Comment

Local Plan Review: Preferred Approach 2016-2035

Representation ID: 444

Received: 16/01/2019

Respondent: karen phillips

Representation Summary:

what is the council planning to do about the changing city centres?
There will be more opportunity in the city centre as retail changes. Maybe use some of the empty shops for housing or reduce the rates to encourage shops back in. Whatever is decided the council needs to be proactive in responding to the changes to ensure this is still a desirable place to live and visit.

Full text:

I write especially with regards to bosham as that is where I live but overall I am concerned about the sheer number of houses proposed mainly due to the impact of the increased cars. I already choose not to seek employment to the areas east of Chichester due to the sheer weight of traffic there is getting past the city. There is no clear road improvement strategy to manage the already heavily congested roads. Another 1000 plus houses and associated cars will only exacerbate the traffic issues and reduce the desirability of living and visiting the area.
I also do not see any clear funding plan for increasing health services for all the extra people. With an increasing elderly local population this needs addressing.

With regards to the Highgrove site in bosham my concerns include:

1) I understood that a water study noted how the rain water from the downs runs into Highgrove fields which would cause concerns around flooding if the area is built upon. How would this be managed?

2) when there is no funding or appetite from the council to build new schools. How would a two level entry school be built ?
Also where is the evidence that a two level entry school is required ?
Taking the school out of the heart of the village will increase car use and change the atmosphere of the village.
Also if the school is moved out of its current site no doubt the council would see the land for even more houses this increase the housing density in the village. This needs to be made a clear intention for people to be made aware of.

3) the housing you will be build is likely to overpriced for local young people who are generally already out priced by the low wages compared to house prices in the area. This does not solve the housing crisis.

On a slightly difderent note, what is the council planning to do about the changing city centres?
There will be more opportunity in the city centre as retail changes. Maybe use some of the empty shops for housing or reduce the rates to encourage shops back in. Whatever is decided the council needs to be proactive in responding to the changes to ensure this is still a desirable place to live and visit.