Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Planning Inspectorate rejected Horsham’s draft local plan, citing *legal and procedural shortcomings*.
- Horsham District Council is **challenging the decision**, requesting a comprehensive review.
- Key issues centre on housing allocation, land supply, and an inadequate water neutrality strategy (SNOWS).
- Public consultation *informed* but did not save the plan from rejection.
- Future development approvals across Horsham may face **lengthy delays** until the plan is resolved.
Table of Contents
Background of the Local Plan
Submitted in July 2024, Horsham District Council’s draft local plan set out a strategy guiding development to 2040. It aimed to deliver *balanced growth* by:
- Housing allocation: meeting national targets for new homes.
- Land supply: safeguarding adequate land for future projects.
- Development strategy: ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
Councillor Martin Boffey called the plan “a framework for a *sustainable, thriving Horsham*,” underscoring its importance for local residents and businesses.
Reasons for Rejection
In April 2025, Inspector Luke Fleming delivered a stinging assessment. His report stated:
- The council had “failed to meet its duty to cooperate” with neighbouring authorities on housing numbers.
- Evidence for the water neutrality strategy (SNOWS) was *“inadequate and unconvincing.”*
- Key planning policies lacked clarity, risking uncertainty for developers and residents alike.
In short, the inspector felt the draft plan could not reliably guide growth or safeguard natural resources—an opinion that rocked local stakeholders.
Council Response
Horsham District Council swiftly announced its intention to **challenge** the decision. Actions include:
- A formal letter to the Planning and Housing Minister requesting intervention.
- A complaint lodged with the Planning Inspectorate about the *examination process*.
- Exploring legal avenues for appeal or a fresh hearing based on *new evidence*.
Councillor Boffey labelled the rejection “hugely disappointing,” adding that the council would “leave no stone unturned” to secure an approved plan.
Public Consultation Insights
Over 3,000 residents engaged in workshops, surveys, and open evenings while the draft plan was shaped. Key themes emerged:
- Calls for *affordable housing* and protection of village character.
- Concerns about water supply and environmental impact.
- Support for sustainable transport and green infrastructure.
Despite strong community input, the inspector concluded statutory cooperation—not local sentiment—was the fatal flaw.
Implications for Future Policy
The fallout could delay housing projects, infrastructure upgrades, and economic growth:
- Planning applications may enter *limbo* while revisions progress.
- Developers face uncertainty, potentially stalling **investment**.
- Other councils might tighten cooperation efforts, fearing similar setbacks.
- Future standards for water neutrality could become more stringent across the South East.
“The inspector’s decision forces us to *raise the bar* on evidence and collaboration,” said a planning consultant familiar with regional examinations.
Conclusion
Horsham’s local plan saga illustrates the high stakes of modern planning policy. The council’s challenge, if successful, could resurrect a vision for sustainable growth; if not, a full rewrite looms. Either way, residents are poised to witness a *transformative chapter* in the district’s development story.
FAQs
Why did the Planning Inspectorate reject the Horsham Local Plan?
Key failings included insufficient cooperation with neighbouring councils, an inadequate water neutrality strategy, and gaps in critical planning policies.
What steps is Horsham District Council taking now?
The council has lodged formal complaints, sought ministerial support, and may pursue a legal appeal or request further hearings.
Will the rejection halt all new developments?
Not entirely, but many large schemes reliant on the plan’s policies are likely to face delays until a compliant framework is in place.
How long could a revised plan take?
If the challenge succeeds quickly, revisions might be complete within a year; a complete rewrite could extend the timeline to 2027 or beyond.
Where can residents stay updated?
Updates will be posted on the Horsham District Council website and shared through local media outlets.