Site AL6 Land South West of Chichester (Apuldram and Donnington parishes) includes a flood plain. Using data from CDC's flood plain assessment, the average height of flood water on the River Lavant is 2.05 metres (6.07 feet) above datum (sea level). This means that the road will have to be elevated by at least 2.5 metres and more with the supporting structures and road thickness itself. Therefore nearer 4metres (13 feet). The impacts of this are:
This would destroy the iconic views of the cathedral framed by the South Downs.
The noise generated by a road at this elevation would also be unacceptable in terms of Policy DM25.

There is no mention of retaining the separation of Donnington, Apuldram and Fishbourne

Serious local concerns over the ability to ensure adequate Waste Water Treatment provision. Apuldram Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) is inadequate by CDC's own admission inpara 6.40 in the context of the Southern Gateway Strategic Allocation AL5/ Wastewater from the site currently drains to the Apuldram WwTW. These works are subject to "environmental constraints which restrict its capacity to accommodate future development."

An additional access onto Fishbourne roundabout would be dangerous, even with the closure of the Terminus Road access.

There is no pedestrian access to the area proposed for employment use. A footbridge would be required to access across the A27 and the costs for this have not been factored in.

The concept of a link road was rejected by the public as part of the Highways England A27 Chichester Bypass Improvement proposals

This site has previously been considered and discounted from development plans (see DPD Sustainability Appraisal November 2016, Local Plan Inspector's report May 2015). Reasons include:
the likelihood of flooding in the area;
impact on water pollution of runoff
proximity to AONB
impact on wildlife
impact on protected views


ALTERNATIVES TO AL6
A viable alternative site is available for industrial development within the buffer zone at Goodwood and the employment land should be allocated there. (Policy AL6, S15, S16)