Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council has launched a judicial review challenging the approval of 800 homes at the former Horsham Golf Club site.
- The dispute centres on whether the decision complies with national planning policy and the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan.
- Key concerns include sustainable transport, legal procedure, and the authority of neighbourhood-led plans.
- If successful, the review could set nationwide precedents for local planning power and sustainable development.
- Community engagement remains strong, with residents and the Southwater Parish Council backing the challenge.
Table of contents
Background of the Planning Decision
Earlier this year, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government upheld planning permission for an 800-home development on the former Horsham Golf Club site. The ruling followed an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, which overturned Horsham District Council’s refusal. Adopted in 2021, the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan was created to safeguard *sustainable growth* and reflect the community’s vision, yet the approval has sparked debate over its effectiveness.
Reasons for the Judicial Review
- Non-compliance with national policy: The council argues the approval conflicts with national sustainable development guidelines.
- Sustainable transport shortfalls: According to Horsham District Council, the scheme lacks adequate provision for greener travel and infrastructure.
- Legal & procedural errors: Potential missteps in the decision-making process are at the heart of the challenge.
- Interpretation of neighbourhood plans: The Inspectorate deemed the Southwater plan “out of date,” a stance the council firmly contests.
Involvement of Key Authorities
While the Planning Inspectorate and the Ministry are declining comment during proceedings, Active Travel England is advising Horsham District Council on the sustainable transport impacts of the scheme. This partnership underscores a growing emphasis on walkable communities and cycling networks within modern planning.
Implications of the Legal Challenge
Should the High Court side with Horsham District Council, the decision could be quashed, forcing a fresh review or refusal. Beyond Horsham, the ruling may:
- Strengthen the legal weight of neighbourhood plans nationwide
- Set new benchmarks for sustainable transport in large developments
- Influence how national and local authorities balance housing targets with environmental goals
Conversely, if the approval stands, critics fear it may erode public trust in neighbourhood-led planning and diminish local influence over major schemes.
Community Response and Local Impact
Debate in Southwater has been *lively*. Many residents question the scale of the 800-home project and its fit with the village’s character. In public forums hosted by Horsham District Council, sustainability and pressure on local infrastructure dominate concerns. The Southwater Parish Council publicly supports the judicial review, calling it “a vital defence of the community’s carefully crafted vision.”
Next Steps in the Judicial Review Process
- Formal filing of the claim (completed)
- Judicial consideration of whether the case merits a full hearing
- Substantive hearings and final judgment
Horsham District Council will publish updates via its website and local media. Residents may submit questions through the council’s planning portal or attend upcoming information sessions.
Quotes
“After careful examination, we believe the Planning Inspector failed to properly interpret and apply national policy, particularly regarding sustainable development. It is vital for public confidence in the planning system that such matters are scrutinised by the Courts.” — Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning & Infrastructure
“While we cannot bring our own judicial review, we welcome HDC’s action and remain committed to protecting Southwater’s Neighbourhood Plan.” — Southwater Parish Council
Conclusion
The judicial review represents more than a local planning dispute; it is a *test case* for how community-driven development plans can coexist with national housing imperatives. Whichever way the court rules, the outcome will shape future planning frameworks and signal how seriously sustainability and neighbourhood voices are taken in the years ahead.
FAQs
What is a judicial review?
A judicial review is a court process that allows individuals or organisations to challenge the lawfulness of a decision made by a public body, such as a government department or local authority.
Could construction start while the review is pending?
In most cases, large developments are paused until legal challenges are resolved. However, this depends on whether a court grants a stay on the planning permission.
What happens if Horsham District Council wins?
If successful, the planning approval could be quashed, meaning the application would return to the decision-maker for reconsideration, potentially leading to revised conditions or outright refusal.
How can residents stay informed?
Residents can follow updates on the Horsham District Council website, local newspapers, and upcoming public meetings. The council’s planning portal also accepts inquiries and submissions from the public.