Chichester Local Plan 2021 - 2039: Proposed Submission

Support

Representation ID: 4990

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

See also representations on Policy NE8 Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands, particularly the need for biosecurity requirements.

Support noted. Proposed changes to plan in relation to biosecurity have been considered within representation 4839 as appropriate

Support

Representation ID: 4993

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

See also representations on Policy NE8 Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands, particularly the need to ensure (our proposed wording) “Developments will be expected to retain existing and planted trees for the long term and demonstrate succession planning.”
An example of why retention/succession needs to be explicit comes from summer 2022, when Chichester College clear-felled all the trees internal to its main car parking areas, defeating the object of the planting scheme on which planning permission was given in the late 1980s and a subsequent large new building was approved.

Support noted. Proposed changes to plan in relation to the retention of existing and planted trees have been considered within your representation 4839 as appropriate

Object

Representation ID: 4996

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Legally compliant/duty to co-operate - don't know.
Sound: we broadly support this Policy but, for consistency with other parts of the Plan and completeness, suggest a couple of tweaks.

Objection and proposed amendments noted. We will consider a minor amendment to Policy P5 to refer to the retention of existing hedgerows to ensure consistency with Policy NE8. In addition, we agree that the cooling benefits of trees should be further emphasised and will consider amendments to Policy P5 and its supporting text to reflect this

Object

Representation ID: 5001

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Legally compliant/duty to co-operate - don't know.
Sound: see also representations on Policy NE8 Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands, particularly our proposed wording to "Delete "major" in NE8, para. 6 and add "(off-site, ideally nearby, if no opportunity onsite)"." Extensions and alterations requiring planning permission can contribute to tree cover net gain through enhancing street tree cover, at least on public highways. (West Sussex County Council has a donate-a-tree scheme: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/maintaining-roads-verges-and-pavements/verge-maintenance/donate-a-tree-scheme/ . Trees need to be watered appropriately during their first 3-5 years.)

Objection and proposed changes noted. Policy P7 places expectations on developments involving alterations and extensions to retain boundary treatments that contribute positively to the street scene, and to retain appropriate amounts of soft landscaping and trees. It is considered unreasonable to further require development, which may be modest in scale, to provide additional tree planting beyond the criteria specified within Policy NE8, which already requires the planting of two trees for each one lost through development.

Object

Representation ID: 5003

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Legally compliant/duty to co-operate - don't know.
Sound: Please see our response to para. 2.28:
the Plan fails to connect trees with the Historic Environment; historic trees are also finite resources (NPPF irreplaceable habitat) for which management and protection is needed to ensure their importance is retained.

Objection and comment noted. We will consider an amendment to paragraph 6.52 to recognise that trees can be considered as an element of heritage significance, ensuring consistency with national guidance.

Support

Representation ID: 6177

Received: 17/03/2023

Respondent: Chichester Tree Wardens

The inclusion of B and 3c referencing irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees, is welcome and appropriate.

Support Noted.