Minutes – Planning and Conservation Committee – 17 July 2025
The agenda and papers for this meeting are available here: Planning and Conservation Committee – 17 July 2025 – agenda and papers
The minutes of this meeting are presented below.
You can also download a PDF copy of the minutes here: Minutes – Planning and Conservation Committee – 17 July 2025
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Minutes
Date: Thursday 17 July 2025
Time: 4.00pm – 4.57pm
Location: Council Chamber, The Council House • North Street • Chichester • West Sussex • PO19 1LQ
PRESENT: Councillors Butler (AB), Chant (RC), C Gershater (CG) and Vivian (JV).
EX-OFFICIO: The Mayor, Councillor McHale.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Town Clerk (TC), Planning Advisor (PA), Communications, Civic and Council Support Officer (CCCSO), West Sussex County Councillor Sarah Sharp, West Sussex County Council Water Champion Louise Barneston, Chris Purdy and Harry Groucott of MH Architects for the application 25/00559/FUL
20. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies recieved.
Cllr Russell was absent
21. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE IN MATTERS ON THE AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING
No declarations were made.
22. PROPOSAL FOR INSTALLATION OF A BENCH AT BUS STATION (52/53 SERVICE TO WITTERINGS)
Cllrs considered the request for a bench at the Bus Station from residents in Stockbridge Road. The bench would be placed on the pavement in front of the Stagecoach Offices under the roof canopy to keep residents dry in inclement weather.
Committee RESOLVED to proceed with purchase and installation of a bench up to maximum cost of £1,500, with the stipulation that the bench be installed in such a manner that it can be repurposed in a new location if required.
23. INTRODUCTION OF WATER CHAMPION – PARISHES & COMMUNITIES FOR THE WESTERN SUSSEX RIVERS TRUST
Louise Barnetson from the Western Sussex Rivers Trust introduced the Water Champions scheme, part of the Downs to the Sea project, aimed at empowering parish councils and communities to protect their local water environments. She highlighted that most of our drinking water comes from chalk aquifers, which also feed rivers like the Lavant—making water conservation critical.
Key concerns include reducing chemical use, keep pets treated with insecticides away from open water areas to prevent chemical contamination, and promoting water butts over hosepipes. Louise emphasised the need for better water quality monitoring, noting high phosphate and nitrate levels in the Lavant due to sewage infiltration. The Trust monitors various indicators including turbidity, temperature, and biodiversity.
They offer support for flood prevention, waste management in public buildings, and access to Operation Watershed funding. A litter pick and a tour of the Fordwater Wastewater Treatment Works are upcoming. The Trust’s work complements the under-resourced Environment Agency, helping build a community of change.
24. MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 19 JUNE 2025
Committee APPROVED and signed as a correct record the minutes of the Planning and Conservation Committee meeting held on 19 JUNE 2025.
25. UPDATES ON ACTIONS FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING
To note the completion of the following actions:
Minute 10 – Officers to update the Committee schedule for the Council Year to reflect the agreed times and dates.
Minute 13 & 14 – Officers to submit comments from the committee to Chichester District Council
26. APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION
CC/25/00559/FUL – The Atrium Southern Gate Chichester West Sussex
The Atrium developer attended to present revisions addressing concerns from the original design. Key changes include reducing the visual impact of balconies and adding screening for improved privacy and aesthetics.
They’re actively exploring enhancements to the sedum roof, aiming to incorporate more planting and green features such as living walls. Plans also include installing solar panels on the flat roof to boost sustainability.
All green infrastructure—roofs and walls—will feature built-in irrigation systems, maintained by the building’s management company.
The committee welcomed the updates but agreed to DEFER any decisions until the revised plans are formally submitted.
CC/25/01355/FUL – The Atrium Southern Gate Chichester West Sussex
Chichester City Council has NO OBJECTION to this application.
CC/25/01408/FUL – Land South of Chichester Enterprise Centre Terminus Road Chichester West Sussex
Chichester City Council has NO OBJECTION to this application.
27. NEW PLANNING ITEMS RECEIVED SINCE PUBLISHING OF AGENDA
CC/25/01629/OBG – Graylingwell Hospital College Lane Chichester West Sussex
Partial discharge of obligation set out in Schedule 1, Paragraph 8.3 (in relation to Havenstoke Park Sports Pitches only) of section 106 agreement dated 21 March 2018 for planning permission 14/01018/OUT.
Chichester City Council noted the above application. NO COMMENT.
28. NET ZERO MATTERS
Update on the autumn Environment Event will be brought back to the August meeting.
29. ENFORCEMENT MATTERS
No new enforcement items.
30. TRAFFIC ISSUES
Advised that the meeting to discuss the 20mph scheme at West Sussex County Council due to take place next week has had to be cancelled due to officer capacity at West Sussex County Council– we are awaiting a revised date. Advise CA that meeting has been cancelled.
Councillors requested that the SID schedule be shared with them.
31. ITEMS TO BE INCLUDED ON THE NEXT AGENDA
• Results from Water Quality research (for follow up in 6 months time).
• Invite CDC Climate Change Officer to present at the next meeting.
• Pavements Steering Group update
• Environment Community Event update
32. DATE OF NEXT ORDINARY MEETING
DATE OF NEXT ORDINARY MEETING: Thursday 14 August 2025
The meeting closed at 4.57pm.
ACTIONS ARISING FROM THIS MEETING
| Minute ref. | Action | Assigned to |
| 22. | Initiate planning for the installation of a bus stop at the Bus Station. | Officers |
| 26 & 27. | Submit comments from the committee to Chichester District Council. | PA |
| 28. | Progress planning for the Environment Community Event and prepare a report for Committee review. | Officers |
| 30. | Inform Councillor Apel of the cancelled meeting. | Officers |
| 30. | To share SID schedule with Councillors via City Council Intranet. | Officers |
| 31. | To include items on the next Planning and Conservation Agenda. | Officers |