Chichester Local Plan 2021 - 2039: Proposed Submission

In the north of the plan area, properties within Southern Water’s Sussex North Water Resource Zone (WRZ) are supplied with water from several sources including a groundwater abstraction near Pulborough which is currently subject to environmental investigations to ensure there is no adverse impact on environmentally designated sites in the Arun Valley. This may impact on the available supply and alternative sources may need to be considered by Southern Water. Natural England published a position statement in September 2021 requiring developments within the Sussex North WRZ to be water neutral

Corrections to this paragraph are requested in order to ensure consistency, clarity and accuracy of the paragraph in relation to other references in the Chichester Local Plan to Southern Water’s supply in the Sussex North Water Resource Zone, as follows;

4.31 The Arun Valley SPA, SAC and Ramsar site lies within the Sussex North Water Resource Zone which is partly served by supplies from groundwater abstractions near Pulborough.

Paragraph 4.31 - adjustments to this paragraph are requested in order to ensure consistency, clarity and accuracy of the paragraph in relation to other references in the Chichester Local Plan to Southern Water’s supply in the Sussex North Water Resource Zone, as follows;

Under Water Supply insert additional wording " outside the Sussex North Water Resource Zone" so the text reads: "Development proposals outside the Sussex North Water Resource Zone will be permitted that demonstrate";

Under Water Efficiency correct "Southern Water's Supply Zone North" to " Southern Water's Water Resource Zone Sussex North".

Southern Water’s comments relate to the headed parts of this policy as follows, and we have suggested changes for the Water Supply and Water Efficiency sections of this policy, whilst we support the Water Quality and Wastewater section. We have uploaded this document to the consultation portal due to the limited space allowed for representations.

Water Supply

Southern Water supplies water to the north of Chichester District, to settlements within the Sussex North WRZ. Water resource planning is managed at regional scales by water companies through the production of Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs) which are updated every 5 years. These plans set out how water companies will achieve secure water supplies for customers, whilst protecting the environment. New development sites allocated through local plans are taken into account as part of this process.

Moreover, it would not be necessary to include developments within the Sussex North WRZ in the requirements of criteria (a) and (b) of Policy NE16, as these will automatically be met where the development has complied with the requirements of Policy NE17.

Suggested amendment;

Development proposals outside the Sussex North Water Resource Zone will be permitted that demonstrate;

a) […]


Water Efficiency

Regarding criterion (b) of this policy’s Water Efficiency section, we would request a correction to the reference to our water resource zone, for consistency and accuracy, as follows;

‘… development in Southern Water’s Water Resource Supply Zone Sussex North..’

Water Quality and Wastewater

Southern Water supports this policy, in particular criteria (c) and (d) which relate to surface water and new infrastructure provision.

Replace " treatment" with " disposal" in criterion 9

An explanation of our change request is set out in the attached document, which in summary seeks to ensure consistency across Chichester City policies for developments in the Apuldram WTW catchment, which cover the need for network as well as treatment capacity to be addressed.

Replace the word " treatment" with " disposal" in criterion 13.

An explanation of our change request is set out in the attached document, which in summary seeks to ensure consistency across Chichester City policies for developments in the Apuldram WTW catchment, which cover the need for network as well as treatment capacity to be addressed.

The addition of a further criterion is needed to state as follows;

'Occupation of development will be phased to align with the delivery of infrastructure for adequate wastewater conveyance (meeting strict environmental standards).'

This allocation does not include provision for foul drainage. Our assessment of the site and corresponding representations relating to the outcome of the assessment are attached.

Southern Water’s comments relate to the headed parts of this policy as follows, and we have suggested changes for the Water Supply and Water Efficiency sections of this policy, whilst we support the Water Quality and Wastewater section. We have uploaded this document to the consultation portal due to the limited space allowed for representations.

Water Supply

Southern Water supplies water to the north of Chichester District, to settlements within the Sussex North WRZ. Water resource planning is managed at regional scales by water companies through the production of Water Resources Management Plans (WRMPs) which are updated every 5 years. These plans set out how water companies will achieve secure water supplies for customers, whilst protecting the environment. New development sites allocated through local plans are taken into account as part of this process.

Moreover, it would not be necessary to include developments within the Sussex North WRZ in the requirements of criteria (a) and (b) of Policy NE16, as these will automatically be met where the development has complied with the requirements of Policy NE17.

Suggested amendment;

Development proposals outside the Sussex North Water Resource Zone will be permitted that demonstrate;

a) […]


Water Efficiency

Regarding criterion (b) of this policy’s Water Efficiency section, we would request a correction to the reference to our water resource zone, for consistency and accuracy, as follows;

‘… development in Southern Water’s Water Resource Supply Zone Sussex North..’

Water Quality and Wastewater

Southern Water supports this policy, in particular criteria (c) and (d) which relate to surface water and new infrastructure provision.