Local Plan Review: Preferred Approach 2016-2035

Representation by Oliver James (Trustee) on behalf of The Apuldram Centre in respect of Policy AL6 - Strategic Site Allocations - Land South West of Chichester (Apuldram and Donnington Parishes).

1. I am making this representation on behalf of The Apuldram Centre, a local charity of which I have been a Trustee for 20 years. The Centre, which was established in 1989, provides day and supported living facilities for adults with learning disabilities. It is based on a former smallholding in Appledram Lane that it now owns and has developed over the years, and in respect of which planning permission was granted in 2017 for major improvements, the first phase being completed recently. It now provides day-care facilities for 67 people and supported living for 32 people, both at the Centre and in houses and flats in Chichester. We are also planning to further develop both aspects in the coming years.

2. The Centre, which has an area of about 1.3ha, is in a very pleasant rural, yet convenient, location on the east side of Appledram Lane, bounded by open fields and adjoining the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). These facets enable Apuldram to provide a good and safe environment for all those using its facilities. The Trustees are, therefore, very concerned with the large development proposed in Policy SA6, which will effectively extend the Built-Up Area for Chichester right up to its boundaries and to the boundary of the AONB.

3. The Trustees appreciate, however, the need for additional housing and the requirement that the Government has placed upon the Council to provide it. They also understand the benefit of the link road that will be constructed as part of the proposed development.

4. The Trustees are very concerned at the effect that these proposals will have on the amenities at the Centre, and would ask your Council both to ensure that these are kept to a minimum and to liaise with the Centre to ensure that this is achieved. They are particularly anxious that the proposed link road is kept well away from the Centre, rather than on its boundary, as was at one time proposed, and that it is not elevated, as they have heard may be necessary on account of the propensity of the land to flooding and to which they would be totally opposed.