Inspiring greener futures
A fresh vision for Horsham District
Inspiring greener futures
We aim to be a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero district by 2050. Horsham District will be held in high regard for best practice in rewilding, regenerative farming and recycling.
Council Plan Priorities 2023-2027
Click on each priority to see specific actions, goals and targets in our Annual Plan for 2026-2027 below.
- Deliver a Local Plan which sets higher environmental standards including net zero building, green gaps and addressing water neutrality.
- Show the way to net zero through engagement with our community and our emerging Climate Action Strategy.
- Create nature diverse places for people to live in.
- Help businesses and residents to waste less and recycle more.
- Create safer routes for cycling and walking.
Read the Annual Plan for 2025-2026
Annual Plan 2026-2027
- Deliver a Local Plan which sets higher environmental standards including net zero building, green gaps and addressing water neutrality.
- Subject to the outcome of the Exploratory / Procedural Meeting on the Local Plan, progress the examination of the Horsham District Local Plan, and commence the preparation of a new local plan in accordance with emerging legislation.
- Undertake a review of the Conservation Areas of Crabtree, Rudgwick and Thakeham and produce Conservation Management Plans for these areas.
- Show the way to Net Zero through the actions the Council is taking to reduce its emissions, engaging with our community and our Climate Action Strategy.
- Investigate works required to achieve EPC C rating in all Council owned and let properties to reduce carbon emissions.
- Deliver carbon literacy training to community groups and Parish/Neighbourhood Councils to support reductions in carbon emissions.
- Create nature diverse places for people to live in.
- Review the impact of the Wilder Horsham District Initiative with a view to ensure its long-term retention.
- Use Wilder Horsham District as an effective delivery mechanism for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
- Update Management Plans for Chesworth Farm and Southwater Country Park.
- Investigate the options for the long-term protection of Roffey Recreation Ground.
- Develop a plan to open Cedar’s Farm as an open space and, if supported by Parish, transfer it to Billingshurst Parish Council.
- Help businesses and residents to waste less and recycle more.
- Improve recycling rates by implementing food waste collections by the end of April 2026.
- Introduce a soft plastic (plastic bags and wrapping) recycling scheme by March 2027.
- Create safer routes for cycling and walking.
- Work with West Sussex County Council, Parish and Neighbourhood Councils to develop proposals to expand Horsham District’s active travel routes including cycle networks.
- Develop a Horsham District cycling and walking strategy.