SAVE OUR SOUTH COAST ALLIANCE
We are a group of volunteers from different action groups who have come together to form an alliance to SAVE the fragile natural habitat of the CHICHESTER COASTAL PLAIN.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
This is the
Chichester Coastal Plain, Area of Natural Beauty &
Manhood Peninsula.
THE
AIMS
OF THE ALLIANCE
CHALLENGING
the centrally imposed standardised housing numbers & designs
QUESTIONING
Local & National Government policy decisions of housing locations
RAISING
awareness of the environmental impact all these houses will have
DEMANDING
the upgrading of our woefully inadequate infrastructure and roads
CLIMATE CHANGE
realities must be faced up to by Local & National Government
HOW CAN WE CREATE CHANGE?
We can only fight the many issues by coming together as a
unified voice to present our arguments direct to Westminster.
This important campaign is under huge time pressure.
End of March for Local Government (CDC)
to decide on the Local Plan.
End of July for the Government’s Inspector to pass
and implement the Local Plan.
THIS??
WOULD YOU PREFER...
THIS IRREPLACEABLE HABITAT IS
HOME TO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
MEADOWS
The meadows of Fishbourne
and Apuldram, and of those on
the Bosham, Chidham, Thorney
and The Manhood peninsulas
provide a calm and peaceful environment for wildlife and
the diversity of plant species.
Many have designated
Dark Skies status.
WETLANDS
The wetlands that surround the estuaries of the AONB of
Chichester provide a valuable
function in maintaining water flow during dry periods, providing wildlife habitats, and storing floodwaters.
Pagham and now Medmerry
are internationally and nationally important sites.
MIGRATIONS
Bird migration is an important ecological phenomenon and must be protected at all levels within development policies. This whole area is a well established stopover for thousands of various breeds including curlews, grey plovers, pintails and brent geese.
COMMUNITIES
The established parishes that bind
the Chichester Coastal Plain
together are fighting to protect their identities from coalescence.
These ancient communities, many of which were mentioned in the Domesday Book, are threatened
by the amount of developments that are being imposed...READ MORE
COASTLINE
The sea off Selsey on the Manhood Peninsula was declared a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) In May 2019. Much of the beach and coastal hinterland has been designated as
SSSI sites and of SO because of
its rare fauna and flora together
with important geological and physiological features.
HERITAGE
Chichester was founded as a Roman camp soon after Emperor Claudius invaded Britain in AD43.
Its Roman walls remain protecting
the city’s Medieval and Georgian centre...READ MORE
‘The conflicting aims of meeting housing targets and short
economic goals versus long-term sustainable management of the
environment and communities mean that coastal flooding and
erosion are not getting the attention that they merit.’
The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) 2017 Evidence Report
THE THREATS
12,650 wanted but un-needed new homes right across the
Coastal Plain with the strong possibility of many more.
The wrong houses in the wrong places - which will inevitably lead to extensive and irreversible damage through Pollution and Flooding.
What is needed is more Social Housing.
These THREATS will also damage our LOCAL ECONOMY
‘The economic impact of the Tourist industry generates approximately £414.4 million supporting 8037 jobs annually.’
The Manhood Peninsula Destination Management Plan 2018-2023
Bracklesham, East Head, West
and East Witterings, Selsey.
The most famous is West Wittering which is a fine sandy beach with blue flag status, lifeguards and wind surfing. Selsey has a pebbled beach which has been home to a very old fishing fleet.
ACTIVITIES
There is a huge range of activities that are available for visitors to this region that include : sailing and all water sports, horse riding, bird watching, cycling, fishing, and a wide variety of walks that are often based on local historical or literary connections.
HOLIDAYS
The local economy is very dependent upon the number of excellent holiday camps, B&Bs, hotels and local pubs. Together they promote local produce in their excellent restaurants,
cafes and outlets.
ATTRACTIONS
There are many visitor attractions across the District. These include Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Canal, Festival Theatre, Pallant House, Fishbourne Roman Palace, and The Novium Museum, South Downs Planetarium, and Goodwood’s many events. The Arts are well represented across the region together with several literary festivals.
WILDLIFE
The estuaries provide a wealth of fauna and flora all accessible to vistors.
The RSPB reserves of Pagham and Medmerry are perfect for bird watching. The seas have a local colony of seals that often join swimmers.
The Harbour is a nursery for sea bass, and the estuaries are home to swanneries.
WELLNESS
The NHS is advocating that more
of the public should get out into
wide open spaces and re connect with the natural world. This reduces stress from the pace of modern life.
It reconnects those that suffer from loneliness by encouraging them
to join groups and associations that specialise in these activities.
A recognised area of calm attracting visitors from as far as London and the capital's wider conurbations.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP AND HAVE YOUR IMPORTANT VOICE HEARD?
SOSCA @ DELL QUAY, JUNE 2019 ©CHICHESTER OBSERVER