Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second round of Horsham consultation now open, closing before Autumn 2025 ends.
- Residents can give feedback online, in writing, or at public forums.
- Big topics: infrastructure upgrades, sustainable housing, governance reform.
- Community input will directly shape the final local plan.
- Have your say to keep Horsham’s unique character while guiding smart growth.
Table of contents
Introduction
“Planning with people, not just for them” has become more than a slogan for Horsham Town Council—it’s the driving force behind the local plan now in its decisive second consultation stage. Residents are invited to help refine proposals that will influence everything from green spaces to affordable housing for the next decade.
Overview of the Second Consultation Round
Timeline: The portal opened last week and will run until late Autumn 2025.
How to participate:
- Submit thoughts on the interactive map via the council’s digital platform.
- Email or post written statements to Council Planning Services.
- Attend in-person forums at the Park Barn Community Centre (dates posted on the meeting calendar).
Key Areas of Focus
Strategic Objectives
The draft plan champions *sustainable growth* balanced with heritage. Goals include boosting community well-being, protecting green belts, and encouraging inclusive economic opportunities.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Transport is front-and-centre. The council proposes:
- Extending the walking and cycling infrastructure by 12 km.
- Upgrading A281 junctions for smoother bus flow.
- Improved lighting & footpath maintenance in outer districts.
“If you can’t reach it safely, you can’t enjoy it,” said Councillor Maria Field, emphasising the link between mobility and community health.
Governance Reform
Planned reforms aim to publish meeting minutes within 48 hours and introduce a *live Q&A portal* so residents can track proposal changes in real time.
Community Engagement & Participation
The council has pledged to read every submission—last round it logged over 1,200 individual comments. This time, feedback will be coded and displayed on a public dashboard so neighbours can *see* their collective influence.
Benefits of Participating
- Shape housing numbers & locations before developers break ground.
- Guide funding toward parks, schools, and roads you actually use.
- Ensure environmental safeguards like water neutrality stay high on the agenda.
- Build a stronger dialogue with elected officials for future issues.
Conclusion
Horsham’s future won’t be decided in private boardrooms—it will be drafted by locals who care enough to speak up. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent arrival, your perspective matters. As one attendee noted at May’s workshop, *“We live here every day. Our fingerprints should be on every page of this plan.”* Now is the time to leave yours.
FAQs
How do I access the online consultation platform?
Visit the council’s portal at consultations.horsham.gov.uk and select “Local Plan – Round 2”.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The council states the window closes *“before the end of Autumn 2025.”* An exact date will be published two months in advance.
Can businesses submit feedback as well as residents?
Yes. Local enterprises, community groups, and charities are all encouraged to participate because economic strategy forms a core part of the draft plan.
Will my comments be made public?
Individual names are removed, but a summary of themes and direct quotations will appear on the public dashboard so everyone can see how feedback shaped revisions.