Horsham Development Crisis Looms as Local Plan Rejected

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The Planning Inspectorate has rejected Horsham’s draft Local Plan, citing *legal non-compliance* and *unsoundness*.
• Horsham District Council is calling for an urgent review and may formally withdraw the plan.
• Key issues include the **duty to cooperate**, water neutrality concerns, and shifting national policies.
• Rejection leaves the district vulnerable to speculative developments.
• Residents face uncertainty over housing, infrastructure, and environmental protections.

Background of the Local Plan

The Horsham District Local Plan is designed to guide development up to 2040, setting policies on housing allocations, infrastructure improvements, and environmental safeguards. It acts as the *roadmap* for sustainable growth, shaping everything from school capacity to green-belt protection.

At its core, the plan was created to balance economic opportunity with environmental stewardship, ensuring residents benefit from well-planned communities while safeguarding precious natural resources.

Details of the Rejection

• Failure to meet *duty to cooperate* obligations with neighbouring authorities.
• Legal compliance issues, notably around water neutrality and environmental assessments.
• Insufficient evidence supporting the Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS).

“The plan is unsound in its present form and cannot proceed to adoption,” the Inspectorate concluded, halting further hearings scheduled for early 2025.

Council’s Response

Horsham District Council issued a statement via its official website, expressing **“huge disappointment”** and pledging to fight for a fair reassessment.

• Request for a comprehensive review of the Inspectorate’s methodology.
• Potential formal withdrawal of the plan to allow a complete rewrite.
• Exploration of legal avenues to appeal the decision.

Council Leader Martin Boffey lamented, “We’ve been placed in an *impossible position* by ever-changing national requirements.”

Key Concerns Raised

• Duty to Cooperate: Inspector deemed cross-border discussions *“not constructive or active.”*
• Water Neutrality: Evidence for SNOWS lacked credibility, risking regional water supplies.
• Soundness: Overall viability of housing numbers and infrastructure delivery was questioned.

Impact on Local Development

With no adopted plan, Horsham could see a surge in speculative planning applications. Developers may exploit the policy vacuum, proposing schemes that sidestep community priorities.

• *Infrastructure uncertainty* threatens road upgrades and school expansions.
• Environmental protections risk dilution without clear guidance.
• Affordable housing targets may be missed, pressuring young families.

Interactions with Other Authorities

Neighbouring districts—Crawley, Mid Sussex, and Chichester—were expecting Horsham to absorb a share of regional housing needs. The Inspector found these conversations lacked depth and formal agreements.

Experts warn that *regional cooperation* is becoming a litmus test for plan approval nationwide, reflecting Whitehall’s push for joined-up strategies.

Conclusion

The rejection of Horsham’s Local Plan places the district at a crossroads. Council officials must now reconcile Inspectorate feedback with local aspirations—a delicate balancing act that will define Horsham’s growth for the next two decades.

The coming months promise intense negotiations, redrafted policies, and renewed community engagement. Residents are urged to stay informed and participate in consultations to shape a plan that meets both local and regional needs.

FAQs

What happens if the Local Plan is formally withdrawn?

Formal withdrawal triggers a restart of the entire plan-making process, likely extending adoption by two to three years and leaving policies from 2015 as the primary guide.

Will housing development stop during this gap?

No. Without an up-to-date plan, developers may submit applications based on national guidelines, increasing uncertainty over location and design quality.

Can the council appeal the Inspectorate’s decision?

An appeal is possible but uncommon. The council would need to prove procedural error, which can be costly and time-consuming.

How can residents influence the next draft?

Public consultations, neighbourhood forums, and direct submissions to planning officers remain vital. Community voices help prioritise green spaces, affordable housing, and infrastructure.

Is water neutrality unique to Horsham?

No. Water-stressed regions across the South East face similar requirements, but Horsham is one of the first districts where the policy has halted an entire Local Plan.