165 homes at Land Within The Westhampnett / North East Chichester Strategic Development Location (north Of Madgwick Lane) Chichester

What was proposed

The application sought detailed approval for 165 homes, associated works, reserved matters and the discharge of several outline permission conditions.

“Proposal Application for the approval of remaining Reserved Matters (Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale) following Outline Planning Permission WH/20/02824/OUT for the construction of 165 dwellings and associated works and ancillary development, including the discharge of Conditions 5 (Phasing Plan), 9 (Landscape Detail & Play Equipment), 10 (Contamination), 11 (Noise), 13 (Construction and Environmental Management Plan), 17 (Noise), 19 (Surface Drainage), 23 (River…”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is farmland outside the settlement boundary, near existing housing, the River Lavant, Madgwick Lane and the Goodwood circuit and aerodrome.

“The application site is located on the eastern side of Chichester and within the Parish of Westhampnett. The site is located outside of the Westhampnett Settlement Boundary within open countryside.”

“The application site comprises approximately 12.91 hectares of grade 2 arable farmland currently under cultivation. The site rises gently from the river towards the north-east. Whilst there are no buildings on the site, Southern Water has constructed a waste water pumping station to service the new strategic sewer leading to Tangmere WwTW which is wholly within the red line, but under separate ownership.”

Officer report

Planning history

Outline permission for up to 165 homes was allowed on appeal, with access approved and the remaining details reserved for later approval.

“The site benefits from outline planning permission for the development of 165 dwellings with all matters reserved save for access. The principle of developing the site for new housing with the detail of a single point of vehicular access from Madgwick Lane, and pedestrian/cycle access from Old Place Lane, Stocks Lane and the Green Route has been agreed by virtue of the Planning Inspector’s decision notice dated 27 th May 2022 following a Public Inquiry held during August…”

“The current application is therefore for approval of the remaining reserved matters i.e., Layout, Scale, Appearance and Landscaping. In addition, permission is also being sought for the discharge of a number of planning conditions attached to the outline planning permission.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from an objector, a residents’ association representative, an objector, and two people speaking for the applicant.

What members discussed

Members debated noise, overheating, play-space location, planting, wastewater capacity, construction traffic, design and whether concerns should be handled through conditions.

“[name withheld] drew the Committee’s attention to Appendix 4 (pages 65, 66 and 67 of the Agenda Supplement Pack) which set out the timeline for the noise consultation undertaken as part of the application; the current Noise Impact Assessment was in its eighth edition along with two editions of the overheating assessment.”

“[name withheld] advised the Committee of the risk of an appeal against non- determination for deferring an application on grounds that are not necessarily reasonable (although members could vote on them). She advised the Committee to carefully consider whether the additional condition regarding the location of the play area and the additional planting would overcome concerns about noise and amenity of future occupiers.”

Minutes