CHICHESTER DISTRICT: A VERY SPECIAL PLACE Inspired by the past, inspiring the future

The Sustainable Community Strategy for Chichester District 2009-2026 Contents

CHICHESTER DISTRICT: A VERY SPECIAL PLACE Inspired by the past, inspiring the future

Introduction 5

Setting the Scene 6

A Well Run Area 8 The Priorities: • The Economy 1 0 • Environment 1 4 • Health and Wellbeing 1 8 • Housing and Neighbourhoods 24 • Transport and Access 30

Geographic outline • People and Places 34

What happens next? 37

Appendices What is the role of the LSP? 38 A Summary of the Consultation Responses 40

Sustainable Community Strategy 3 Introduction

Chichester. For every one of us environmental. Even so this who live in, work in or visit the document, which reflects the district, and even those who don't views of all the key partners but still happen to know the area within the district, has been well, the word means something produced with that very intention. special. Invariably it has a good It recognises things that we resonance. Over 300 square miles already know such as our age of attractive landscapes, villages, profile and economic towns, and of course the city infrastructure and it uses this itself. information to prepare for the future. When one considers the While still in the navy in 1987 changes of the last twenty years it I was looking to put down roots on would be unrealistic to pretend the South Coast and opted for the that we could accurately predict one with undoubtedly the greatest the next twenty. However as appeal, Chichester District. A community leaders I believe it decision I have never regretted. would be irresponsible to not plan During those twenty years or so at all. the world has moved on and the district has changed as well but So in this document we have without losing those essential highlighted the key issues as we characteristics of Chichester - see them and listed our objectives beauty, charm and tranquillity which together we will work to with talented and friendly people achieve. Above all I hope we have many being entrepreneurs and been true to the spirit of creative individuals. There is Chichester by planning to change recognition and acceptance for for the future whilst respecting change and progress albeit in a both the past and the present. way that respects how we have arrived at where we are today.

It is therefore a big responsibility to try and anticipate what could happen in the next twenty years Myles Cullen and to plan for future changes, be Chairman they demographic or Chichester in Partnership

Sustainable Community Strategy 5 Setting the scene

Chichester District - A Very Special Place Inspired by the past, inspiring the future

Chichester District has a unique This exploitation has left us with The assets of the natural blend of city, coast and a wealth of cultural heritage environment as well as the fabric countryside. If you stripped the second to none with protected of our settlements are what local district back to its natural assets monuments, buildings, people treasure and expect us to you would find an area of conservation areas, parks and promote and protect whilst immense variety and beauty, gardens. These help to shape transforming the district into a comprised of rich downland our modern communities, giving place that is fit to meet the features in the north through a them a sense of history, place challenges of the 21st century. plain endowed with natural and identity that many places These special qualities are what resources essential to a modern lack today. But they also have to people have sought from the country, to the variety of be managed and looked after, district over generations and wetlands in the coastal and alongside the challenges continue to be a major driver harbour areas in the south. presented with modern behind inward migration. Through this are a number of development. Channelling that process into landscape features that help to create the character of many of our communities, some accessible, some remote.

Chichester is a large rural area, most of which supports mixed agricultural activity with many miles of hedgerows and trees. Taken together they create an environment that is worthy of protection, with thousands of protected trees, a considerable number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and nearly three quarters of the district being classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a myriad of unique and special features that combine to create a rich backdrop that has been exploited by generations over thousands of years.

6 Sustainable Community Strategy everyday activities is difficult Our thinking is a reflection of without the added problem of data, information and feedback frailty. It also presents from a whole range of people challenges in terms of service who live in or visit the district provision, particularly for those either for work or pleasure, and providing high cost intensive should present as rounded a services such as those related to view of the issues as possible. primary health care. Lastly it is important to stress Conversely we have fewer that the priorities are not younger people staying here, exhaustive and just because with much of our talent and skill something is not included in the leaving for other locations. In a priority sections does not mean world economy, investing in our that it will be neglected or lost work force is essential in order sight of. We have shown to maintain a competitive edge, ourselves to be guardians of the yet we have been less successful best things in the district and in protecting and nurturing them the every day efforts that have than we have our natural assets. enabled that to happen will activities that naturally Given our success in drawing in continue. We want to be shaped complement the area - such as new people and talent, we have by the past but inspired by the tourism and culture, remains a also seen the impact of this on future. primary objective of this the housing system, with house strategy, alongside the prices often out of the reach of development of the services and those on modest incomes. In infrastructure for everyday living. this situation people seek help with their housing and pressures Yet challenges abound despite to build more rises to meet the the richness of assets that the need. This is not always Did you district contains. Its very nature welcome and in turn can draws people to it from far become a source of community know? afield, many in their retirement. stress and tension. When looking at the There are 3,500 listed demographic profile in 25 years Meeting a growing range of time we see a far larger number needs from our community both buildings, 84 of older people than you would old and young, well off and less Conservation Areas expect to find in a lot of other well off, urban and rural has to and over 200 Ancient places in England and Wales be our aim. This document is Monuments in the and of them more are over the start. It sets out what the 85 years of age presenting issues are, how we think they District. challenges for health and caring can be addressed and through services. This is especially true what means. It links to other for those in rural areas where documents and will shape new access to transport, services and ones over the years to come.

Sustainable Community Strategy 7 A well run area

A well run district contributes to District remains a very special this would not be the case if we achieving the objectives and place. Regulation and did not have an excellent police priorities set out in this enforcement is required to service alongside much document, however the ensure that people visiting, community safety partnership priorities could well be living and working in the district working. It is a high priority for significantly different if we were do so in safe and healthy those who live, work and visit not protecting and regulating in conditions and in an the district that we continue to the way that we do. The way in environment that is protected. maintain these low crime rates which the area is run is vital to and in this respect the making Chichester such an Many of the things we take for partnership's commitment to a attractive area to live, visit and granted about the District would safe area cuts across all of the work in - all part of what makes not come about if the various strategy. This is the case for it such a special place. agencies did not exercise their many other factors that we take powers to protect and enhance for granted. Another example is Strategies and plans alone will all activity (be that in relation to that occurrences of businesses not ensure that Chichester people, businesses or the polluting locally are currently environment). For example rare, but if there was no although we experience low regulation of this then it is levels of crime in the district, possible the situation could

8 Sustainable Community Strategy change which would have a significant effect on our health and the local environment. It is important to protect our communities by taking appropriate action against those who do not respect our district, thereby ensuring that we are all able to continue to enjoy it.

There are many functions involved in ensuring the district is well run; whether it be protecting us from harm and fraud, protecting the environment around us or helping to deliver economic prosperity. Many of these functions are unseen but require significant work and resource. This is exaggerated by the Regulating, protecting and The following priority areas have unique challenges associated enforcing often has much wider been set in the context that we with the district such as its rural benefits than are immediately continue to maintain a well run nature and the high expectation obvious. Across the district there district. The priorities are set out of local communities. are 492 premises that have a in alphabetical order and not in license to sell alcohol. These order of importance. It should licenses control the sale of also be recognised that there is alcohol, which helps to reduce a great deal of interrelation Did you alcohol related violence, noise between the priorities, they are nuisance, anti-social behaviour not possible to tackle in know? and violent crime to ensure isolation and all should be communities stay safe. It also considered when addressing Total crime for 2008 helps to improve the health of any one area. communities by reducing was 6353 reported underage drinking and alcohol incidents - 664 less related hospital admissions. than in 2007. Effective licensing of premises to sell alcohol also contributes to a growing local economy by ensuring businesses are able to operate on a level playing field.

