Specific Planning and Building Regulations Considerations for Chichester

Planning and Building Regulations Specific to Chichester

Chichester is a beautiful place to live, but its rich history and protected landscapes mean that even simple projects often come with complex requirements. Whether you are dealing with a Listed Building, a Conservation Area, or protected local wildlife, we provide the drawings and expert guidance needed to get your project over the line.

With a large proportion of our projects being submitted to Chichester District Council for Planning and Building Regulations, we have become well-aware of the specific requirements for the area. Below are some of the most common issues for planning and building regulations in Chichester.

Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas

From the Roman walls of Chichester City Center to the historic hearts of Bosham and Fishbourne, many local homes fall within protected zones, either as historic buildings or within conservation areas.

Conservation Areas: We design sympathetic extensions and buildings that harmonise with the local area.
Listed Building Consent: For Grade II and II* properties, we provide the high-detail plans and Heritage Statements required by the council to prove that the proposal will not negatively impact the fabric of the heritage asset.

Ecology, Wildlife and Bats

In the Chichester District and the South Downs National Park, biodiversity is a major planning consideration.

Bat Surveys: If you are renovating an older roof or working near woodland, a Preliminary Roost Assessment (PRA) is often mandatory.
We detail the likelihood of needing a PRA during our feasibility study.
Mitigation Detailing: We coordinate with ecologists to ensure your construction schedule and design meet the legal requirements of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Trees and Foundations

The ground beneath your feet in West Sussex varies wildly—from the chalk of the Downs to the coastal clays of The Witterings and Selsey.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): If your site has protected trees, we may need to arrange for tree surveys and the arborologist may need to provide the Root Protection Area (RPA) drawings needed to prove your foundations won’t harm the trees.
Soil Samples & Foundation Design: Building Regulations often require specific soil analysis. We carry out our own soil samples if required to ensure we can design suitable foundations.