Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Horsham District Local Plan was rejected for being both unsound and legally non-compliant.
- Key failings included insufficient cross-boundary cooperation and weak evidence of water neutrality.
- Horsham District Council is lodging complaints and considering a full plan withdrawal for review.
- Residents now face uncertainty over housing targets, infrastructure, and speculative applications.
- Recent government policy shifts toward higher housing numbers directly influenced the inspector’s decision.
Table of Contents
Background
The Horsham District Local Plan set out a vision for housing and infrastructure from 2023 to 2040, pledging to provide enough homes, safeguard green spaces, and secure water-neutral development. It was meant to be the district’s roadmap for balanced growth.
Why the Plan Was Rejected
On 4 April 2025, the Planning Inspectorate delivered a blunt verdict: the plan was “unsound and legally non-compliant.” Main shortcomings included:
- Failure to satisfy the statutory duty to cooperate with neighbouring councils.
- Unproven water-neutrality measures in the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS).
- Doubts over infrastructure deliverability and ability to meet higher housing targets.
“Recent policy changes have fundamentally altered the playing field.” – Planning Inspectorate report
Council’s Response
Describing the decision as “deeply frustrating,” Horsham District Council argued late policy changes unfairly moved the goalposts. The council has filed a formal complaint and written to the Planning and Housing Minister while its Policy & Scrutiny Committee weighs withdrawing the plan entirely.
Implications for Residents
- Uncertainty over where – or whether – thousands of new homes will be built.
- Risk of speculative applications, most notably at the contentious West of Ifield site.
- Potential delays to roads, schools, and health facilities dependent on an adopted plan.
Policy Shifts & Regional Context
Higher housing numbers, stricter water-neutrality rules, and pressure to absorb overspill from neighbouring areas have upended local planning across southern England. Horsham’s rejection echoes struggles faced by adjacent authorities, hinting at a brewing regional realignment.
Future Steps
Councillors are considering:
- A full or partial rewrite of the Local Plan.
- Appeals or alternative representations to national bodies.
- Broader consultation to rebuild consensus around site allocations and environmental safeguards.
Local residents can follow developments via the official Horsham Council website, where updates will be posted.
FAQ
What is the duty to cooperate, and why did Horsham fail it?
The duty to cooperate requires councils to work with neighbouring authorities on strategic issues such as housing and infrastructure. Inspectors said Horsham lacked robust evidence of meaningful, ongoing collaboration.
Does the rejection stop all development in the district?
No. Existing permissions stand, but without an adopted plan more speculative applications may surface, potentially overriding local preferences.
How long could a revised plan take?
A full rewrite can take 18–24 months. A partial review focused on water neutrality and site adjustments might be faster, but still requires consultation and inspection.
What happens to West of Ifield now?
Without the plan’s strategic framework, the site is vulnerable to incremental, piecemeal applications. Community groups are preparing to monitor any proposals closely.