Sustainable Community Strategy 9 The Priorities: Economy

Introduction 5,500 businesses in the area, wages of full time employees over 86% employ less than 10 resident in the district are below A strong economy is essential people. Given this and the rural the South East average, but for a prosperous District, and for nature of the district, this profile similar to the West Sussex the well-being of its residents. brings many challenges in terms average. However, the annual The challenges facing Chichester of support and development. salaries and weekly wages of full in the short term are significant time employees in places of and filled with uncertainty. The work within the district (with depth and severity of the Did you many service and public sector recession will inevitability colour jobs) are significantly lower than our approach to the longer term know? both the West Sussex and South development and growth of the East averages. By 2026 it is local economy. The priorities Europe's 2nd largest projected that only just over half and objectives highlighted in of the district's population will this section are to ensure a caravan park is be of working age. There has sustained improvement in the situated in the been a significant increase in economy over the lifetime of the District at Selsey migrant workers in the district Strategy. Maximising income over the last few years, through improving economic principally from Eastern Europe, opportunities should be a Earnings which has helped to sustain priority given the impact that many local businesses, poverty has on people. There The Annual Survey of Hours & particularly in the horticultural are pockets and unemployment Earnings 2008 shows that sector. and the strategy should be annual salaries and weekly looking at ways of addressing this through jobs that pay more, bring additional employee benefits and have a social responsibility ethos.

Current position/ Major issues

Businesses Although there are a number of high profile national and internationally renowned businesses, the district economy is characterised by having a high number of small businesses. Of the more than

10 Sustainable Community Strategy Skills Chichester has a reasonably high level of skills compared to many other areas and is above the West Sussex average with, for example, 83% of the population having at least NVQ level 1. However, there is a degree of skills mismatch - the skills people have are not necessarily the same skills employers in the district need to run and develop their businesses. Like the rest of the British economy, the district will also need to develop its skills base to compete more effectively in international markets in the face of growing these estates has changed over Studies have already been competition from emerging recent years and there is a need undertaken for the towns of economies. to continue to adapt and Selsey and Midhurst to identify regenerate them. investment needs, but more Chichester City work needs to be done. The city is a major centre for administration, education, Did you The Rural Economy leisure, and retailing. As a retail The survival of village shops is centre the city offers far more know? often an important issue for the choice than the resident health of local communities. population of 23,700 might Chichester City centre Horticulture and agricultural expect to find. In addition to an attracts more than sectors make up the major use impressive range of national of land in the rural areas. The high street shops, there are also 4m tourist shoppers Goodwood Estate holds several a large number of smaller each year. internationally renowned major independent shops, which events throughout the year together attract visitors from which attract many visitors to the outside the district. There is a The Market Towns district and as such is a large balance between high street contributor to the local economy. shopping and the larger out of Outside the city, there are town shops, but there is scope several market towns or more for improvement, especially for urban settlements which have a the night time economy. The city smaller range of shops and also contains a number of businesses. These settlements industrial estates with units of are in need of inward investment various sizes. The profile of to a greater or lesser degree.

Sustainable Community Strategy 11 Priorities and Employees with good skills relevant to local Did you Objectives employers, prepared know? A strong local economy for national and where businesses can international The coastal plain thrive and grow. competition and with well-paid and secure jobs. is one of the best A key area for business climates in the improvement is the advice and A well skilled workforce is country for growing support they receive in order to critical to the success of our flowers and plants survive, develop and grow. businesses and district and Advice is provided by should ensure better pay and due to its high levels organisations such as Business more secure jobs. Although of natural light. Link, Chichester District Council there remains a skills gap in the and West Sussex County area, a much bigger issue is the The Impact of PUSH Council. The recession will prove mismatch of residents' skills to a difficult time for our small the needs of local employers. The impact on the local economy businesses and advice and We need to ensure that the local of the PUSH area (Partnership support will be crucial if they schools and colleges and the for Urban South Hampshire) as a are to survive and thrive in University are producing more development zone is at the future years. These partner young people with training and moment uncertain. Some organisations provide advice on skills relevant for the local businesses in the district may how to access grants and employers and for the longer choose to relocate to within the funding, develop business plans term development of the PUSH area, whilst other and opportunities and how to economy. Otherwise, local businesses may set up or access training. businesses can only survive and develop within the Chichester thrive by bringing in workers district to access PUSH markets. Creativity is often required to from outside the district, adding There needs to be a greater help businesses develop and to road congestion and understanding of how PUSH survive. Diversification and impacting on the environment. could affect the district economy adaptability should be It also means that many of our and how we might respond to encouraged and supported younger people seek work the challenge. where appropriate. Continuing elsewhere. However, it is and enhancing the advice and equally important that local support to businesses will be employers utilise better the essential if they are to be skills and knowledge being fostered and developed as taught in our local colleges, and competitive and progressive build on these to create new markets. assets to the district's economy.

12 Sustainable Community Strategy There is a need to attract, destination and its connection There are also a number of support and develop businesses to and relationship with other colleges which specialise in arts that are suitable to the tourist and visitor attractions and creative studies, including characteristics of the district within the wider area will be Chichester University, and will provide well-paid and emphasised and developed. Chichester College, West Dean secure jobs. This is to meet the College and Earnley Concourse. issues around the lower average The city's industrial estates have income of jobs within the changed over recent years with The South Coast Design Forum district and create career greater numbers of trade was formed in Chichester in opportunities for younger counters and show rooms 2007 and has quickly become a people. instead of pure industrial units. leading voice in relation to There is scope for additional design and innovation activity in The Framework for Action on industrial units, as well as a its widest sense, not just in Skills for West Sussex will be need for further improvements Chichester, but along the coast key to how we take action on to some of the industrial from Portsmouth to Brighton. skills in the district. Published estates. in April 2008, the document sets There is, the opportunity to out 6 Strategic Objectives for Elsewhere, studies have already make links between these Arts developing skills in the county been carried out in Selsey and and Heritage sites and the which are: Midhurst to create a vision for colleges, and to call upon the the way forward. In the coming many expert designers within • Creating tomorrow's years further studies will be the district to develop workforce and entrepreneurs carried out for the other employment opportunities for today. settlements together with action creative and innovative • Developing the skills of the plans for improvements to businesses in order to develop a current workforce ensure that they fulfil the needs niche market for the district • Develop the skills of adults of local people, are attractive to which will add to our sense of outside the workforce visitors and are sustainable place. Investing in and • Growing the knowledge settlements, which can, where promoting design in its widest economy in West Sussex. appropriate, continue to be the sense may also lead to • Develop the education and focus of the majority of growth opportunities in hi-tech skills provision for excellence. manufacturing and research. • Engendering a learning and activity in the district. culture for all citizens The District to be known The arts and the area's heritage will be a key economic driver Vibrant and sustainable as a centre for creative and innovative within the district, thereby City and Market Towns, supporting our innovative with a good range of industries building businesses, our wide range of business and retail types. on our rich arts and design-led industries and the heritage base. tourism opportunities which The key settlements for flow from them. businesses are Chichester City, The district has a rich and varied Selsey, Midhurst, Petworth, heritage and is a renowned Southbourne, Tangmere and cultural and arts destination. In East Wittering and Bracklesham. support of this there is a highly skilled workforce and a number Did you The priority for the city will be to of national and international support its role as a sub heritage and arts venues know? regional retail centre and as an offering a diverse range of attractive destination in its own visual, performing and Founded in 1839 as right. There is also an interpretive opportunities for Bishop's Training opportunity toexplore whether both artists and those who College, the University improvements can be made to enjoy their work. The District the night time economy, for Council is also proposing to of Chichester is one example by addressing the replace its District Museum in of the oldest higher "dead zone" between the shops the next two years. educational closing in the evening and the establishments in busier times for the restaurants For its size, the district is and pub trade. The role of the probably unique in having such the country. city as a major visitor a wide range of quality venues.

