Chichester mental health centre plans to replace security fencing 'to prevent absconsion of patients'

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has applied for planning permission to replace the fence at the Chichester Centre in Graylingwell Drive, which provides mental health care and treatment to adults (CC/20/01097/FUL).

The site accommodates the NHS service provision for working age and 'low secure mental healthcare' that serves the local and wider community in West Sussex.

A spokesperson said: "The new fence will provide a secure perimeter to the garden area where patients can access outdoor space to help with their recovery and wellbeing.

"The fence will be sited in the same place as the existing fence at a height of four metres which follows NHS guidelines."

According to the planning documents, as time has passed since the centre's construction in 2000, Department of Health standards for secure services have included 'more stringent security arrangements' in an 'increasingly challenging' environment.

The planning statement read: "As a result it is has been deemed necessary by the service providers, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to improve the fencing around Oaklands to provide a more secure external environment to prevent absconsion of patients, and to reassure local residents that those who are admitted are being cared for in an appropriately secure environment."