Background of the Rejection
Horsham District Council submitted its draft local plan, spanning 2023–2040, in late 2023. The document outlined targets for new homes, infrastructure upgrades, and strict water management measures. However, Inspector Luke Fleming, acting for the Planning Inspectorate, ruled the plan “unsound” on multiple counts.
Core issues included doubts over housing supply figures, insufficient collaboration with neighbouring councils, and an incomplete Sussex North Offsetting Water Strategy (SNOWS), which the inspector said failed to guarantee water neutrality in a stressed catchment.
Council’s Response
In a statement published on the Horsham District Council website, portfolio holder Cllr Claire Vickers called the decision “deeply disappointing” and vowed to pursue a swift resolution. The council maintains it met its statutory duty to cooperate and that the plan “strikes the right balance between growth and environmental protection.”
“Our communities deserve clarity on where new homes and facilities will go — we will not give up on getting this plan adopted,” Cllr Vickers said.
Options range from requesting the inspector reopen hearings to filing for judicial review. For now, officials are preparing additional evidence on housing numbers and water strategy to support a renewed examination.
Implications for Development
- Large housing schemes in north Horsham and Southwater are effectively on hold.
- Developers face extra costs to demonstrate individual water neutrality.
- Investment uncertainty could slow economic growth and infrastructure upgrades.
- Affordable housing targets risk being missed, pressuring local families.
Future Actions
The council aims to submit refreshed evidence by early autumn, hoping the inspector will reopen the examination. Even with an expedited timetable, adoption is unlikely before mid-2025, delaying critical infrastructure funding.
Stakeholder Reactions
Local housebuilder Berkeley Homes described the delay as “unsettling,” while the Horsham Society welcomed the inspector’s rigorous stance on environmental safeguards. Mid Sussex District Council signalled a willingness to reopen talks on cross-border housing allocations.
Conclusion
Rejection of Horsham’s draft local plan is a major setback but also an opportunity to craft a stronger, more collaborative blueprint. How the council navigates the coming months will shape the district’s housing and infrastructure landscape for years to come.