Sustainable Community Strategy 13 The Priorities: Environment

Introduction Current position/ 3,500 listed buildings, the Cathedral, major country houses The quality of the local Major issues and many Conservation Areas. environment is something that communities and partners want to protect and enhance. and In Beautiful Towns and the recent Citizens Panel survey Countryside Did you a significant majority of With nearly two thirds of the residents said that the scenery, District covered by two Areas of know? landscape and green spaces Outstanding Natural Beauty - were the most important Chichester Harbour and the Kingley Vale is one of features of the area. The Sussex Downs - the rural areas the most ancient Yew environment is therefore highly and the coast are seen by local valued and there are strongly people and visitors as being forests in Western held (and voiced) views that visually distinctive and of major Europe. change should be resisted. importance to the quality of life Change and new development is in the district. The district is however essential to ensure abundant with wildlife and has This provides a rich and sustainability and prosperity. an exceptional range of habitats enjoyable history for residents Significant environmental and species - 11% is ancient and visitors to explore but poses challenges are to be faced over woodland. the coming years in order to challenges in making the changes required to meet the maintain environmental The district has a very fine built standards and to continue to needs of present and future heritage - with over 200 generations, such as providing improve the quality of life. Many scheduled ancient monuments, of these challenges will not just solar panels on listed buildings. be local but have a regional, national or even global dimension. Did you know? Did you know? 35% of the District is covered by woodland

14 Sustainable Community Strategy 2011 (relative to 2005 levels). To achieve this will take co-ordinated action to increase energy efficiency, install renewable forms of energy supplies, improve transport systems and reduce 'food miles'.

Managing Waste Waste management is a major issue on a local and global scale. Currently over a third of the district's domestic refuse is recycled and this figure is set to improve soon to 40% with the expansion of the green bin Climate Change composting service. Climate change is a global Did you Food waste accounts for challenge. The district must approximately one third of prepare for the predicted know? waste, but from individual changes in our climate and find households. Education about ways to be less reliant on fossil In Chichester district healthy eating and living must go hand in hand with waste fuels. According to the UK the domestic CO Climate Impacts Programme it is 2 minimisation and recovery of very likely (>90% probability) emissions per person value from waste. that the annual average are the 6th highest in There is some recycling of temperature will rise between 1.5 the South East region, commercial and construction and 3°C by the 2050s. It is also at 2.99 tonnes (2006). waste, but despite this, the likely that there will be more majority of domestic, frequent extreme weather events Greenhouse Gases commercial and construction and we need to ensure that our waste still goes to landfill. The environment is able to cope. The Climate Change Act 2008 County is also under pressure to Given that sea levels will establishes a national target to provide for the disposal of part continue to rise there are real reduce emissions by 80% by of London's residual waste. risks facing people on the coast. 2050. In Chichester district the Partners therefore need to find CO2 emissions per person are Government regulations will ways to encourage and support the 6th highest in the South East promote further recycling by residents and businesses to region, at 2.99 tonnes (2006). businesses, and over time prepare for climate change The West Sussex Local Area increased use will be made of impacts. Lifestyles and work Agreement (the contract domestic waste as a resource by practices can change, but we between local and central recovery of additional need to start now in order to government) sets a target to materialsand recovery of energy prepare for the changes ahead. reduce emissions by 9.5% by from waste.

Sustainable Community Strategy 15 Adequate Water Supplies individual proposals, achieve a sensitive balance that protects Did you Portsmouth Water, Southern environmental quality. The Water and South East Water, 'Halo' report, produced by know? companies who supply water in external consultants who were the district, are required to commissioned to capture the In 2007/08 residents prepare and maintain a Water views of a sample of local Resources Management Plan, in residents, identified a strong recycled 33.5% of their which they consider the issues household waste, put- need for the community to be affecting the supply and demand heard and involved in such ting the District 7th out for water over a 25-year period decisions. of 395 Local Authority and plan to ensure that areas. adequate supplies are available. Every opportunity should be These plans consider projected taken to enhance the landscape increases in population and and habitats through development, the impacts of partnership working climate change, protection of the arrangements such as the Clean Streets and Spaces environment and the impact Manhood Wildlife project and The cleanliness of our streets, these will have on water supply the West Weald Landscape project. Confirmation of the parks and beaches is very and demand. proposed South Downs National important to local people and Sewerage Park should bring an increased visitors alike and fosters a sense focus upon the landscape and of wellbeing and pride. Existing A number of Waste Water Treatment Works in the district rural activity, but may well have litter collection arrangements are further consequences for the are limited by capacity at the supplemented with initiatives to area, with increased tourism and works and current technology as remove cigarette buts, chewing longer term house price well as by the environmental gum and graffiti that are increases being predicted. occasionally a problem. Street impact on water quality in our recycling bins are used to internationally protected At the coast, the new Coastal recover cans, plastic bottles and habitats. Licences are issued Defence Strategy will be and then monitored by the paper, and these focussed supported and through a Environment Agency to ensure activities help to maintain high combination of holding the line, those licences are not exceeded. standards. Currently the adaptive management and Particularly in the south of the district's performance in an managed realignment will district close to Chichester reduce uncertainty and clarify indicator that measures street Harbour, water quality is an the risks for those who have and environmental cleanliness is important consideration when concerns. well above the national average. considering future development. Maintaining a clean environment will be a priority and a peer group review of Priorities and street cleaning standards should be carried out with the Objectives other West Sussex districts to encourage the exchange of best Managing a changing practice. Clean Neighbourhood Environment initiatives by the partnership will continue to develop It is clear that the quality of the educational and enforcement local environment is very initiatives to combat littering important and deserves and fly tipping. Long term protection not only for its overall funding streams should be distinctive character, but also established to fund graffiti for the special sites and clearance. buildings that contribute so much. The development needs Continued promotion of "In of the community will have to be Bloom" competitions will accommodated, and it is vitally enhance the attractiveness of important that new strategies streets and places and and policies, and decisions on contribute towards civic pride.

