January 2022 – the latest position update

It’s been a little while so a quick update to keep you informed on the current status of the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) review.

In discussion with our independent planning advisor, we are now working on the submission version of the draft plan to incorporate feedback from the last Regulation 14 consultation which took place in June 2021.

Meetings have been held within the NP Team and with other stakeholders to continue to investigate factors affecting the proposed development sites. The two main issues are the viability of a pavement in Kirdford Road linking the proposed sites with village amenities and the demonstration of water neutrality. Demonstration of the latter is a recent planning requirement for all Parishes within the Sussex North Water Supply Zone. This is a large area that includes Horsham and Crawley, as well as the north Chichester area, the implications of which are currently being considered by all the District/Borough Councils.

The third issue still affecting the WG NP Review is the ongoing delay in the Chichester Local Plan which has to be complete, and the housing allocation for Wisborough Green confirmed, before our NP can go forward for examination. It is unlikely that the Local Plan will be progressed significantly in the immediate future so the conclusion of our own NP is currently, and regretfully, not within the control of the NP Team. We will continue to keep you informed.

The Neighbourhood Plan Review Team 

Regulation 14 Consultation         THE CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED

A local consultation on the Revised Neighbourhood Plan will take place from Tuesday 4th May closing on Wednesday 30th June 2021, extended from Friday 18th June 2021. (Deadline extended on 14th May 2021.)

We appreciate that this has been a long process so far, so thank you to everyone who responded to the Regulation 14 consultation.

The results of this consultation will now be analysed, with advice provided by an independent planning consultant. All respondents’ views will be reviewed and, where possible and appropriate, taken into account. A Consultation Statement summarising comments will be prepared and made available on the village website in due course.

Any changes that are considered necessary, as a result of the Regulation 14 consultation, will be discussed with CDC. The Revised Plan will then be approved by the Parish Council for submission to CDC with all the required supporting evidence. CDC will then organise the remaining stages of the process; a further consultation, examination, referendum and finally adoption by CDC. Keep with us, we’re getting there!