Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second consultation round for Horsham Town Council runs 14 August – 29 September 2025.
- Residents can shape policies on affordable housing, greener travel, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Multiple feedback channels: online survey, in-person meetings, written submissions.
- Final adoption of the local plan scheduled after community feedback is analysed.
- Have your say today to influence Horsham’s future for the next decade.
Table of contents
Background on Horsham Town Council
Emerging from the unparished areas of the district, Horsham Town Council is set to become the strategic local body responsible for effective administration, delivery of services, and vigorous advocacy on behalf of residents. More than 75 % of participants in the first consultation supported its creation – a figure that speaks volumes about community appetite for transparent, responsive governance.
As Councillor Jane Smith remarked during the last public session, “A town council gives Horsham an independent voice that can fight its corner and deliver projects that matter to everyday life.”
Consultation Details
The current consultation window runs from 14 August to 29 September 2025, giving households six weeks to review proposals and make their views known. Draft plans outline upgrades to transport corridors, enhanced digital infrastructure, and investments in parks and public spaces – all designed to sustain economic vitality while maintaining Horsham’s cherished character.
Full documentation is available via the dedicated consultation portal, where residents can access surveys, background studies and interactive mapping tools.
Strategic Objectives
- Affordable Housing. Encourage mixed-tenure developments and safeguard land allocations for key workers and young families.
- Greener Travel. Expand cycle lanes, electrify bus fleets and create pedestrian-first high streets.
- Sustainable Community Framework. Build resilience through energy-efficient design, biodiversity corridors and climate-smart public spaces.
Resident Participation
Meaningful engagement is at the heart of the process. Feedback can be submitted through:
- Online surveys hosted on the official consultation website.
- Weekly in-person drop-in sessions at the Horsham Community Centre.
- Written submissions via email or post.
Your comments will be logged, analysed and published in a summary report – ensuring transparency from start to finish.
Affordable Housing
Proposals include strategic development at Hornbrook Farm, where 40 % of new units will be reserved for affordable tenure. Policies will also incentivise smaller builders to deliver modular homes, shortening construction timelines and lowering costs.
Local housing advocate Maria Patel notes, “By combining land release with fair allocation policies, Horsham can tackle the affordability crisis head-on.”
Greener Travel & Sustainable Infrastructure
The draft plan earmarks £3 million for new cycle networks connecting North Horsham to the town centre, alongside upgrades to the station forecourt to improve bus-rail integration. Energy-efficient LED street lighting and solar-powered bus shelters are also proposed, promising both carbon savings and safer streets.
Community Engagement Efforts
To keep momentum high, the Council will distribute monthly e-newsletters, host pop-up stalls at the Saturday market, and livestream Q&A sessions on social media channels. These touchpoints ensure that every resident, from teenagers to retirees, can find a comfortable way to contribute.
Planning Process Overview
- Initial consultation – completed
- Draft development plan publication
- Second consultation – now open
- Analysis of community feedback
- Final plan adoption by Horsham Town Council
Future Vision for Horsham
The ultimate goal is a town that grows sustainably, offers diverse housing choices, and embraces climate-action policies while preserving green spaces. By 2035, Horsham aims to be recognised as a model market town where economic vibrancy coexists with environmental stewardship.
Key Dates & How to Participate
- Consultation period: 14 August – 29 September 2025
- Public information sessions: Every Wednesday, 6 pm, Horsham Library
- Submission deadline: 29 September 2025, 23:59
- Visit the consultation website.
- Complete the online survey.
- Attend an in-person meeting.
- Email or post written feedback.
- Join neighbourhood outreach events.
Conclusion
Horsham’s future is being written right now, and every resident holds a pen. By engaging in this consultation you help steer investment, housing policy and sustainability goals for the coming decade. Make your voice count – whether through a quick survey click or a detailed written submission, your perspective matters.
FAQ
When does the consultation close?
The consultation closes at 23:59 on 29 September 2025.
Who can participate?
Anyone who lives, works or studies in Horsham can submit feedback.
Is the survey mobile-friendly?
Yes. The online survey on the consultation portal is optimised for smartphones and tablets.
Will my comments be made public?
All submissions are anonymised before being published in the summary report.
What happens after the consultation?
Council officers will analyse responses, amend the draft plan where necessary, and present a final version for adoption in early 2026.