Local Plan Rejection Shakes Horsham Development Strategy to Its Core

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Planning Inspectorate *formally rejects* Horsham District local plan, citing legal non-compliance and soundness concerns.
• Water neutrality and the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy remain central environmental sticking points.
• The council has withdrawn the draft plan and filed a **formal complaint** while calling for renewed scrutiny.
• Rejection threatens housing delivery, infrastructure timelines, and regional cooperation across Sussex.
• Horsham District Council pledges extensive community engagement before a revised plan is resubmitted within 18 months.

Background of the Local Plan

Designed as a roadmap for sustainable growth, the Horsham District local plan set targets for new homes, infrastructure upgrades, and eco-friendly development. Its pillars included housing delivery, infrastructure investment, and stringent environmental safeguards such as water neutrality. Central to the vision was a balance between urban expansion and protecting the district’s prized countryside.

Key features proposed:

• Commitment to water neutrality across all major projects.
• Adoption of the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy.
• Provisions for affordable housing, new schools, and transport links.

The plan, however, never moved beyond draft status after a series of public hearings and scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate.

Reasons for Rejection

In an April 2025 letter, the Planning Inspectorate laid out a list of shortcomings that ultimately doomed the draft:

• Legal non-compliance: Several statutory requirements were, according to inspectors, “simply not met”.
• Soundness concerns: Policy gaps created *inconsistent* approaches to growth, undermining deliverability.
• Water neutrality issues: Evidence for long-term water supply resilience was “insufficient and speculative”.
• Duty to Co-operate: Limited collaboration with neighbouring councils weakened regional alignment.

Inspectors concluded that approving the document in its current form would expose the district to lengthy legal challenges.

Council’s Response

Faced with the verdict, Horsham District Council moved swiftly:

1. Renewed scrutiny – a request for full review of interim findings.
2. Formal complaint – alleging parts of the assessment were unfair.
3. Draft withdrawal – pulling the plan from examination to allow a comprehensive rewrite.

Councillor Jane Smith, Lead for Planning & Development, declared:

“While disappointed, we see this as an opportunity to produce a more resilient, legally compliant plan that upholds our sustainable ambitions.”

Full statement and background details can be found in the Horsham District local plan rejection report.

Implications of the Rejection

The knock-on effects stretch across housing, infrastructure, and regional cooperation:

• Housing delivery – delays could trigger a shortfall of up to 2,300 homes over the next five years.
• Infrastructure projects – road upgrades and new school builds remain in limbo pending a revised timeline.
• Reorganisation pressures – council departments face reshuffles and the potential recruitment of specialist planners.
• Regional planning – neighbouring authorities must recalibrate joint strategies, risking wider Sussex delays.

Next Steps and Future Actions

The council has set out a five-point recovery roadmap:

1. Address inspector feedback *line-by-line* to secure legal compliance.
2. Maintain continuous liaison with the Planning Inspectorate on water neutrality.
3. Publish draft amendments by winter 2025 for public consultation.
4. Resubmit a fully revised plan within 12-18 months.
5. Launch community forums, surveys, and drop-in events to capture resident insights.

Conclusion

The Planning Inspectorate’s decision is undeniably a setback, yet it offers Horsham District a vital chance to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and legality. By embracing transparency, leveraging expert input, and engaging residents, the council aims to turn rejection into a springboard for a **stronger, future-proof local plan**.

FAQs

Why was the Horsham local plan rejected?

Inspectors cited legal non-compliance, policy unsoundness, inadequate water neutrality measures, and insufficient cooperation with neighbouring councils.

Will housing projects already approved be halted?

Existing permissions remain valid, but new applications relying on the rejected plan’s policies may face delays or require additional justification.

How long until a new plan is adopted?

The council aims to resubmit within 12-18 months. Adoption would follow successful examination, likely pushing approval into 2027.

What is water neutrality and why does it matter?

Water neutrality ensures that new developments do not increase overall water demand. In Sussex North, scarce groundwater supplies make this principle critical for long-term sustainability.

How can residents get involved in the revision process?

Residents can attend council forums, complete online surveys, and submit written feedback during formal consultation periods announced on the council’s website.