16 Sustainable Community Strategy impacts on our towns, villages and countryside need to be fully assessed.

Reducing the consumption and increasing the supply of water is a priority. The metering programme in place by Portsmouth Water will aim to have 85% of domestic properties metered by 2035, although this figure may increase. Southern Water is aiming for universal metering by 2015, and predicts the need for a desalination scheme in the Sussex supply area by 2030-35, due to likely large shortfalls in supply. Sufficient sewage Greener Living capacity is vital for both our Greener living also implies existing population and any Local businesses and residents reducing waste, increased potential increased housing or need to be aware of the recycling and the recovery of population levels, balanced predicted impacts of climate value and energy from waste. with the need to protect change and be encouraged and The partners should coordinate internationally protected supported in changing their their activities to make recycling habitats. habits to become more easier for residents and environmentally friendly and businesses and make the most Sand and gravel working in the appreciative of environmental of new recovery facilities. There district is necessary to supply limits. As the major bodies should also be greater building materials and often responsible for the delivery of promotion to local businesses there are no genuine substitutes public services, the partner that working in a sustainable and the movement of heavy organisations should take steps and energy efficient way not vehicles and the impact on the to reduce their ecological only benefits the environment landscape can be damaging. We footprint and publicise their but is also advantageous to need to find ways to minimise actions. businesses themselves. the essentially short term disruption that is caused, whilst New buildings will be designed Where appropriate, sustainable maximising the long term to meet stringent standards of living should include the benefits that may follow, for energy efficiency and the best provision and promotion of example, from the creation of will achieve net zero carbon alternatives to the private motor additional water storage areas standards. Many older buildings car. and new wildlife habitats. We also need to push for the require adaptation and, where recycling of construction waste possible, encouragement should Environmental Resources to minimise the amount of new be given to the installation of As partners we must ensure that material that is required. higher standards of insulation, future supplies of water, energy improved energy efficiency and and other environmental Increasing the supply of local the use of renewable energy resources meet the needs of our energy should also be a priority, generation. Current schemes to communities. Achieving but large scale installations may encourage the installation of sustainable development means have significant visual impacts. retrofitted renewable energy that resources are properly systems will be further managed so that those in Oil is currently produced from developed. Successful limited supply can be used reserves in the South Downs, sustainable design will be effectively. It may mean where further exploitation may sympathetic to the local reducing levels of consumption be possible without appreciable context, meet improved or finding new means of supply. environmental damage. standards and be adaptable in Potential conflicts between the longer term. exploiting resources and the

Sustainable Community Strategy 17 The Priorities: Health and Wellbeing

Introduction As individuals we can make our own lifestyle decisions about what to eat, whether to smoke and how much exercise to take. Beyond this, health is influenced by the type of community we live in, the respect our neighbours show us, access to community facilities and the immediate built and green environment around us.

Across the District there is a diverse range of communities and varying demography. Inevitably these differences result in differing health Older people choose to retire to geographical pockets of outcomes, even between the the district because it is an deprivation with significant sexes. Generally the health of attractive and pleasant place to differences in life expectancy residents living to the North of live. This situation creates two and quality of life. Marked the district is better than those major challenges: differences in causes of living in the South where the premature death also exist difference in life expectancy can 1) Services are needed to keep between men and women. be as much as 6.2 years. our older population healthy, independent, and supported; In some of our wards, one in four children live in low income 2) A need to retain the mobile, households and this figure is Did you younger and healthy rising. Numbers of low income residents within the district to households are also increasing know? fill local jobs, raise their with people aged over 60 years. families and maintain a The top 3 causes of balanced community. Housing can impact upon premature death for health with the most extreme the under 75s are Current position/ examples of poor health coronary heart amongst the homeless. One in Major issues seven older people in Chichester disease, accidents have concerns about keeping and lung cancer. Addressing health warm in winter, which is inequalities especially relevant in some wards with high levels of fuel Although Chichester District is a poverty in the District. relatively affluent area, there are

18 Sustainable Community Strategy The District falls below the Government's alcohol strategy national average for water space (Safe, Sensible, Social 2007) Did you available at swimming pools aims to minimise the health and has a shortage of playing harms and other negative know? pitches to offer to the local effects of alcohol whilst community which may restrict ensuring that people are able to About 10,000 males the opportunities to exercise. enjoy alcohol safely and and 11,400 females responsibly. In Chichester 1 in 5 adults are obese in the smoke and there is evidence district. 1 in 9 children Enriched and Empowered that half of all regular smokers Community aged 5 years are die from smoking related obese. By the age of conditions. Of significant Mental wellbeing of individuals concern are the numbers of has a significant impact on 11 that ratio is 1 in 7. young women who take up physical health. Resilient smoking, as lung cancer is now individuals cope better with Unhealthy and inactive the 3rd highest cause of changing situations and are lifestyles premature mortality in empowered to make good local women. health choices. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are essential for Alcohol consumption in young Participation in arts and cultural good health but 3 in 4 adults in people is a concern as a recent activities benefit mental, the district are not physically survey of 16 to 24 year olds emotional and cognitive health active enough to benefit their showed that 30% of males and and can also provide physical health. Activity levels amongst 19% of females are regular binge exercise. These opportunities local children are higher than drinkers. Locally, the rate of reach out to frequently excluded adult levels but still significantly alcohol-related admissions to groups such as those with less than the average for hospital has risen sharply over disabilities and can also be a England. the past 3 years. The safe way of exploring difficult issues and choices about topics like alcohol, drugs and self image.

Providing services for an older population Strategic planners recognise the tension between providing enough support and caring services for an older population yet also providing facilities to attract and retain a younger, more active and healthy workforce.

Sustainable Community Strategy 19 The district has seen the highest and other physical and cultural increase in the number of activities have been shown to Did you individuals claiming Carers reduce the need for medication Allowance in West Sussex and the incidence of falls, as know? between 2004 and 2007. With well as improving self- an ageing population who are confidence and tackling social With more than more likely to suffer from isolation. 32% of people of long-term illnesses, the number pensionable age, of unpaid carers is likely to 'A Breath of Fresh Air' is West Chichester district increase further. Westbourne Sussex PCT's strategic plan for ward in particular has twice the the modernisation of Primary has the highest county average number of and Community health services. concentration of unpaid carers. Carers are often This will act as the cornerstone pensioners anywhere older people themselves and are for accessible services for in the country. at increased risk of problems deprived and rurally isolated with mental and emotional people. Partners will need to wellbeing, especially work together closely to ensure depression, isolation, loneliness equitable access to services As people age they become and fear. across the rural district. increasingly dependent and physical and mental health can deteriorate. Estimates suggest Rural services for health Health protection that dementia rates in the and wellbeing The quality of the air we breath, district will increase by 20-25% For some people, health and the food we eat, the water we over the next 20 years. Already social issues are exacerbated by drink are essential to Tangmere has a higher number living in a rural area where maintaining our health, as are of people aged 85+ with a access to services can be poor. being protected from harm when limiting long term illness than Reducing isolation can help we go about our day to day lives. the West Sussex average. The improve mental wellbeing Health protection activities are, provision of health and social especially for those living alone in the main, those unseen by care services including and/or in rural and isolated communities. community monitoring and locations. This is also an issue mobile warden provision are within the Transport and Access Health protection activities need priorities to enable older people priority. to prepare for emerging threats to remain in their own homes for to our health as well as looking as long as they wish. Leisure and cultural activities after our existing wellbeing. For such as heritage walks can instance, as industry changes, Following retirement, income increase social contact. Tai Chi so do the pollutants they could levels can drop significantly. This can cause physical hardship as well as fear and worry. Did you know? There are over 10,000 unpaid carers in the district, and 15% of them provide in excess of 50 hours care per week.

20 Sustainable Community Strategy emit to the environment, the health impacts of any such pollution need to be addressed and controlled as necessary. The wellbeing of communities can be detrimentally affected by environmental issues.

Many health protection activities contribute to other community priorities. Work to address traffic congestion and air pollution on the A27 through measures such as car-sharing and improved public transport provision may also result in reduced social isolation and a reduction in travel costs.

