Estate has little land beyond Westhampnett which could be so promoted, the plan should make provision for new housing developments in smaller rural settlements, where development can demonstrate meeting the specific social and economic needs of individual community (for example, new smaller dwellings to allow downsizing of existing residents, local needs housing - potentially promoted through neighbourhood plans, encouraged more strongly through paragraph 4.25 and or Community Land Trusts) as well as meeting the wider district need.