Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Planning Inspectorate rejected Horsham’s draft local plan as unsound and legally non-compliant.
- Insufficient cooperation with neighbouring councils was flagged as a **major flaw**.
- Concerns over water neutrality centred on the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS).
- Horsham District Council has lodged a formal complaint and is pushing for a full review.
- Future housing targets and development timelines now hang in the balance.
Table of Contents
Background of the Local Plan
The Horsham District local plan—spanning 2023-2040—outlines housing, infrastructure and environmental goals for the rapidly growing West Sussex district. It acts as a roadmap for balancing new development with countryside protection while aligning with the National Planning Policy Framework. Without an adopted plan, planning decisions risk becoming piecemeal and reactive, leaving local communities uncertain.
Details of the Rejection
- “The draft plan is not legally compliant and therefore unsound,” wrote Inspector Luke Fleming in his interim findings.
- Duty to Cooperate: Engagement with adjoining authorities was judged to be insufficient and inconsistent.
- Water Neutrality: The plan lacked credible evidence that SNOWS could offset new demand.
- Government Policy Shifts: Ongoing national reforms complicated compliance and housing target calculations.
“Without clear, collaborative strategies, the plan fails to demonstrate how Horsham can grow sustainably.” – Planning Inspectorate report
Council’s Response
In a swift statement, Horsham District Council expressed “deep disappointment,” filing a formal complaint and requesting an independent review. Council Leader Cllr Claire Vickers stressed their commitment to transparency and vowed to “work tirelessly with partners to resolve every point of concern.”
Key Issues Highlighted
Water Neutrality
Ensuring that new development does not add pressure to already stressed water resources is now a legal expectation in Sussex North. The Inspector concluded the evidence base “falls short of demonstrating neutrality.”
Duty to Cooperate
Under the Localism Act, Horsham must actively collaborate with neighbours like Crawley, Mid-Sussex and Chichester. A lack of joint statements and shared technical work proved fatal.
Policy Flux
Frequent amendments to national housing targets and environmental assessment rules muddied the waters, leaving parts of the draft plan outdated before examination.
Implications for Horsham
- Delays could push back delivery of 1,200+ much-needed homes.
- Developers may submit speculative applications, testing the policy vacuum.
- Interim decisions on infrastructure—schools, roads, health facilities—face uncertainty.
- Community trust in the planning process risks erosion.
Next Steps
The council will debate whether to withdraw or radically amend the plan at upcoming Scrutiny and Cabinet meetings. Options include:
- Re-opening dialogue with neighbouring authorities to craft a robust cooperation statement.
- Commissioning fresh hydrological evidence to prove genuine water neutrality.
- Aligning with imminent national reforms—particularly housing need methodology updates.
*Officials estimate a fully revised draft could reach public consultation by mid-2025, but only if technical studies progress without delay.*
Conclusion
Horsham’s local plan rejection underscores the growing complexity of modern planning—where legal compliance, inter-authority diplomacy and environmental stewardship intertwine. While the setback is significant, it also presents an opportunity to build a more resilient, collaborative blueprint for the district’s future. As Horsham forges ahead, *active community engagement* and transparent evidence-gathering will be pivotal to restoring confidence and delivering sustainable growth.
FAQs
Why did the Planning Inspectorate reject the plan?
The Inspectorate cited legal non-compliance, an inadequate duty-to-cooperate record and insufficient evidence on water neutrality.
What is water neutrality?
Water neutrality means ensuring any new development does not increase overall water demand in the Sussex North supply zone, often through offsetting or efficiency measures.
Could Horsham still meet its housing targets?
Yes, but only if a revised plan addresses the Inspector’s concerns swiftly; prolonged delays risk falling short of government-set numbers.
How long will a revised plan take?
Council officers estimate 18–24 months for evidence gathering, consultation and re-submission—subject to cooperation from neighbouring authorities.
Can residents influence the new draft?
Absolutely. Public consultations, workshops and online surveys will invite feedback once revisions are published, giving locals a direct voice in shaping Horsham’s future.