The Local Plan examination - main modifications consultation

Consultation on Main Modifications to the Chichester Local Plan 2021-2039

The Chichester Local Plan was submitted to the government's Planning Inspectorate for examination on 3 May 2024, and public examination hearings were held during October and November 2024.

Earlier this year, we received a letter that detailed the Inspectors' initial findings and recommended the way forward. The letter identified some wording changes, or 'Main Modifications', that are needed to make the plan 'sound' so that it is ready to be considered for adoption.

We are now undertaking a very specific consultation on these Main Modifications. In line with the government's examination process, residents and businesses should only comment on the modifications being proposed for the plan and not on other parts of the plan. Comments and representations made in the previous Local Plan consultations have already been considered by the Inspectors and do not need to be resubmitted.

What is the Main Modifications consultation about?

Main Modifications are changes to the submitted Local Plan that have been identified and developed as part of discussions between the council, examination participants, and the Inspectors throughout the examination process.

Main Modifications can only be made if they are necessary to make the submitted plan sound and legally compliant. The Main Modifications are proposed for consultation without prejudice to the inspectors' final conclusions. Once the consultation is completed, all comments on the Main Modifications will be reviewed by the Planning Inspectors. If they are happy that the Plan can proceed to adoption, they will write their final report, setting out the Main Modifications that the council must make to adopt the Local Plan.

The Schedule of Main Modifications is accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment, which people can also comment on if they wish to. Alongside this, we are consulting on changes to the policies map, which shows the areas covered by particular policies.

The council has also proposed some minor amendments known as Additional Modifications. Additional modifications are minor changes that the council would like to make to the Local Plan to improve the presentation or to address or correct any typographical or factual errors — these are not necessary to resolve soundness or legal compliance issues and are considered 'additional' rather than 'main' modifications. These additional modifications are not examined or recommended by the Inspectors but are published by the council for comment alongside the main modifications. The Inspectors will not consider any comments made about these minor changes — these will be considered by the council.

To assist with reading the proposed modification in the context of the Local Plan, the council has produced a version of the plan showing all proposed Main and Additional Modifications. Comments cannot be made against this document and must be confined to the consultation documents only.

What is being consulted on?

Main Modifications Schedule - this is the primary document on which we are consulting. Main Modifications should only be made if they are necessary to make the plan sound and legally compliant. All responses will be sent to the Local Plan Inspectors to consider before they prepare their final report. In line with the government's examination process, comments should relate only to the identified wording changes in the schedule.

Schedule of Policies Map Changes - this shows changes to the Policies Map that result from the Main Modifications or corrections. Although the Local Plan Inspectors do not formally examine the map, they will want to ensure it has been updated to reflect the latest position. Comments should only relate to the changes made.

Sustainability Appraisal Addendum - The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Addendum has been produced to assess the Main Modifications.

Habitats Regulations Assessment Addendum - The Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Addendum considers the impact of the Main Modifications on European Habitats sites.

Schedule of Additional Modifications - Additional modifications are minor changes that the council would also like to make to the Local Plan to improve the presentation, or to address or correct any typographical or factual errors — these are not necessary to resolve soundness or legal compliance issues, and so are considered 'additional' rather than 'main' modifications. These additional modifications are not examined or recommended by the Inspectors but are published by the council for comment alongside the main modifications.

How to take part in the consultation

The consultation runs from 10 April to 29 May 2025.

Representations can be submitted using the council's consultation portal where you can also view the consultation documents. Please read the guidance notes below before commenting.

Local Plan consultation portal (opens new window)

Anyone unable to use the online portal can request a response form using the contact details below. Response forms should be returned by email to planningpolicy@chichester.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy, Chichester District Council, East Pallant House, 1 East Pallant, Chichester PO19 1TY and must be received by 5pm on 29 May 2025.

When commenting on the Main Modifications Schedule you are asked to comment specifically on whether the proposed Main Modifications are sound and legally compliant. Please include the Main Modification reference number (MMx) in your response.

Legal Compliance means that the plan, with the proposed Main Modifications, meets the legal requirements for plan making as set out by planning and environmental laws.
Soundness means that the plan, with the proposed Main Modifications, has been positively prepared, is it justified, effective, and consistent with national policy.

When using the online consultation portal you can click the question mark when responding for a reminder of these tests. If you wish to make a representation seeking a change to a Main Modification you should make it clear in what way the Main Modification has not met the legal requirement or is not 'Sound' having regard to the four 'Soundness' requirements set out above. Your representation should be supported by evidence wherever possible. It will be helpful if you also say precisely how you think the Main Modification should be modified. Representations should cover succinctly all the information, evidence and supporting information necessary to support/justify the representation and the suggested change to the Main Modification. There will not normally be a subsequent opportunity to make further submissions on Main Modifications. A Step by Step Guide to commenting online (Word doc, 20 KB) to using the online consultation portal and a Guide to commenting on the Local Plan Main Modifications (Word doc, 19 KB) are available to assist.

Any personal information provided will be processed by Chichester District Council in line with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

Anyone that comments will be notified of the next stages of the Local Plan, including the publication of the Inspectors' recommendations and the adoption of the Plan - you may opt out of future communications by selecting "no communication" when logged into the consultation portal or by contacting us using the contact details above.

Where to view the consultation documents

Paper copies of the consultation documents are available for reference only at Chichester District Council, the South Downs Centre (opens new window) (Midhurst) and at Chichester, Selsey, Petworth, Midhurst and Southbourne libraries. Opening times and addresses for the libraries can be found at West Sussex County Council - Libraries (opens new window). The documents can also be viewed in the online consultation portal.