Decision Maker: Head of Economy and Planning

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 20, 2023

Purpose: National Planning Policy requires each Local Planning Authority to demonstrate effective and on-going joint working with its neighbouring authorities/other authorities in the sub-region and other prescribed bodies, through the preparation and maintenance of Statements of Common Ground (SoCG). These must be agreed by the point of Submission of each Local Plan for its independent Examination. As part of the Crawley Borough Local Plan Review, substantial joint working with all of the neighbouring authorities and Prescribed Bodies has taken place and a number of SoCG have already been agreed. This is set out in the Crawley Duty to Cooperate Statement (May 2023): https://crawley.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-05/Duty%20to%20Cooperate%20Statement%20May%202023%20%28low%20res%29.pdf A Statement of Common Ground has been prepared by the Joint Sussex North Water Resource Zone (WRZ) Authorities, confirming a joint commitment by all signatories to ensuring water neutrality in the WRZ. The Sussex North WRZ covers a large area within northern West Sussex, including almost the entirety of the administrative boundary of Horsham District Council, the north east part of Chichester District Council, a significant part of Crawley Borough Council, and a small portion of Mid Sussex District Council. Some of the area is also located within the boundary of South Downs National Park Authority. West Sussex County Council is the relevant upper tier authority for all these areas. The Statement of Common Ground has been agreed and signed by Chichester District Council, Crawley Borough Council, Horsham District Council, Mid Sussex District Council, South Downs National Park Authority and West Sussex County Council. It has been endorsed by Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

Content: To agree the Water Neutrality Statement of Common Ground for submission alongside the Crawley Borough Local Plan.