Priorities and Objectives

A reduction in health inequalities A healthy population is essential for Chichester to be a thriving and productive district. Health inequalities are easier to measure where there are multiple households in close Encourage healthy and proximity experiencing poor A culturally enriched and health. Further work should be active lifestyles for all empowered community carried out to understand the Maintaining a healthy weight, Healthy and successful determinants of health in rural sensible drinking (particularly by communities make time to enjoy areas where it is more likely that young people), responsible and celebrate the richness of inequalities are hidden using parenting and resilience to cope their heritage, the arts and traditional indicators. Projects to with stress result from good environment. Without enriching combat health inequalities that lifestyle behaviours. Conversely everyday life it is difficult to focus on working with poor lifestyle choices such as maintain a sense of wellbeing disadvantaged communities to smoking and inactivity are and purpose. improve their quality of life increasingly likely to become the should continue to be major health issues for the Work to enrich communities and developed. future. empower resilience to challenges should include: There is a need to provide a The partners will promote range of opportunities and existing and new initiatives to • Community and personal actions which will address health improve understanding of development for vulnerable inequalities, either by target healthy eating, sensible groups especially deprived groups, location or better access drinking, smoking cessation and children and young people. to health and wellbeing the benefits of physical activity. opportunities. Measures will be taken to • Inter-generational work to encourage the development of address barriers and empower projects to improve the provision older and younger groups of sport and leisure facilities.

Sustainable Community Strategy 21 • Target hard to reach groups Services for older wish to do so. This can include through community activities. people home improvements to address fuel poverty and reduce • Promotion of leisure and The population of over 65s in incidence of falls, as well as physical activity, especially Chichester District is set to outreach services and access to parks and green increase by 2026. The health accessible transport options spaces, with a focus on the issues of an ageing population to combat social isolation. needs of children and young are diverse and are likely to people. include increased chronic Accessible health and disease, dementia, sensory and wellbeing services in rural physical impairment, and areas learning difficulties, adding Did you pressure to partners' resources, Rural districts are deceptive, on services and families. Assuming the outside they look idyllic and know? these trends remain, the restful but this can mask partnership should plan for the isolated communities where Chichester District needs of an older population. transport is restricted, there is Youth Council has over-reliance on cars and Work should be prioritised to services are patchy. This 39 active members support older people to remain Strategy intends to tackle this in from 7 schools. living independently in their a number of ways (see Transport own homes for as long as they and Access section).

22 Sustainable Community Strategy Additionally, there will be Health Protection support for voluntary and community groups and facilities Did you Health protection and such as community halls, and regulation need to ensure the increased opportunities for rural know? community's health and communities to have access to wellbeing does not deteriorate. good quality sport and leisure Since 2006 over It needs to be dynamic and facilities, green spaces and £900,000 worth of respond to the changing needs of the district. cultural pursuits. Monitoring contributions from and support for the PCT's 'A planning permissions Breath of Fresh Air' The development of safe and modernisation plan for primary has been spent on secure living and working and community health services community facilities. environments, the monitoring of and support to provide excellent potential health hazards and hospital services following the mitigating risks to health and plans for St Richard's and wellbeing will be prioritised for Worthing / Southlands action. Hospitals to become a Foundation Trust are also crucial elements of the Strategy.

Sustainable Community Strategy 23 The Priorities: Housing and Neighbourhoods

Introduction from two discrete sources: families from Hampshire As a desirable location to looking for detached character relocate to Chichester district properties and those looking has the benefit of an attractive to relocate from the wider housing stock and a variety of London area, often as part of pleasant neighbourhoods and pre-retirement or retirement communities. The consequent plans. high demand for housing is reflected in the cost of homes. The impact of high housing costs is particularly problematic Did you at the moment as a result of the recession, reduced incomes and know? rising living costs. In 2008 the average Despite a high standard of housing generally, there are price of a house in the pockets of poor housing and District (£359,273) neighbourhoods that experience was 14 times the low levels of antisocial average salary behaviour. These combine to (£25,212). Affordability affect peoples' sense of well being. The district suffers with a chronic affordability gap which Current position/ More recently there has also results in high numbers being been an increase in the number excluded from the market - both Major issues of temporary residents coming home ownership and private to the area either as a result of rental. Access to home Demand and inward accessing higher education or ownership remains beyond the migration seasonal work from migrant reach of many people with workers. These latter groups house prices at levels that make The district has some of the tend to seek accommodation in it inaccessible. most attractive homes and the lower cost private rented neighbourhoods in the county sector where competition for The problem is further and the region and is one of the accommodation is already fierce exacerbated by the fact that the key reasons for people moving from existing households and housing stock is heavily here. Demand for homes from where standards are generally dominated by large detached both within the district and lower. Within Chichester City the high cost houses rather than further afield has made us one two further and higher education lower cost flats. As a result, of the most expensive areas to establishments have identified flats command a higher price live in outside of London, but the shortage of student than would normally be the without the equivalent levels of accommodation as a key issue case. Housing costs are not income and earnings. Much of in their ability to recruit equal across the district with the in-migration tends to come students. lower costs found to the south of

24 Sustainable Community Strategy the city (Bracklesham and Generally the older the property, Selsey) and within some the greater the incidence of neighbourhoods in Chichester disrepair. This is particularly an Did you city itself. Costs rise as you issue for older people where move northwards with peak adaptations and improved know? costs in small downland villages. heating/ insulation are needed This pattern in part reflects the to make everyday tasks More than 1 in 4 stock profile with smaller lower achievable and to enable them houses in the District cost homes found in the city and to stay within their homes. To were built before 1919. coastal areas and larger higher put this in context, it is cost homes on the downland estimated that one in every four areas. households contains a person Rural Housing with a disability or infirmity. It is Quality of the stock - particularly concerning that 21% Opportunities to buy within rural Fit for purpose? of households are estimated to communities are fewer and costs are higher, reflecting the interest Houses are not just homes but be at risk of fuel poverty. Both disrepair and fuel poverty are from the local community as well also part of the fabric of the as further afield. All too often community. They give variety, particularly prevalent in the private rented sector where the people with strong connections shape and form to the places to a rural community cannot find average cost of outstanding people live. suitable accommodation for repairs rises to £3,214 per their needs and are forced to dwelling. More of our housing Maintaining the existing stock is move away. Although this stock is privately rented than is therefore important. As a process can bring in newcomers the regional average and as a district one in four homes were to an area, a pattern of second result this is an area for built prior to 1919 against a homes has also emerged and is national average of one in five. attention. perceived to have created problems in some areas. Did you know? There are over 1,350 second homes in the district - the highest number in West Sussex and 3 times the average for the South East.

