NEWS RELEASES
West of Bewbush Submission Joint Area Action Plan
23 May 2008
FORMAL representations are being invited about the latest stage of proposals to build 2,500 homes in the west of Crawley area.
Crawley Borough Council and Horsham District Council have submitted the ‘Joint Area Action Plan’, which aims to steer development in the area, to the Secretary of State for consideration.
And soon anyone can make a formal representation about what is said in the plan during a six week period from May 30 2008 until 4.20pm on 11 July 2008.
Representations can include objections, observations or comments from those in support of what is proposed in the Joint Area Action Plan.
This feedback will then be considered by an Inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State, who will carry out an Examination of the Joint Area Action Plan to test its ‘soundness’ for adoption. The Examination hearings are likely to take place early in the new year.
The West Sussex Structure Plan identifies the western side of Crawley to accommodate 2,500 new homes along with associated facilities, services and infrastructure.
The area proposed for development is mainly within the boundaries of the Horsham District, but is immediately next to the western part of Bewbush in Crawley Borough.
At the heart of the Joint Area Action Plan is a conceptual master plan, which shows the location and type of development and land uses proposed for West of Bewbush to create a new neighbourhood. Roads, sustainable transport and other infrastructure are just some of the major issues detailed in the document.
Speaking this week, Cllr Claire Denman, Executive Member for Planning & Economic Development at Crawley Borough Council, said:
“There is real value to joint working as our two local councils have been able to tackle some very challenging and complex planning issues. We’ve listened to people’s comments and come up with some excellent solutions to meet the demand for new housing and look at ways to protect and improve facilities for existing residents.”
Cllr David Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning at Horsham District Council, said:
"The land west of Crawley was identified in the West Sussex Structure Plan to accommodate a new neighbourhood and we have had to carry that provision forward. After careful study and much consideration, the Joint Area Action Plan represents the most appropriate manner to accommodate the development and minimise the impact in this sensitive area between Horsham and Crawley."
Representations should be made, where possible, using the response form online at www.westofcrawley.gov.uk
Alternatively, paper forms and further information are available by contacting a member of the Strategic and Community Planning Department at Horsham District Council on 01403 215398, or the Forward Planning Department at Crawley Borough Council on 01293 438761.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk