In considering development within the East -West corridor and its potential impacts on the Estate, the strategic allocation at Westhampnett/northeast Chichester is a key consideration. The removal of land from the allocation to limit development to that already granted planning permission is welcomed and supported. To protect the land removed from further development pressure a positive use of the land should be defined through this plan. It has a distinct open space use, to protect views of the cathedral and setting of the city and also to provide a suitable landscape transition between the city and National Park. Much of the land removed from the allocation comprises floodplain and falls within the 400m noise buffer to Goodwood Circuit and Aerodrome. The role of the land removed should be confirmed as performing the role of open space and green infrastructure, including a linear greenspace with public access along the Lavant Valley. It is helpful if Policy AL4 cross references more specifically to the provisions of Policies S15 and S16 in terms of the open space protecting the Goodwood Circuit and Airfield.
Policy AL4: Land at Westhampnett/North East Chichester
Land to the west of Westhampnett and north-east of Chichester city is allocated for mixed development, comprising:
1. 500 homes;
2. Community facilities;
3. Open space and green infrastructure, including an area of linear greenspace (as defined on the proposals map) which will include suitable woodland planting and landscape treatment to provide public access along the Lavant Valley and to the National Park, and provide a green setting for the city alongside the national park border.
Taking into account the site-specific requirements, proposals for the site should:
4. Development will be directed towards the settlement of Westhampnett, to the south of Madgwick Lane, and to the eastern edge of Chichester, but away from the floodplain of the River Lavant, and the Goodwood Motor Circuit and Aerodrome (Policy S16);
5. Development should be well integrated with the village of Westhampnett and neighbouring residential areas in Chichester City and should be planned to provide good access to existing facilities and not to harm the setting of the historic city, or the character, setting and continued operation of the Goodwood Airfield and Motor Circuit ;
6. Development should provide or contribute to improved local community facilities;
7. Provision should be made for green links to the South Downs National Park and Chichester City. Opportunities should be explored for provision of integrated green infrastructure in conjunction with the other strategic sites to the east of the city, including Tangmere;
8. Development should be designed with special regard to the landscape sensitivity of the site (especially to views towards and from within the South Downs National Park), and to reduce the impact of noise associated with the Goodwood Motor Circuit/Aerodrome. Major new structural planting will be required to soften the impact of development on views from the north and around the Motor Circuit;
9. Development should be designed with special regard to the Graylingwell Hospital Conservation Area, the buildings of the former 'pauper lunatic asylum' and the Grade II registered park and garden in which they sit, and to other listed buildings in the vicinity of the site and their settings. Important views of Chichester Cathedral spire from the area should be protected;
10. Adoption of a comprehensive approach to flood risk management on the site, including consideration of surface water drainage as part of a masterplan process; this shall not be limited to 'hard engineering solutions', but promote 'soft, green' solutions that contribute positively to the area's Natural Capital
11. Road access to the site will be determined as part of the masterplan process, depending on the location(s) for proposed development. Development will be required to provide or fund mitigation for potential off-site traffic impacts through a package of measures in conformity with the Chichester City Transport Strategy (see Policy S14);
12. Provision should be made for regular bus services linking the site with Chichester city centre, and new and improved cycle and pedestrian routes linking the site with Chichester City, the South Downs National Park and other strategic developments to the east of Chichester City including Tangmere. This could include exploring the potential for a bus only route linking the development with the Graylingwell area; and
13. Development in the Airfield Flight Safety Zone, which should be referenced in any planning application, should be strictly controlled and limited to that which can be justified as causing no hazard to the operational needs of the Airfield.
Development will be dependent on the provision of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance and treatment to meet strict environmental standards.