West of Horsham

18 Aug 2010

FOLLOWING the resolution of Horsham District Council’s Development Management Committee North in April this year to grant Berkeley Strategic Land Limited outline planning permission for a development of up to 1,044 homes including associated infrastructure on land to the east of the A24, the legal agreement which will secure highway, employment, education and community benefits associated with the development has been completed and outline planning permission granted.

The development will be built over a 12 year period and along with a mix of dwelling types and tenure, to include affordable housing, will include the following elements:

5.26 hectare (13 acre) extension to the existing parkland 

  • Extension to the riverside walk network
  • Ecological enhancements
  • New community centre
  • 1 hectare extension to Tanbridge House School
  • New allotments (0.35 hectares)
  • BMX track
  • Multi-use games area
  • Two neighbourhood equipped play areas
  • 2 hectares sports pitches
  • New access from A24 by pass
  • Employment area
  • New fire station
  • Improvements to the highway network
  • New pedestrian/cycle bridge link

The outline planning permission sets the parameters and principles for the future design stages. The development is programmed to be delivered over eight phases and the first detailed application for Phase 1 (application DC/10/0006) is currently subject to consideration and available for inspection through the Council’s website www.horsham.gov.uk

The granting of planning permission for this scheme secures the delivery of half of the West of Horsham development that was allocated, after extensive public consultation, in February 2007. The other half is on land south of Broadbridge Heath.

The framework for the comprehensive development of 2,000 homes and other uses in this location is set out in the Land West of Horsham Masterplan (adopted April 2009).

This Masterplan was prepared with the involvement of the local community and the development will make a significant contribution to housing supply within the District.

Cllr David Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning at Horsham District Council, said:

“We have worked hard with the community to secure the greatest possible benefits for both our existing and new residents through the allocation of this land and in the preparation of the Masterplan.

“I am pleased that this work is now coming to fruition and look forward to the delivery of much needed new homes alongside the necessary community facilities.

“I would urge Berkeley Strategic to build out this development in the shortest possible time.”

Adrian Brown, Managing Director of the applicant Berkeley Strategic, said:

"We believe that the outline planning permission puts in place a strong framework which will guide the delivery of this exciting new development for Horsham.

“Moving forwards, Berkeley wants to continue to work with the local community to create a place that people can be proud of."

Ends

CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager

Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk