Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council is pressing for a full review after its draft local plan was rejected.
- The Planning Inspectorate cited legal non-compliance, including failures on the duty to cooperate and water neutrality.
- Urgent letters have been sent to government ministers, with hearings expected to resume later this year.
- Developers and residents now face uncertainty over housing targets and environmental safeguards.
Table of contents
Council Reaction
“We are hugely disappointed,” declared Council Leader Jonathan Chowen after the Planning Inspectorate advised withdrawing Horsham’s draft local plan. Within 24 hours, councillors dispatched letters to the Secretary of State and lodged a formal complaint, insisting on an *independent re-examination* of the ruling.
“This decision places our district’s future growth at risk and must be reconsidered urgently,” said Cabinet Member for Planning Lynn Lambert.
Why Was the Plan Rejected?
- Insufficient engagement with neighbouring authorities, breaching the duty to cooperate.
- Failure to prove *water neutrality*, especially for Sussex North.
- Gaps in legal compliance identified by Inspector Luke Fleming.
The inspector’s interim report criticised the council for not demonstrating robust cross-border collaboration and for relying on an untested water offsetting scheme.
Key Draft Components
Covering 2023-2040, the draft sought to balance *ambitious* housing targets with strict environmental safeguards:
- 10,000+ new homes to align with national requirements.
- Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS).
- Protection of Pulborough Brooks, a biodiversity hotspot.
Despite these intentions, the inspector deemed mitigation measures “not yet credible”.
Council Demands
Horsham’s leadership has outlined four immediate priorities:
- Negotiate a revised *duty-to-cooperate* framework with neighbouring districts.
- Strengthen evidence on water neutrality and environmental safeguards.
- Align housing numbers with both national policy and local infrastructure capacity.
- Secure government support for accelerated plan revision.
Hearings & Next Steps
Initial examination hearings in December 2024 were cancelled after a single week. The council now anticipates fresh sessions before year-end, subject to ministerial sign-off. Cabinet and Policy & Scrutiny Committee meetings are pencilled in for July and August to finalise amendments.
Implications
- Developers face delays, potentially missing annual housing delivery targets.
- Communities may experience uncertainty over future infrastructure.
- Environmental groups warn of risks to sensitive habitats if interim policies lapse.
Stakeholders agree that a swift yet thorough revision is vital to restore confidence.
Conclusion
The rejection represents a pivotal moment for Horsham. By demanding a fresh examination, the council hopes to reconcile housing ambitions with stringent environmental duties. Success will depend on transparent collaboration, rigorous evidence, and ongoing public engagement.
For a detailed breakdown of the inspector’s findings, see the report on Local Government Lawyer.
FAQs
What is the duty to cooperate?
A legal requirement obliging councils to collaborate on strategic planning matters that cross administrative boundaries, such as housing and transport.
Why is water neutrality a concern in Horsham?
Sussex North’s groundwater sources are under pressure. Any new development must prove it won’t increase overall water abstraction, hence the focus on offsetting schemes.
When could the revised plan be adopted?
If hearings resume by winter 2024 and no further major issues arise, adoption could happen by late 2025.
How can residents stay involved?
Monitor council committee agendas, submit written representations during consultation windows, and attend public forums advertised on the council’s website.