Sustainable Community Strategy 25 Much stock has been lost seek assistance with their and the prospect of through the right to buy process housing from the housing homelessness. Although levels and replacement costs remain authority. There is currently of homelessness fluctuate they high, in those instances where extremely high demand for tend to be in the region of 130 suitable sites can be found for affordable housing in the district cases a year. It is anticipated new development. All too often, and the high number of that current levels of finding development households who have applied to homelessness will rise as a opportunities are limited or join the district's Housing result of people struggling to resisted by the local community. Register shows this. There are meet their housing costs in the currently in excess of 5,600 light of multiple debts and/or Safety net services households registered, of which loss of income as a result of around 1,900 are considered to redundancy. This is borne out Not all of our residents benefit be priority applications. For by changes in the uptake and equally from good housing and example they may be living in amendments to existing housing pleasant neighbourhoods. Many over-crowded accommodation, and council tax benefit claims. are unable to secure the home have a medical need to move or that they need in the location be threatened with they desire and as a result they In addition to the loss of homelessness. Based on an accommodation, maintaining average number of vacancies a people independently in their year, there are18 applicants homes reduces pressures for competing for each home that wider services. Growth in becomes available. This figure demand for assistance with is substantially higher for homes adaptations is anticipated both in the main settlements. in terms of numbers and value and finding ways of helping This level of competition people to combat disrepair is inevitably results in long waiting critical. The link between poor times for people in inadequate housing conditions and ill health accommodation. For many the is well established and with a situation is not sustainable and growing proportion of older they find their current people it is increasingly arrangements breaking down important.

26 Sustainable Community Strategy Priorities and Objectives

Increasing housing supply We need more homes across all tenures to help address unmet needs and previous shortfalls in delivery.

In particular the need for more affordable housing has been recognised by agencies and the community alike. The current target of 200 new homes a year is likely to be challenging to achieve in the short term in the current economic climate, as much of the delivery is dependant on larger developments where 40% affordable housing is sought.

Of these 200 units, it is expected that a minimum of 25 affordable units will be developed in rural areas as a result of partnership working between the District Council and Hyde Martlet.

Opportunities to work with private sector housing providers Neighbourhoods areas including Health and as well as Registered Social Wellbeing, the Environment and Landlords needs to be explored. When asked, most people state the fundamentals of a well run In particular increasing the that they are satisfied with area. supply of high quality private where they live and most feel rented and intermediate rental safe. Issues that do concern Strong, safe and vibrant units is a priority. It is hoped people tend to be linked to the communities are important for that this approach will help perceived behaviour of young people's well being and people in acute need but who people within neighbourhoods. personal development. are unlikely to secure social Other negative activities within a Chichester District remains one housing in the short term. neighbourhood that influenced of the safest areas of the country peoples satisfaction were and with crime in most generally linked to very isolated categories decreasing from antisocial behaviour problems already low base levels. where action could be taken by However, there remains a an agency to remedy the disproportionate "fear of crime". problem, such as street There are also ongoing issues cleansing, noisy neighbours, with low level crime such as anti vandalism and abandoned social behavior, drugs, vehicles. These issues have vandalism and minor criminal strong links with other priority damage.

Sustainable Community Strategy 27 Vibrant, safe and clean To date a number of multi established local community neighbourhoods agency and resident policing priorities are being partnerships have been identified. This should be Ensuring that our community successful in tackling localised continued and developed, with continues to enjoy clean, issues through projects such as communities supported to build pleasant, safe and diverse the weeks of action, community and maintain community spirit neighbourhoods is a priority. warden schemes, graffiti and help shape the area in When areas decline, the removal scheme, fly tipping which they live. We will strive to popularity of the housing stock removal and public place maintain the low levels of crime diminishes and eventually areas drinking bans. There has been and work to reduce anti social become run down and neglected a significant investment in behaviour experienced in our and the stock left empty. In an Neighbourhood Policing Teams neighbourhoods and so area of such high housing need, across the district and through improving people's perceptions making sure that people are the Neighbourhood of safety in the district. satisfied with the places they Management Panels being live in and that they take an active part in maintaining them, has to be important. Did you know? Since they were introduced in 2005, Community Wardens have dealt with over 18,000 incidents.

28 Sustainable Community Strategy this will be a focus of attention. creating an environment for a Adapting and equipping the thriving voluntary and Did you home to meet physical needs as community sector, recognising people age and also to the value and contribution of know? providing monitoring and volunteers and the work of • response services (that bring voluntary and community 21% of households peace of mind and over time can groups in the District in are at risk of fuel help to deliver health and social supporting our local poverty. care services in different and communities. The sustainability more cost effective ways), will of this sector is important and • 40% of properties do become increasingly important. in order to achieve this longer not have a mains gas term funding models and supply. Understanding and opportunities to create a meeting community needs voluntary and community sector hub for the District should be Some services should be Housing Fit for Purpose explored. focused around those in most A number of actions are set out need whether that be through in the Housing Strategy and the challenges of the Private Sector Accommodation report to help target those in demographic profiles or those Did you greatest need and to ensure who are most vulnerable. In the that 70% of all vulnerable short term the downturn in the know? economy will also create major households are living in a • decent home by 2010. Critical issues that need addressing and There are well over to this is addressing issues of it important to remain flexible in 500 local voluntary inadequate heating and reacting to these issues. groups active insulation which was the cause within the district., for failure in 74.7% of all homes The voluntary and community and . . . sector are often well placed to that failed to meet the decent • There are about homes standard. With rising work closely with communities, fuel costs, the need to reduce whether these be established 200 community emissions and consumption and community or faith groups or buildings. the consequences for poor even individuals, at a local heating on health outcomes, level. We are committed to

Sustainable Community Strategy 29 The Priorities: Transport and Access

Introduction Current position/ Car Regular and convenient access Major issues Most of the district area is not to places and services - in a well served by public transport predominantly rural area that and it means residents can only occur at present by Congestion increasingly rely on private cars, reliance on the car. Yet there are Congestion around Chichester which are a necessity rather still many people for whom a car and on the A27 is having an than a luxury in a rural district is not an option and therefore impact on business transport such as Chichester. The high their freedom of movement is costs and the congestion is proportion of cars per head of restricted. Using public transport likely to increase until the population is therefore not frequently means proposed improvements to the necessarily a sign of affluence, inconvenience, delay and A27 are completed. In addition but of necessity. uncertainty. The priorities and to this, the congestion on the objectives highlighted in this other main arterial routes, Bus section aim to improve transport especially in the summer and access opportunities for all. Bus services are now free to months, impacts on local those over the age of sixty and people, visitors and businesses. there is a three in one card that

30 Sustainable Community Strategy offers reduced rates to students, Rail At the moment Community however the high cost and Transport is not as well infrequency and timings of The south of the district is coordinated as it could be and it buses can deter local workers reasonably well served by rail. needs more secure long term and students alike. It can also There are five settlements in the funding. be problematic to physically district served by stations; access public transport. Low Southbourne, Nutbourne, Cycling loader buses are available, Bosham, Fishbourne and though not everywhere and not Chichester. Approximately 200 Cycling is an increasingly all the time. Bus stops can be a trains a day pass through popular form of transport and long distance away and there is Chichester station, but not all of many cycle routes and initiatives little or no coordination between them stop at the stations have been developed. There are, bus companies, community between Chichester and Havant. however, issues around cycling transport, trains or mobility There are concerns about the routes to the Manhood services. timings of trains, (especially the Peninsula and the ability to take earliness of the last trains), cost cycles on trains. Did you and cleanliness. Community Transport know? A number of residents, especially in the coastal and Over 21,000 rural areas, use Community concessionary bus Transport to access the services passes were issued they need. This provides an alternative to public transport in 2008. away from the main bus routes.

