Planning Improvements for AONBs

National Trust report suggests planning improvements for AONBs

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) like Chichester Harbour are some of the most special and most loved places in England, due to their distinctive character and natural beauty.

However, many of these protected areas are coming under increased pressure from development so the National Trust commissioned research by planning consultants, Green Balance, to look at case studies where large-scale developments have been approved in AONBs.

They found instances when national policies, designed to protect these landscapes, were not given sufficient weight by some local planning authorities. Their report suggests ways to improve planning practice, including a series of tests for decision-makers to apply in AONB cases and a brief, practical tool to help ensure policy is applied correctly.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy is a non-statutory consultee in the planning process who has responded to 85 planning applications (either in or directly adjacent to the Harbour) in the last 3 months. They are currently working in conjunction with the local planning authorities to update their Planning Guidance to help safeguard this special place for generations to come.

Click here to read the National Trust report.

Birdham

A small village on the shore of Chichester Harbour and on the western side of the Manhood Peninsula Birdham is mainly known for its two locked marinas. One of these, Birdham Pool is thought to be the oldest marina in the country. The other, Chichester Marina, is one of the largest marinas in the country. Between Birdham Pool and... Read More»

Donnington

South of Chichester, one enters Stockbridge, the modern residential area of the parish, its name echoing the ancient Hundred with its meeting place by a wooden bridge over a stream, replaced nowadays by church hall, Selsey Tram pub and row of local shops. For residents, employment and major facilities mean travel into the City and to the big coastal... Read More»

East Wittering and Bracklesham

East Wittering and Bracklesham are two villages lying adjacent to each other in the attractive coastal setting of Bracklesham Bay. The villages are quietly removed from the hustle and bustle of busier towns, and are known for the fantastic expanses of sandy beach exposed at low tide. These extend along the coast to East Head . Watersports are an excellent... Read More»