NEWS RELEASES
Planning framework for future supported
9th January 2007
THE independent Inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State to conduct the Examination into the soundness of the Core Strategy to the Horsham District Local Development Framework have now completed their report and submitted it to Horsham District Council.
The Inspectors (Mr Alan Foster and Mr David Vickery) conclude that the Core Strategy is sound against the relevant tests, subject to the document being changed in certain respects in accordance with their recommendations.
In reaching their conclusions, the fundamental principles and provisions of the Core Strategy have been endorsed by the Inspectors, including the major development proposals for the land west and north west of Crawley and west of Horsham.
This means that the more detailed proposals for these areas can continue to be worked up and carried forward. The core policies included in the document will also provide the basis for subsequent, more specific local development documents, such as the General Development Control Policies document, and for decisions on planning applications.
Speaking of the feedback, Cllr David Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Strategic Land Use Planning at Horsham District Council, said:
“We always knew that meeting the needs for development which have been imposed on our District, and managing the resultant future change appropriately, would be a difficult task, but one that we needed to tackle responsibly. The Inspectors’ carefully considered and well-constructed report recognises and supports the balance struck by the Council in seeking to safeguard the unique character of the area whilst securing high quality development and the greatest possible benefits to our community wherever change is necessary. We welcome their conclusions accordingly.”
The conclusions and recommendations of the Inspectors set out in their Report are binding on the Council and it is now required to adopt the Core Strategy, as amended by the Inspectors, as soon as practicable. The Inspectors’ Report and the necessary formal adoption of the Core Strategy will, therefore, be considered by the Council at its meeting on 24 January 2007.
Cllr Liz Kitchen, Leader of Horsham District Council, said:
“The journey to this point has been a long one involving extensive technical work and engagement with our residents and businesses on the issues identified. For the past ten years we have faced the prospect of new development far in excess of the housing need in the area. We have consistently argued against excessive housing numbers for the District; we succeeded in getting the quota reduced from initial expectations, although there is nevertheless clearly a need for some local housing. But we have still had to make difficult decisions in getting to a stage where our realistic approach can hold sway.
“Now in the light of this independent examination of our approach, we need to move forward and concentrate on carrying out the provisions indicated in the carefully controlled manner intended, a philosophy that has served this District well in the past. Despite differences of opinion on some very difficult issues up until now, we hope that we can all now focus on achieving the quality of development which our communities deserve.”
Ends
Note to editors:
The full Inspectors’ report is available on the Local Development Framework website, or by contacting Horsham District Council’s Strategic and Community Planning Department on 01403 215398, email strategic.planning@horsham.gov.uk
The Core Strategy Development Plan Document was submitted to the Secretary of State on 4 November 2005. The appointed Inspectors, Mr. Alan Foster and Mr. David Vickery held a Pre-Examination Meeting on 22 May 2006 and conducted the Examination by way of written exchanges and by hearing sessions held between 5 and 21 September 2006 for those who exercised their right to be heard. In coming to their conclusions on the soundness of the document, the Inspectors had regard to the representations which were made in the 6 weeks following submission, along with subsequent written submissions and oral contributions made at and after the hearing sessions.
For any further information about the content of the Inspectors’ Report or the formal adoption of the Core Strategy by Horsham District Council, please contact Paul Rowley, Head of Strategic and Community Planning (01403) 215180 or e-mail: paul.rowley@horsham.gov.uk
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk