Rudgwick set for 25 new homes

At a meeting of Horsham District Council’s Development Control North Committee on Tuesday (September 2), village residents appealed to councillors to reject planning permission.

The plans are for the erection of 25 residential homes, including 15 private units and ten affordable units, associated parking and amenity space on land south of Summerfold.

Emma Ashfield of Rudgwick said: “The impact of five additional dwellings gives rise to a layout that is more cramped and even less acceptable than the layout rejected by the inspector.”

Fellow resident John Newell called on councillors to reduce the scale of the development to 15 homes.

He said: “The local infrastructure is at present already under great strain and the effect of the Windacres Farm development should be experienced and understood first.”

Councillors said they supported the application, but expressed concerns over issues such as sewage and potential flooding.

Peter Burgess (Con, Holbrook West) said: “I would support this. I would emphasise about the real need for good sewage - we can’t let that run and rot.”

Tricia Youtan (Con, Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham) said: “I support it in principle, but it does slightly concern me that the objectors have all mentioned the potential flooding.

“Nobody has any idea of the effects of the development taking place at Windacres.”

Leonard Crosbie (LDem, Trafalgar) said: “We have got more houses and a wider distribution of houses on the site.

“From a common sense point of view I can understand how the neighbours feel a little frustrated. How is it shown to them that this is an improvement?”

The planning officer confirmed that local people would be offered the new homes as a priority.

Members voted unanimously to delegate the application for approval.