Scrutiny of blueprint for 13,000 new homes in Horsham district starts today

JPCT-04-01-12 S12010471a north horsham development area. new hospital site from north looking south, langhurstwood road -photo by steve cobb ENGSNL00120120401121454

The Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) was approved by Horsham District Council in April and after a six week period of representation was sent to the planning inspector, who will test its soundness on planning grounds.

The controversial blueprint includes Liberty Property Trust’s proposals for 2,500 homes and a new business park north of the A264, around 500 homes west of Southwater, and in all 13,000 homes across the district up to 2031, most of which already have been granted planning permission.

The HDPF was approved despite fierce opposition from members of the public, with most Lib Dem councillors and several Conservatives voting against it.

The examination hearings are expected to run over nine days across a three-week span.

Geoff Salter, who has been appointed to scrutinise the HDPF, will start today by looking at general issues, the spatial strategy, and the environment.

Employment, retail development and town centres will be the focus on Wednesday November 5, while housing and housing numbers in the HDPF will be looked at on Thursday November 6.

The hearings are being held at HDC’s Park North offices in North Street and will begin at 10am. Space in the Council Chamber will be limited.

For a full report of the start of the examination hearings see this Thursday’s paper.