Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second round of Horsham town council consultation plans now underway, inviting community input.
- Focus areas include governance reform, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and greener travel.
- Enhanced feedback mechanisms aim to reach all segments of the population.
- Outcomes will shape Horsham’s Local Plan for the next decade.
- Residents can have their say through online portals, community meetings, and written submissions.
Table of Contents
Background on Consultation Process
“Our town, our voice” — that has been the rallying cry since Horsham District Council partnered with Horsham Town Council to launch a collaborative consultation in May 2025.
The initiative seeks input on governance, infrastructure, housing, and sustainability, ensuring the forthcoming Local Plan mirrors community aspirations.
- Joint effort between town and district councils
- Designed to capture diverse viewpoints
- Results feed directly into policy drafting
Details of the Local Plan
Below is a snapshot of the four pillars shaping Horsham’s future:
“This plan is more than paperwork — it’s a blueprint for the next generation,” said Council Leader Jane Smith.
- Governance Reform: streamlined committees and new public scrutiny sessions to boost transparency.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: road resurfacing, new classrooms, and three additional green spaces.
- Affordable Housing: partnerships with housing associations to deliver 500 genuinely affordable homes.
- Greener Travel: 20 km of extra cycle lanes, pedestrian-first town centre, and an all-electric bus trial.
Public Consultation Phase
Building on feedback from the first round, the council has added user-friendly tools this time:
- Interactive online portal with instant translation into five languages.
- Pop-up “listening posts” in libraries, cafés, and the Wednesday market.
- Dedicated outreach officers engaging youth and older residents.
Council officers emphasise that responses will be published “in full” to maintain accountability.
Resident Feedback & Community Engagement
Early submissions reveal strong support for new cycling routes, but also concern over balancing growth with the town’s historic character.
- Town-hall debates every Tuesday night.
- Digital survey — already 1,200 completions in the first week.
- Neighbourhood planning groups drafting micro-visions for each ward.
How to Get Involved
You can shape Horsham’s future in three simple ways:
- Submit feedback through the official consultation website.
- Attend one of the scheduled public meetings (dates listed on the portal).
- Send written comments to the Consultation Office, Park House, North Street, Horsham RH12 1RL.
Every comment — no matter how brief — will be read.
Conclusion
The second-round consultation is our chance to ensure Horsham grows in a way that honours its heritage while embracing opportunity. Make your voice heard today.
FAQ
When does the consultation close?
Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, 27 June 2025.
Who can participate?
Anyone who lives, works, or studies in Horsham, including under-18s.
Will my feedback be anonymous?
Yes. Personal details are removed before comments are published online.
How will decisions be made after the consultation?
Council officers will draft the Local Plan based on community input, with a final vote expected in October 2025.
Where can I view previous consultation results?
A full archive is available at the consultation results page.