Sustainable Community Strategy 31 Road Traffic Collisions the quality of life for residents in our rural communities. The Priorities and Speeding through villages and rurality of the District creates a Objectives country lanes is seen as an serious problem around issue and this contributes to the isolation, especially for the Traffic management in the high number of fatal and serious elderly and those living in the road casualties within the district will improve so as countryside (although it is also to reduce congestion district. Around 120 people die possible to experience isolation or are seriously injured on the in towns as well). Isolation can The Partners will continue to roads of Chichester district each have a detrimental effect on the press for improvements to the year, this is significantly worse quality of life to those who A27 Chichester Bypass at the than the English average of 56.3. experience it including mental earliest possible opportunity. A national study by the IAM health issues and barriers to Partners such as CDC, WSCC, Motoring Trust showed that rural services. and the bus and train roads account for two thirds of companies will work together to all fatal traffic accidents. It also Information develop an Integrated Transport revealed that one third of all Plan for the Chichester area. rural road deaths and serious Barriers to access are not just around physical access - access injuries are in cars driven by Public and community transport, to information is also a key young drivers aged between 17 cycling and walking will be a issue. There is sometimes and 25. better alternative to using the confusion about which services car. Rural Remoteness are provided in the district, by whom they are provided and The scarcity of services such as how to access them. There are cash points, shops, banks, post also still difficulties in accessing offices, public transport and Broadband in some parts of the health care have an impact on district.

32 Sustainable Community Strategy There will be a decrease in the numbers of road traffic collisions in the district. More traffic calming in villages, increased use of mobile speed cameras and sufficient targeted education on road management are all seen as helping to combat the high level of road injuries and fatalities.

People will have easier access to services at a local level. Improvements in transport will assist meeting this objective, as will the better availability of services locally. More services are being offered online and in locations in the villages and Public transport needs to be There will be improved towns across the district, but improved and made more cycling networks and this needs to be increased with accessible with more low loader strong links to public the development of information buses, and better train services transport to ensure that points and one stop shops so so that they are better cycling is a viable that everyone in the district can alternatives to using the private alternative to using access the services that they car. the car. need and want. There needs to be improvement in access to The development of the new A more concerted and broadband and new bus/rail interchange in coordinated development of technologies right across the Chichester will be a positive cycle routes across the district district. Information on the move towards better is required, combined with provision of services should be coordination of the public greater promotion of cycling and clear, easily accessible and transport services and will help education for all road users on joined up between reduce congestion in the city. cycle safety. organisations, including the voluntary and community There is a need for better sector, in the district. coordination of community transport and for it to have longer term secure funding. CDC, WSCC, West Sussex PCT and the voluntary sector will need to work together to see how improvements could be made to community transport in the district.

Sustainable Community Strategy 33 Geographic outline: People and Places

THE SETTLEMENT HUBS settlements listed below as well change or be protected over the as serving the wider coming years in terms of Natural communities have communities around them: housing, infrastructure, service formed across the district as a provision or community support. • Chichester City result of their geography, and Some of the key factors for each • Selsey translate well into hubs based of the hubs are: around housing, shopping, • Midhurst • Petworth businesses and facilities. In Chichester order to ensure that they remain • East Wittering and vibrant centres for community Bracklesham The largest settlement in the • life, it is important that they Southbourne district with a population of • continue to adapt and respond Tangmere some 23,700, Chichester is a to the present and future needs We recognise, however, that for major shopping attraction with of their communities, so that many people across the district many facilities for residents and they can continue to be the their main hub for shopping, visitors. It is the natural focus for focus of community business or leisure will be the majority of the district with life and the centres outside the district, so nearby the most significant level of for the delivery of settlements also act as hubs housing, services and facilities. services. Within including; Petersfield and Although generally affluent, the district the Havant in Hampshire, Haslemere there are some pockets of hub areas are and Guildford in Surrey, and deprivation within the city. focused around Billingshurst in Horsham District. House prices are high which is a the main considerable concern to younger The Main Settlements people and first time buyers. Traffic congestion in the city has (Hubs) been a growing problem for a Each of the hubs is very different number of years and there in terms of their size, remains concern about delays to appearance, issues and needs. the improvements to the A27 These factors need to be taken trunk road. There are good rail into consideration when links to London, Portsmouth, deciding how they should Brighton and Southampton as well as reasonably good bus links. Improving employment opportunities, developing the cultural identity of the city and possibly being the main focus of development for the district are all issues that will be addressed within the timescale of the strategy.

34 Sustainable Community Strategy Selsey access to Chichester and the the regeneration of the town A27 particularly difficult, centre following the Midhurst At the tip of the Manhood especially in the summer Vision study. Midhurst is within Peninsula, Selsey is a town with months. Defence of the coast is the Sussex Downs Area of a population of around 10,000. also a key priority for Selsey with Outstanding Natural Beauty It is a popular holiday the predicted rises in sea levels (AONB) and may therefore destination with one of the due to climate change. become one of the principal largest caravan parks in Europe gateways to the proposed South and the population doubles Midhurst Downs National Park. There during the holiday season. A remain some areas of concern, recent study highlighted the Midhurst is the main settlement such as the level of reported need for regeneration of the and market town in the north of antisocial behaviour and town centre and work on this the district and has a population underage drinking, as well as has already commenced. The of around 5,000. There are a traffic congestion and the average age of the population is number of major developments continued survival of local shops higher than the rest of the taking place in Midhurst over the and businesses. district as Selsey is a popular coming years, which require coordination between various location to retire to. There are Petworth significant transport issues, agencies. These include the new there being one road to and Academy - the Midhurst Rother Is a market town in the north from the town (B2145), which is College, the redevelopment of east of the district with a heavily congested, making the Grange Leisure Centre and population of around 2,800 and is noted for Petworth House, which is owned by the National Trust. It has a range of shopping facilities, including a significant number of high quality antique shops. There is also, however, a degree of deprivation which is often overlooked due to the overall affluence of the town. Although Petworth has a primary school, older children will have to travel to Midhurst for secondary education at the new Midhurst Rother College.

Sustainable Community Strategy 35 East Wittering and Southbourne Tangmere Bracklesham - East In the west of the district, To the east of Chichester City, Wittering Southbourne has developed Tangmere is a settlement of Has a population of around astride the A27 without some 2,500. It has a large 4,200 and along with establishing a defined centre number of significant local Bracklesham on the coast which means that people often businesses, but only one shop. contain a number of contrasting have to make separate journeys It has some community facilities, issues. There are a high number to facilities in different locations but as with Southbourne these of houses rented from social throughout the town. are not in one place. It faces landlords in East Wittering and higher levels of deprivation Bracklesham and higher levels Southbourne has a population compared to the rest of the of deprivation in comparison to of around 6,000 and has links to district, including higher levels the rest of the district. The Havant and Emsworth due to its of crime, health inequalities and nearby village of West Wittering close proximity. The settlement education deprivation. Tangmere has a large number of very has a mixture of age ranges and has the youngest average age in affluent households. The levels of affluence and the district with many young beaches in this area are among deprivation. Southbourne has a families but with a high number the best in the South East, are number of employment of these children living in low extremely popular and a major opportunities, a college and a income households. House attraction for residents and relatively new built leisure prices are lower on average than holiday makers. This creates facility next to it. the rest of the district. Public major traffic problems and high transport links are poor, levels of use of facilities during particularly to the city, with the the summer months, less so in majority of people having to the winter. travel by car to access shops and larger facilities.

