Planning

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The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is being used to impose unnecessary greenfield development in the face of local opposition, according to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)

A report published on 18th March by the CPRE says that the NPPF has led to a loss of local control over planning decisions and more greenfield development. This is based on an analysis of 20 major housing applications determined after the publication of the NPPF in March 2012 and 20 recent local plan examination reports. According to the report, 20 major housing schemes, including one as large as 2,000 homes, have been allowed, despite being either previously refused by the local planning authority or not being in line with local plans for the area. CPRE says the approvals contradict Ministers' commitments, made when launching the NPPF, to remove 'top down' planning and "put unprecedented power in the hands of communities to shape the places in which they live". Instead, the report argues, "housing requirements imposed on local communities from above are still very much a reality." CPRE chief executive Shaun Spiers said: "When the government introduced its planning reforms last year it promised that the local plan would be the keystone of the planning system, and that the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside would be recognised. Instead, we are seeing that applications for new housing are being approved regardless of their impact on local areas inlcuding developments in some of our most treasured countryside such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

To view the report, click here.
March 2013

The Conservancy's Role

Chichester Harbour was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for its unique landscape. Within all AONB's the purpose of the planning system is to ensure that any change through development conserves or enhances the natural beauty of the landscape. The Conservancy therefore comments on any changes to planning policy at national, regional or local levels - planning decisions on new development requiring planning permission are made in accordance with these planning policies.

The Conservancy is also consulted on all planning applications within the AONB boundary by either Havant Borough Council or Chichester District Council, and also those applications on or just outside of the boundary that are visible from within the AONB. The Conservancy is asked to comment on the impact of development on the AONB landscape or nature conservation and also takes into account the socio-economic benefit of such developments on the AONB. The Conservancy bases its responses on the development plan policies for Havant Borough Council and Chichester District Council, the Chichester Harbour AONB Management Plan and other planning guidance.

The greatest pressure for development for Chichester Harbour AONB is from replacement or new dwellings and extensions in or close to the AONB boundary. As a result the two local planning authorities within the AONB, Chichester District Council and Havant Borough Council in conjunction with the Conservancy have created Design Guidelines for New Dwellings and Extensions.

Please download and carefully consider the guidelines for your area. If you need further assistance do not hesitate to contact the Harbour Office, Chichester District Council or Havant Borough Council.

Design Guidelines for New Dwellings and Extensions

The guidelines can be downloaded as a pdf document. Please ensure you read your area in conjunction alongside the General Guidance.

Design Guidelines for New Buildings and Extensions (2MB)

Landscape Character Assessment

The Landscape Character Assessment was produced by Chris Blandford Associates in 2005. It can be downloaded as a pdf document, however please note the large file size.

Works Licence

To construct, alter, renew or extend any works on, under or over tidal waters or tidal lands below the level of high water in Chichester Harbour needs a works licence issued by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Please carefully read through the Guidance Notes with the Application Form - see the Additional Downloads panel.

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