The Cabinet of Chichester Council discussed several significant issues, including the approval of funding for the Arun and Rother Rivers Trust’s Chalk Stream Resilience project, the introduction of a policy for applying for a waiver in Designated Protected Areas, and the approval of the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document for public consultation. The council also addressed unauthorised vehicle encampments in council car parks and revisions to the Custom and Self-Build Register.

Chalk Stream Resilience Project - Arun and Rother Rivers Trust

The Cabinet approved a recommendation to allocate £180,000 from General Fund Reserves to fund the Arun and Rother Rivers Trust’s (ARRT) Chalk Stream Resilience project over three years. Councillor Jess Brown-Fuller explained that the project aims to protect and enhance local chalk streams, which are vital to the environment. Councillor Briscoe emphasised the importance of partnership work and suggested involving the Friends of the Ems group. Councillor Desai likened chalk streams to rainforests in their environmental importance. The Cabinet resolved to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with ARRT and delegated the approval of funding for subsequent years to the Director of Planning and Environment, following an annual review.

Designated Protected Areas - Policy for Applying for a Waiver

Councillor Betts introduced a new policy for determining applications to Homes England seeking a waiver in Designated Protected Areas (DPA). The policy aims to provide a framework for officers to work within. Councillor Brown, who declared an interest as a shared ownership property owner, supported the waiver, arguing that it promotes home ownership and contributes to a healthy social mix. Councillor Desai and Ms Williams explained the concept of staircasing, which allows shared ownership property owners to buy additional shares in their property. The Cabinet recommended the policy to the Council and granted delegated authority to the Divisional Manager for Housing, Revenues and Benefits to make minor changes to the policy.

Approval of the Draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Public Consultation

The Cabinet approved the draft A27 Chichester Bypass Mitigation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for public consultation. Councillor Brisbane introduced the item, and Mr Whitty clarified that the SPD would apply to adopted Local Plan development only. Councillor Brown expressed concern about the support from National Highways, while Councillor Brown-Fuller questioned the applicability of the SPD to holiday homes. The Cabinet resolved to commence a six-week public consultation period before the end of May 2024.

Unauthorised Vehicle Encampments in Council Car Parks

Councillor Desai introduced measures to deter unauthorised vehicle encampments in council car parks, specifically at Northgate and Cattle Market car parks. Mrs Murphy confirmed that the Chichester Festival Theatre supports the installation of height barriers to prevent such encampments. Councillor Brown-Fuller raised concerns about the availability of allocated sites for these groups, and Mrs Murphy explained that the West Sussex County Council-operated Transit site at Westhampnett is encouraged. The Cabinet approved the release of £66,000 from reserves to fund these deterrent measures.

Update on Custom & Self-Build at Chichester and Revisions to the Register

Councillor Betts provided an update on the Custom and Self-Build (CSB) workstream, highlighting changes to align with best practices. Mr Bristow explained that new criteria for joining the CSB Register would ensure that applicants sign a statutory declaration stating the property will be their primary residence for at least three years. Councillor Brown-Fuller welcomed the changes and suggested hosting an introductory workshop for members. The Cabinet approved the revisions to the eligibility criteria and recommended further publicising the CSB Register.