Sustainable Shorelines – Chichester Harbour Planning Principles

Chichester Harbour is the largest natural estuary in south east England and 43% of the AONB is fully submerged at high tide. On 17 October 2016, Chichester Harbour Conservancy formerly adopted 18 new Planning Principles, which replaced the Planning Guidance. These Planning Principles interpret and supplement the adopted policies of the relevant Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and are prepared to promote and reinforce local distinctiveness in the AONB.

We have published new guidance for building and maintaining sea defences, called ‘Sustainable Shorelines’. The document, now available to download here, was co-written with expert coastal engineers at Royal Haskoning DHV, and was specifically prepared for use in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Chichester Harbour is the largest natural estuary in south east England and 43% of the AONB is fully submerged at high tide. In recognition of its high environmental value, the Harbour is designated as a Ramsar site for its wetlands, a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its birdlife, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its habitats, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its flora and fauna. As a result, all proposed developments on or near the foreshore are scrutinised by the Conservancy, Natural England and the Local Planning Authorities, to ensure any potential adverse impacts are minimised. Residents are urged to consider the guidelines before submitting a planning application for a shoreline location and to discuss their intentions with us and Natural England at the earliest opportunity. 

Chichester Harbour Planning Principles

On 17 October 2016, Chichester Harbour Conservancy formerly adopted 18 new Planning Principles, which replaced the Planning Guidance. These Planning Principles interpret and supplement the adopted policies of the relevant Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and are prepared to promote and reinforce local distinctiveness in the AONB. Click here to read more and download the principles.