The policy needs to recognise that the density of development will need to increase within the Runcton HDA during the plan period and the Council should proactively plan for this in order to maintain the economic momentum of the Chichester food cluster.

The reference to making the most efficient use of land is recognised. The policy does however need to recognise that the density of development will need to increase within the Runcton HDA during the plan period and the Council should proactively plan for this in order to maintain the economic momentum of the Chichester food cluster. The need to increase density will assist in addressing the conclusions within the Council’s evidence base that substantial land will be required outside current HDA’s to meet the industry’s needs. Increased densities will reduce the industry’s land requirements, whilst also maintaining the countryside and ensuring economic growth.