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The plan should explain in greater detail the findings of co-operative working with neighbouring authorities to achieve a more sustainable spatial strategy, that provides a “joined up” spatial vision.

We support generally the work the planning authority has undertaken in co-operation with neighbouring authorities, but consider weaknesses remain in the sustainable distribution of housing and other development needs that reduces the need for commuting and unnecessary travel.

The plan should explain in greater detail the findings of co-operative working with neighbouring authorities to achieve a more sustainable spatial strategy, that provides a “joined up” spatial vision and does not follow a ‘silo-mentality’ of providing only for district needs.

The growth of suburbia, beloved by volume housebuilders, and exacerbated by the Government’s unduly simplistic approach to meeting local housing need quickly, serves only to exacerbate many of the problems the local plan seeks to address.

Evidence of co-operative working and a step-change from ‘more of the same’ in terms of housing provision, will make the Plan more sound. It is essential if the plan area is to be protected from inappropriate speculative housing promoted solely on grounds of housing numbers.

The ability of neighbouring authorities, including the National Park, to provide for appropriate, further growth, including that generated within Chichester District but using employment and service opportunities beyond district boundaries, should be explained and reflected in policies and allocations.

Over the coming years, more provision of space for nurseries, high-tech glasshouses, packhouses and reservoirs will be required; however, there will also be an increased need for ancillary development, such as: Vertical Farming Projects, Research & Development Facilities, Alternative Energy Centres, Logistics and Distribution Centres, Engineering and Technical Support Facilities.

The West Sussex Coastal Plain, with its exceptionally high winter light levels and all year round beneficial climate, is the preferred location for horticultural production in the UK.

The Horticultural Industry, concentrated around Chichester and Bognor Regis, generates annual turnover that exceeds £1billion pounds and employs more than 10,000 full time equivalent staff

The Government has tasked Growers to grow more home grown produce, increase productivity, reduce food miles and the UK’s reliance on imported food. There is also an increasing need for space to grow plants, shrubs and trees. These aims can be achieved; however, the Horticultural and Food Industries need Local Planning Policies to be in place that enables sustainable development. To this end, more flexibility is needed in the current CDC Local Plan - Horticultural Policy to meet the needs of the Horticultural sector.