What’s it all about? – Planning
Because the site is inside the South Downs National Park (SDNPA), and the Park is a Planning Authority in its own right, it is the SDNPA who are ultimately the Planning Authority for the site.
The site is also covered by two separate Local Authorities: the western part of the site (to the west of the A283) being largely under the jurisdiction of Adur and Worthing District Council; the eastern part of the site (to the east of the A283) being largely under the jurisdiction of Horsham District Council. Each Authority has its own separate planning regulations.
We have already had informal discussions with Alex Bailey, Chief Executive, Adur and Worthing Council, James Appleton, Head of Planning at Adur and Worthing Council, Martin Randall, Director for the Economy at Adur and Worthing Council, Nick Hibberd, Acting Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing, Brighton & Hove City Council, and Geoff Mee, Director of Infrastructure and Strategy at West Sussex County Council. All of them have agreed with us that the site holds huge economic and regenerative significance and potential, and all of whom have said they would support a plan that was appropriate and deliverable.
Given the particular position, nature and sensitivity of the site, it is evident that the way forward is to hold joint discussions between the local Councils, The South Downs National Park Authority, the Greater Brighton Economic Board and The South Down Project, under the “Duty to Cooperate” to ensure that the best possible outcome be achieved.
