Reference to ‘ancillary’ with regard to the HDAs in relevant policies and supporting text should be modified to 'functionally linked' and include explanatory text clarifying that 'functionally linked' uses can include a range of activities including: food-related distribution; food manufacturing linked to the HDAs food preparation; on-site renewable energy to serve on-site activities; and R&D.

The Council’s acknowledgement of the importance of the horticultural sector to Chichester District Council’s administrative area is welcomed.

The horticultural industry is capable of supporting higher value jobs in areas such as research and development as well as associated business functions. This is however constrained by the current and proposed wording of the Council’s horticultural policies E3 and E4 which inhibits the economic potential and competitiveness of the industry.