Chichester Local Plan 2021-2039 - Main Modifications consultation

• replace “an adverse effect” with “significant harm” in the first paragraph of draft Policy NE4; and
• remove the final paragraph of draft Policy NE4.

Please see submitted representations.

Oving as a location for a linkage with the A8 site should be removed.

3.2 The inclusion of a new cycle and pedestrian route from the A8 allocation to Oving has been subject to much discussion with CDC and Oving Parish Council.

3.3 The Applicant’s position throughout the development of the site has been that they would be willing to provide a linkage to Oving if possible. This was demonstrated through the inclusion of such a link in early iterations of the proposals.

3.4 However, the link would need to pass through the proposed SWC, which has been strongly promoted by CDC’s ecologists and Oving Parish Council itself. The inclusion of a link would require direct development within the SWC, as well as lighting if it is to be safe, and could therefore disrupt the wildlife the SWC seeks to protect. Consequently, this would almost certainly be resisted by CDC and be in direct contradiction with Policy NE4.

3.5 Furthermore, Drayton Lane (which the link would need to connect to) does not benefit from existing footpaths. Therefore, any pedestrian link would terminate where it joined the road and mean that continuing on foot would be hazardous, especially given it is a 40-mph highway.

3.6 Instead of a link through the SWC, the Drayton Water proposal includes enhancement of pedestrian and cycle links along Shopwhyke Road. These connect to similar shared footways and cycleways within the development itself. All will be built to LTN 1/20 standards and will connect with the existing local cycle network.

3.7 Consequently, to avoid conflict with Policy NE4 and safety concerns, the inclusion of Oving as a location for a linkage with the A8 site should be removed.