Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Local Plan rejected for legal and environmental shortcomings.
- Duty to cooperate and water neutrality were decisive factors.
- Council vows a rapid review and potential resubmission amid community concern.
- Rejection raises questions over housing targets, infrastructure, and economic growth.
- Temporary planning guidance may fill policy gaps while a new plan is drafted.
Table of Contents
The Rejection Explained
A wave of surprise swept through Horsham when the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the long-awaited Horsham District Local Plan on [INSERT DATE]. According to the inspector, the draft failed key tests of legal compliance, with particular emphasis on an inadequate Duty to Cooperate and a flawed approach to water neutrality. Late-stage objections also exposed gaps in housing targets and infrastructure provision.
As reported by Local Government Lawyer, the inspector urged the council to “swiftly prepare a new plan that genuinely meets statutory requirements.”
“Without clear water neutrality evidence, the plan cannot progress,” the inspectorate said, adding that the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy was “insufficient and unconvincing.”
Council’s Response
Horsham District Council immediately lodged a complaint with both the Planning Inspectorate and the Planning & Housing Minister. Councillor Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning & Infrastructure, stressed that the draft was “prepared in good faith, aligned with policy at the time, and legally compliant.” She added, “We’ve learned valuable lessons from this process and remain committed to producing a robust plan for resubmission.”
An in-depth analysis by Planning Resource suggests recent government policy changes may have “moved the goalposts,” sparking claims of unfair treatment.
Housing & Development Impact
- Local housing delivery now faces stricter scrutiny and potential delays.
- Speculative schemes, notably the controversial West of Ifield allocation, could resurface without an adopted plan.
- Economic forecasts warn of slowed growth and weakened investor confidence if uncertainty persists.
Developers argue the rejection leaves a “policy vacuum,” but community groups counter that it offers a chance to re-evaluate growth in line with infrastructure capacity.
Environmental Concerns
Water neutrality emerged as the plan’s Achilles’ heel. The ecological sensitivity of Pulborough Brooks and surrounding habitats demanded rigorous proof that additional housing would not deplete local water resources. The inspectorate ruled the council’s approach “too light-touch,” calling for a science-based offsetting mechanism that genuinely safeguards the environment.
Environmental advocates welcome the verdict, claiming it reinforces the principle that development must not compromise hydrological balance. Yet developers warn that overly stringent neutrality tests could stifle much-needed housing.
What Happens Next?
With examination hearings cancelled, the council is expected to withdraw the current draft under Section 22 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. In the interim, officials are considering temporary planning guidance to plug policy gaps.
- Scrutiny Committee will debate the withdrawal and outline engagement strategies.
- A revised timetable for drafting a new plan is likely to stretch well into next year.
- Stakeholder workshops will focus on water neutrality, housing allocations, and infrastructure funding.
Council leader Martin Boffey branded the inspector’s timeline for resubmission “unrealistic,” yet affirmed that Horsham “remains determined to secure an adopted plan that balances growth and sustainability.”
Conclusion
The rejection of the Horsham District Local Plan is a pivotal moment for local governance. While it delays new development, it also offers an opportunity to address environmental safeguards and rebuild community trust. Over the coming months, the council’s ability to:
- Deliver a credible water neutrality strategy,
- Meet revised housing targets, and
- Demonstrate genuine cooperation with neighbouring authorities
will determine whether Horsham can shape a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.
FAQs
Why was the Horsham District Local Plan rejected?
The Planning Inspectorate cited legal non-compliance, insufficient duty to cooperate, and inadequate water neutrality evidence as the primary reasons for rejection.
What does “duty to cooperate” mean in this context?
It refers to the legal requirement for Horsham District Council to engage constructively with nearby authorities on strategic matters such as housing numbers and infrastructure. The inspector found this engagement lacking.
Will housing development stop altogether?
No, but without an adopted plan, each proposal will undergo closer scrutiny, potentially leading to delays and uncertainty for developers and residents alike.
How soon can a new plan be adopted?
Council officials hope to submit a revised draft within 18–24 months, but this depends on resolving legal and environmental issues promptly.
Where can I read the inspector’s full report?
The complete document is available via the Local Government Lawyer website and on the Horsham District Council portal.