Lib Dems congratulated
Since taking control of the district council in May 2023, the Lib Dems have made it a top priority to get a Local Plan in place. The Local Plan was three years overdue as of May 2023 – after seven years of too slow work by the previous Tory administration. The lack of a Local Plan has been a key gap in the area’s ability to resist planning applications from property developers. It’s clear the new Lib Dem-led district council has been shaking things up with a much more forceful approach.
They have been insisting on meetings – at times weekly – with District Council staff, statutory bodies, government departments and political figures to unblock issues and barriers, which should have been addressed years ago. Refreshingly, some of these meetings have included representatives from other political parties; to ensure there is cross-party buy-in and long-lasting support for the solutions brokered. Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Chichester constituency Jess Brown-fuller said: “I am delighted to see the impact a Lib Dem administration is having on the critically important Local Plan. Their determination, new approach and refusal to take no for an answer is like a breath of fresh air. By unlocking the deadlock, we will be seeing a Local Plan finally get over the line in the new year. Like many in our area, I’m anxious to see a stop on the deluge of speculative and inappropriate development proposals that have been blighting our area for years.”
Deputy Leader of Chichester District Council, Jonathan Brown said: “This government’s shambolic national housing policy and the failure of Michael Gove (Secretary of State) to deliver on his promise to give councils like Chichester the power to block inappropriate development has made forceful political leadership at local level even more critical. I’m delighted Jess Brown-fuller is committed to work with Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP, to overhaul the country’s planning and housing policy – so Chichester and Arun District Councils can better reflect the needs and wants of this constituency’s residents.”