36 Sustainable Community Strategy What happens next?

This strategy sets out the high The Local Development the needs of the present without level objectives and priorities for Framework is the planning policy compromising the ability of Chichester district. It is the framework introduced by the future generations to meet their intention that all organisations, Government in 2004. The Local needs. It will show how the groups and individuals with an Development Framework priorities and objectives affect interest in the district should documents - the Core Strategy what happens in future years in work towards achieving the being the first of these the city, towns and villages in the objectives. Action plans created documents, will replace the district. The Core Strategy will in partnership which set out District Local Plan and will shape need to look at the requirements outcomes that help meet the future development of the in the South East Plan, National objectives must now be district. The issues and Planning Policy Statements and developed and then delivered. aspirations identified through other strategies as part of its Coordination of the action plans the Sustainable Community legal requirements. needs to be undertaken via the Strategy will help set the context Local Strategic Partnership, for future development needs in Further detail on the role of maybe through thematic or area the district. Chichester in Partnership (hub) based partnerships. (the Local Strategic Partnership) The Core Strategy deals with is available in Appendix 1. If you When putting together this spatial issues and will focus on would like more information on strategy we have used as much the priorities and objectives set or would like to be involved in up to date background out above that involve the use of the Local Strategic Partnership, information as possible, whether land and people's access to please contact the Local it be statistics, consultation community facilities, shops and Strategic Partnership coordinator results or published strategies. jobs. It will balance the at Chichester District Council on However it should be recognised environmental, economic and 01243 534726 or at that over time things change and social needs for land and corporatepolicy@chichester. we should be reactive to buildings and is firmly based on gov.uk changing situations (expected or principles of sustainable otherwise) as they occur. development, so that we plan for

Sustainable Community Strategy 37 Appendix 1

What is the role of the Local Strategic Partnership?

It is the role of the LSP to bring Monitoring Role Supporting Hubs & partners together, help develop Communities working relationships and The LSP Core group will play an together develop and implement important role in ensuring that The city and the market towns of a long-term vision for Chichester. actions are taken to address the the district are the hubs that There are a number of actions challenges and issues raised in connect the rural network of that the LSP as a whole needs to this document. The partners and villages and hamlets. Each area do to address the challenges: delivery partnerships will have has its own distinct problems to inform the Core Group of their and issues. The partnership has Developing and delivering action plans and keep them up a strong belief that communities to date on progress and on any the Sustainable themselves can contribute to the new issues that have been solutions to their problems. Community Strategy raised through their work. Many communities faced with a The development of this challenge have initiated their document has been overseen by Market Intelligence own projects and schemes. It is the LSP and it was responsible therefore important the To help address the issues for its final agreement. The partnership supports the mentioned within this strategy delivery of the priorities and committed and community we need to have data so that we objectives outlined in this minded people that drive these know where to target our document will also be overseen endeavours. The LSP partners resources. The partners of the by the LSP. It will provide the will work together to develop LSP together have a large role of coordination for the relationships with the Parish amount of data and information partners working towards the Councils and support them in on the Chichester district. It will vision set out in the document. their capacity building efforts be the role of the LSP to gather and help local communities to all this information together so develop as successful and that we can develop a more thriving hubs for their local accurate and coherent picture of areas. the district. It may also involve the partners consulting together with the public to gather new information.

38 Sustainable Community Strategy Supporting the Voluntary & Community Sector List of Partners The role of the voluntary and community sector is increasingly Core group important in delivering services • Business representative to the rural areas of the district. • Chichester Chamber of Commerce The LSP will support the • Chichester & District Council for Voluntary services voluntary and community sector • Chichester District Council in their capacity building efforts • Downland Housing and will campaign to make • Environment representative funding streams less • Hyde Martlet complicated. • Sport and Leisure representative • Student representative Partnership working • Sussex Association for Local councils • Sussex Police Partnership working itself is very • West Sussex County Council challenging. Every partner has its • West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service own agenda and its own • West Sussex Primary Care Trust priorities and objectives and • Voluntary sector representative these can sometimes conflict. The partners now have to find a Wider LSP way of reducing the 'silo' ethos • that has developed within our Action in Rural Sussex • organisations and find ways of Arts Council • working together that is for the Churches Together in Sussex Environment Agency • Community Forums and City council representatives benefit of the community as well • Local Arts & Heritage groups and establishments as being cost efficient. We need • Local Businesses to develop multi agency working • Local Educational Establishments to cope with the ever-increasing • Local Environmental Groups and organisations complex cross sector issues that • Local Sports & Leisure groups, organisations and partnerships are developing and are • Local Voluntary health and disability organisations and groups mentioned within this strategy. • Members of the Chichester Older Person's Partnership • Members of the Crime and Disorder reduction Partnership • Members of the Environment review forum • Members of the Healthier Chichester Partnership • St Richards Hospital • Stagecoach • Sussex Police Authority

If you would like more information or would like to get involved in Chichester in Partnership, please contact the Local Strategic Partnership coordinator at Chichester District Council on 01243 534726 or at [email protected]

Sustainable Community Strategy 39 Appendix 2

A Summary of the Consultation Responses

Consultation with the community These four questions were then and partners was carried out in tailored for each event/ the spring and summer of 2008 consultation method to ensure and the results have helped to the questions were relevant to influence the development of the consultees. the strategy and its priorities. A copy of the results of the Firstly we talked to the Parish consultation with the Citizen's Councils, principally through the Panel and public questionnaires Community Forums. They are contained in separate highlighted a number of issues documents and can be found at; that they wanted to improve in www.chichester.gov.uk. their areas. Some were specific A summary of the consultation to their areas, some affected process and results are set out larger parts of the district. These below; included: • Traffic congestion We wanted to keep a consistent approach to all of the • Road safety consultation so the events were • based on four questions: Access to services • • What do you like about the Facilities/ activities for area? younger people • • What do you want to improve? Maintaining the character of the area • In an ideal world what would you like to see in the district? • What do you think the priorities should be?

40 Sustainable Community Strategy Secondly we organised a A questionnaire for residents As the final part of the number of thematic events that was published in the local consultation, external would include numerous newspaper, and the Council's consultants HALO ran a series of different partners. These events own magazine Initiatives in late focus groups with local included themes such as; the spring. The questionnaire also residents. One in the north of Environment, Sports & Leisure, went out to the Council's the district, one in the south, Health & Wellbeing, Older Citizen's Panel - The Exchange - and one for the city area. These person's partnership, Chichester which is a group of 1,000 focus groups recognised the Youth Council, Housing and the residents across the district, need for changes to happen over Local Economy. Some of the profiled to represent the the coming years, but stressed overarching issues that were geographic and demographic the huge importance of retaining raised at all of these events differences within the district. the character and benefits of the included: Residents were invited to select district. When asked how to get • three issues they considered to from the present to the future Reducing the barriers to be the most important. The ideal, the groups felt very services e.g. cost, distance results were as follows: strongly that the statutory and communications partners should listen to and • Reducing Congestion on our The 3 most important issues respect their opinions and roads were: needs, and respond better by developing new approaches to • Protecting and utilising our • Protecting green spaces and issues and consultation. local environment wildlife 75% • Increasing and improving • Addressing crime and social The views expressed in these joined up services within the anti behaviour 68% surveys and focus groups have district helped to inform the content of • Good Health & Wellbeing this Sustainable Community • More and improved 29% Strategy. community facilities

Sustainable Community Strategy 41 Contact details

If you would like more information on or would like to be involved in the Local Strategic Partnership, please contact the Local Strategic Partnership coordinator at Chichester District Council on 01243 534726 or at [email protected]

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