Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Horsham District Local Plan was rejected due to legal and procedural shortcomings.
- Key issues include failure to meet housing targets and an inadequate water neutrality strategy.
- Horsham District Council is seeking a further review and pledges to address the highlighted gaps.
- Community members face uncertainty over housing, infrastructure, and economic growth.
- A revised timeline aims for swift resubmission while maintaining thorough public engagement.
Table of Contents
Background on the Local Plan
Submitted in July 2024, the Horsham District Local Plan was designed to steer development until 2040, covering housing, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. Its acceptance would have established a roadmap for allocating resources and setting housing quotas.
With the plan’s rejection, residents are questioning how Horsham will keep pace with anticipated growth.
Reasons for Rejection
The Planning Inspectorate cited two categories of shortcomings:
- Legal: Non-compliance with Section 22 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
- Procedural: Insufficient cooperation with neighbouring authorities.
Additional findings included unmet housing targets and an inadequate Sussex North water neutrality strategy. As the inspector remarked, “The draft local plan does not fulfil the statutory duty to cooperate and neglects critical environmental issues, especially water neutrality.”
Council Response
Councillor Martin Boffey labelled the inspector’s demands “unrealistic” amid local government restructuring. Nevertheless, Horsham District Council pledges to:
- Reconnect with neighbouring authorities.
- Strengthen water-usage strategies.
- Rectify legal and procedural gaps.
A spokesperson added, “We are dedicated to fulfilling our duty to cooperate and will diligently address every issue raised by the Planning Inspectorate.”
Call for Further Review
The council has formally requested a reassessment by senior government ministers. Potential outcomes range from minor modifications to a complete overhaul of cooperation strategies. For full details, see the Planning Inspectorate’s decision document.
Community Impact
Residents worry about housing availability, stalled infrastructure, and local business uncertainty. One local commented, “We’re concerned this decision could shrink opportunities for affordable housing.”
In response, the council promises extra public consultations to keep citizens’ voices central to the revised plan.
Next Steps & Timeline
- Draft a new local plan.
- Conduct internal policy reviews.
- Renew cooperation with neighbouring councils.
- Launch public consultations.
- Resubmit to the Planning Inspectorate.
While dates remain tentative, officials aim to balance speed with thoroughness.
Conclusion
The rejection underscores the complexities of planning at the local level. Yet Horsham District Council views this setback as a chance to refine its vision for a sustainable future. As Councillor Boffey concluded, “This challenge will not deter us from creating a thriving district for all residents.”
FAQ
Why was the local plan rejected?
It failed to meet statutory duties, particularly cooperation requirements, and lacked an effective water neutrality strategy.
What happens next with the plan?
The council will revise the draft, consult stakeholders, and seek a further review before resubmission.
How does this affect housing targets?
Housing availability may tighten in the short term, but revisions aim to realign targets with community needs.
Will there be more public consultations?
Yes, the council has committed to additional engagement sessions to gather feedback for the revised plan.
Where can I read the official rejection?
The full text is available via the Planning Inspectorate’s website.