Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council’s draft Local Plan was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate for being legally non-compliant and unsound.
- Key failings include insufficient Duty to Cooperate, unreliable housing figures, and inadequate water-neutrality measures.
- The Council is formally challenging the decision and calling for renewed scrutiny.
- Rejection leaves the district vulnerable to speculative development and uncertain housing targets.
- Next steps may involve withdrawing the plan and starting afresh under a shifting policy landscape.
Table of Contents
Background of the Local Plan
The Horsham District Local Plan—envisioned to steer development from 2023 to 2040—sought to balance government housing targets with sustainable growth and robust environmental safeguards. Central to its vision was achieving water neutrality through the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS) while remaining flexible enough to reflect evolving national policy and neighbouring authorities’ needs.
Details of the Rejection
Legally non-compliant and unsound
—the Planning Inspectorate did not mince words when halting the examination after only three hearing days.
- Duty to Cooperate: Insufficient collaboration with neighbouring districts on housing and infrastructure.
- Legal Non-Compliance: Engagement was judged neither “constructive nor active.”
- Soundness Concerns: Doubts over delivery strategy and accuracy of housing numbers.
- Water Neutrality: SNOWS deemed inadequate for safeguarding water resources.
- Policy Shifts: Rapid changes to national housing policy created a moving target.
Council’s Response
Horsham District Council expressed “deep disappointment”, immediately lodging a formal complaint with the Inspectorate and writing to the Minister for Planning and Housing. Officials argue that shifting government policy hampered their efforts, and they are exploring amendments to shore up soundness and legal compliance.
Call for Renewed Scrutiny
The Council is pushing for a fresh review emphasising:
- A more collaborative approach with neighbouring authorities and central government.
- Greater flexibility in designing water-neutrality solutions.
- Stronger leadership engagement at local and national levels.
Impact on Local Development
Without an approved plan, Horsham faces a period of uncertainty:
- Housing Targets: Developers may exploit the policy vacuum to pursue speculative schemes.
- Neighbouring Authorities: Joint projects risk delay or withdrawal.
- Governance: Possible local-government reorganisation could further complicate timelines.
Next Steps
With the examination paused, the Council’s Scrutiny and Cabinet committees will debate withdrawal of the current plan. Should they choose to start anew, the entire evidence base will require updating to reflect the ever-shifting policy environment—an arduous process that could stretch well into 2025.
Conclusion
The rejection of Horsham’s Local Plan underscores the delicate balance between growth, cooperation, and environmental stewardship. As councillors contest the Inspectorate’s findings, residents and businesses watch closely, eager for clarity on how and where the district will grow. For a deeper dive into the decision, see the detailed analysis by Local Government Lawyer.
FAQ
Why was the Horsham Local Plan deemed legally non-compliant?
The Inspectorate concluded that the Council did not engage constructively with neighbouring authorities, failing the statutory Duty to Cooperate.
What happens if the plan is withdrawn?
Withdrawal would reset the process, requiring fresh evidence, consultations, and examinations—potentially taking years before adoption.
Can development still proceed without an approved plan?
Yes, but the lack of a plan weakens local control, increasing the likelihood of speculative applications that must be assessed against national policies.
How will water neutrality be addressed going forward?
The Council is reviewing alternative strategies to SNOWS, including enhanced offsetting and demand-management measures, to meet environmental standards.
When is the earliest the plan could be resubmitted?
If a new draft begins immediately, experts estimate late 2025 for resubmission—assuming no additional policy upheavals.