Neighbourhood Plan
The Wisborough Green Neighbourhood Plan Review 2025
We’re starting again!
This affects you so please read, it’s important.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan? For those who don’t know, a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) is our village planning rule book. It’s the only protection our village can provide to retain a small degree of local control over the type, design and location of the mandatory housing allocations given by the government to Chichester District Council (CDC). It gives us no control over the housing allocation number, which for Wisborough Green, despite much objection, is now 75 for the period 2021 – 2039. This is in addition to the first NP allocation of 68 new homes (we have achieved 57 with a site allocated for the remaining 11).
Why is the Neighbourhood Plan being reviewed? Finally, after a very long delay, the Chichester Local Plan (LP) has been examined and is expected to be adopted this summer as CDC’s planning rule book. This means that our reviewed NP, that has been in hibernation awaiting this decision, must now be pulled off the shelf and reviewed (yet again) to comply with both the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the new LP.
The first WG NP was adopted by CDC in July 2016, allocating 68 homes. It was required to be reviewed within a short period of time due to the LP review and a further housing allocation.
A revision of the WG NP started in 2018. Site allocations, policy changes and a draft version were consulted on. The process could not be completed purely due to the constantly shifting housing allocation and timescales of the LP.
Why do we need a Neighbourhood Plan? Without an updated NP, we will lose local control on allocating development sites. CDC would allocate the sites which could be in locations not supported by the village. With a NP in place the village receives 25%, rather than 15%, of the Community Infrastructure Levy paid by developers for village infrastructure improvements.
How is the Neighbourhood Plan achieved? By a Steering Group of volunteers, comprising of Parish Council and village representatives, which reports back to the Parish Council. The Group will review the current draft plan and its policies, re-assess the existing site assessments and assess any new proposed sites against set criteria. Public consultations will be required with professional analysis of the results. The NP can then go forward for examination, referendum and finally be adopted by CDC.
How can you help? The Steering Group now consists of only 5 volunteers which is not enough to achieve this important planning document for the village. We need additional team members willing to help complete this vital work for the benefit of Wisborough Green. Don’t let a lack of NP knowledge deter you, the experienced members will work alongside and support you; we work as a team.
If you love and appreciate being part of this village, PLEASE volunteer; contact the Parish Clerk on 701102 or email clerk@wisboroughgreenpc.org for more information. Five people cannot continue to shoulder the work required in this final push to protect what we can of the character of our village.
What happens if no help is offered? The current team will do what it can to lead the process but there is only so much we can do. Without additional help, the Parish Council will have no alternative but to pay professionals. This considerable cost would come out of the Parish Precept, the money you pay to the Parish Council, which could impact upon other projects and maintenance.
What else can we do? Support the process and provide your opinions when asked. We need you ALL to attend the public consultation event currently planned for later this year when we will be actively seeking your ideas and opinions about shaping the future of Wisborough Green. More information will follow so please read the updates in the Parish magazine and Parish Council newsletters.
Potential Development Sites
CALL FOR SITES
- CDC and the Parish Council have already been notified of some possible development sites.
- Do you have land that you think has development potential in and around the village?
- Would you like your site to be considered?
- If so, obtain a submission form by contacting the Parish Council Clerk, Louise Davies, on 701102 or clerk@wisboroughgreenpc.org
- All potential sites will undergo a rigorous and objective assessment for suitability against set criteria prior to selection for consultation.
The cut-off date for sites to be considered is
Friday 15th August 2025.
Village Design Statement
The purpose of this design guidance document is for use as material consideration in determining applications for planning permission and for contributing to control of development within the planning system in Wisborough Green. It was approved by CDC Planning Committee on 7th February 2018.
It sets out a vision for the future embedded in the visual history of the past so that the essential character of the village is preserved. The Guide has been prepared after three public consultations as part of the larger project of adopting a Neighbourhood Plan. The Guide also seeks to record the current features of the built and natural environment of the village that are valued by the residents. It is intended to guide all parties on the preference for use of local materials and vernacular architectural style that will ensure the continued authenticity of the village character.
The Wisborough Green Neighbourhood Plan 2014 to 2029
The Wisborough Green Neighbourhood Plan sets out the vision, objectives and policies for the sustainable development of the Parish from 2014 to 2029. Its purpose is the allocation of development sites for new housing and to influence how such development impacts upon the village environment. It has been drawn up by a Steering Group made up of Parish Council members and local residents, working under the auspices of Wisborough Green Parish Council.
The planning context is provided by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Chichester District Council Local Plan: Key Policies 2014-2029 adopted by Chichester District Council (CDC) on 14th July 2015 (referred to hereafter as CDC Local Plan). About one third of the Parish is in the South Downs National Park (SDNP) which is managed by the SDNP Authority and due to have a Local Plan available in 2017.
The Introduction details the purpose of the Plan and describes the extensive local consultation undertaken, and the required statutory consultation process.
The Vision and Objectives are derived from the local consultation process which helped identify the special qualities of Wisborough Green which are cherished by residents and visitors, and the strong determination to maintain this vibrant community.
About Wisborough Green describes the history and heritage of this rural village, the current status and the issues it faces. Strong emphasis is given to the importance and impact of the diverse and beautiful country landscape in creating the environmental setting of Wisborough Green. The 14 character area assessments completed for the Village Design Guide provide evidence for the present and highlights how its rich and unique history has created the village of today.
Each section details the important aspects that contribute to the thriving community such as local economy, community and leisure facilities. The current issues relating to transport, parking, and housing needs have also been detailed. The SWOT table at the end of this section analyses how such issues can be categorised as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to Wisborough Green.
The Policy section contains a series of 31 policies that will deliver the objectives and where possible, enhance the identified special qualities of Wisborough Green. Each policy has an intent and reasoned justification that provide guidelines to protect and contribute to the traditional setting and character of the community.
This section also includes explanation to the assessment of available development locations and the spatial strategy, and individual site details including phasing, site numbers and community benefits.
Although not a statutory requirement of a Neighbourhood Plan, a Community Action Plan has been included. This section sets out a series of desired projects arising from the public consultations and local residents’ ideas for improvement and sustainable growth within the Parish.
The Neighbourhood Plan concludes with an Appendix. This includes a list of evidence which underpins the rationale of the Plan. This evidence been presented throughout the document in a range of formats from tables and charts to reasoned justification.
The Parish Council would like to thank all the local people who have helped in the development of our Neighbourhood Plan, contributed valuable ideas and suggestions and invaluable time throughout the consultation process.