Council’s planning blueprint submitted to planning inspector

The controversial Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF), which includes 2,500 homes and a new business park north of Horsham, was approved in April for a six-week period of representation, which closed in late June.

The Secretary of State has appointed Geoff Salter, an inspector for the Planning Inspectorate, to conduct the independent public examination to test the soundness of the Horsham Local Plan.

The examination is expected to begin towards the end of the year and is likely to last around three weeks.

Claire Vickers, HDC’s cabinet member for living and working communities, said: “This is the most important planning document that the council has produced in recent years.

“It has obliged us to look at how we are to provide homes and jobs both now and into the future and maintain economic prosperity for our district.

“It will also put us in a much stronger position to control the location and extent of development and resist planning appeals by developers.

“Given the extent of such a plan it is understandable that there have been some very passionate responses to parts of it.

“The plan along with consultation comments now goes to a Government inspector who will go through every aspect of it and ensure we have met all the requirements of Government policy and guidance.”

A number of documents have been passed to the planning inspector.

These include the HDPF together with all 3,073 representations in full and a summary of the main issues raised during a period of public consultation.

Other accompanying documents include a sustainability appraisal, a policies map, and a statement of consultation.

The council is not able to make changes to the plan in response to the comments received, but it is recommending some minor amendments for the inspector’s consideration.

Copies of all representations made in relation to the HDPF are available to view on the consultation portal.

Further information about and details relating to the examination process will be made available on HDC’s website and sent to those who responded to the consultation processes of the HDPF.

Hard copies of the submission documents for the HDPF are also available to view at Horsham District Council’s offices at Park North, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RL at the following times: Monday to Thursday: 8.45am to 5.20pm; Friday: 8.45am to 4.20pm.