Chichester Local Plan 2021-2039 - Main Modifications consultation

Chapter 2: Vision and Strategic Objectives

MM5 – Objective 1

NR supports the proposed main modification to the second paragraph to include specific reference to rail stations. This will help to embed first and last mile principles for active travel to and from rail stations.

MM5 – Objective 7

NR notes the proposed main modifications in the second and third paragraphs. These are generally supported to increase opportunities to promote active travel links to public transport. It is considered fair and reasonable that new development contributes towards improving infrastructure, especially public transport, to promote an accessible network that can provide and sustain a modal shift away from the private car.

Chapter 3: Spatial Strategy

MM6 – Para 3.9

NR supports the proposed main modifications to remove reference to the neighbourhood plan and to afford the site allocations DPD primacy in site selection.

Chapter 5: Housing

MM31 – Para 5.1

NR welcome the clarity provided proposed modification to clearly set out the annual housing requirement for the District alongside this being the starting point for objectively assessed need.

Policy H2: Strategic Location/Allocations 2021 - 2039

MM32 – Policy H2

NR supports the modification to set out that the Southbourne Allocation DPD will come forward to provide clarity around the Broad Location for Development.

Chapter 5: Housing

MM31 – Para 5.1

NR welcome the clarity provided proposed modification to clearly set out the annual housing requirement for the District alongside this being the starting point for objectively assessed need.

Policy H2: Strategic Location/Allocations 2021 - 2039

MM32 – Policy H2

NR supports the modification to set out that the Southbourne Allocation DPD will come forward to provide clarity around the Broad Location for Development.

Chapter 10: Strategic and Area Based Policies

Policy A13: Southbourne Broad Location for Development

MM77 – Criterion 5

NR supports the inclusion of the need to consider the severance by the railway in the masterplanning of the Southbourne BLD. Southbourne has several of high risk railway crossings that give rise to significant safety concerns due to the quantum of development proposed. Dealing with the safety issues of the crossings is a critical element of the infrastructure needs within Southbourne to allow development to come forward.

Additionally, improving connectivity should be an important focus of the Policy however this must be done to minimise railway interactions and safe, alternative means of crossing the railway is essential for current and future occupiers within Southbourne. NR will continue to work with CDC to support development and minimise the impacts of this on railway safety.