It is therefore suggested that Policy E4 of the local plan allows for development associated with the horticultural industry to come forward within HDA designations in order to comply with the objectives of Policy T1 of the Local Plan and in the interests of minimising congestion and vehicular movements.

Conflict with restrictions of policy E4 and associated text.

The Council’s desire to ensure that new development is well located and designed to avoid and minimise the need for travel is supported as stated within Policy T1. Minimising transport movements on the A27 corridor is particularly critical given the acknowledged constraints of the corridor (ref. policy T1)

This is in direct conflict with the wording of policy E4 of the Local Plan which allows for horticultural development and ancillary development only. This policy wording would seek to require associated development, such as office space and storage and distribution uses, to be located within settlement boundary areas or other established employment sites. The siting of associated functions within these locations would increase the number of vehicular journeys associated with the industry.

It is therefore suggested that Policy E4 of the local plan allows for development associated with the horticultural industry to come forward within HDA designations in order to comply with the objectives of Policy T1 of the Local Plan and in the interests of minimising congestion.