Horsham District Council has formally written to Planning Inspector Luke Fleming to request the re-opening of the Horsham District Local Plan examination, citing changes in circumstances since the original hearings in December 2024.
The Council’s submission highlights a major shift in the regulatory landscape following Natural England’s recent withdrawal of its Water Neutrality Position Statement. This policy had significantly constrained development across the District for just over four years. With its removal, site promoters are no longer required to provide bespoke water neutrality solutions, removing a key barrier to progress.
In addition, the Council has submitted updated evidence under the Duty to Co-operate, addressing concerns raised during the initial examination hearings. Many of the Inspector’s earlier findings were closely tied to the now superseded water neutrality requirements, which it believes means they are no longer relevant.
The Council’s letter also references recent guidance from the Secretary of State to the Planning Inspectorate, which urges Inspectors to adopt a more flexible approach to accelerate the delivery of Local Plans.
In light of these developments, the Council is calling for the examination hearings to be re-opened so that the Local Plan can move forward without further delay.
The Inspector’s response will be published on the Council’s website once received.
Commenting on the request, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, Cllr Ruth Fletcher, said:
“I believe these changes in direction from the Government mean that the Local Plan examination should now be re-opened, giving Horsham the opportunity to get back to plan-led development.
“A new Local Plan will maximise our ability to provide the affordable homes and supporting infrastructure our residents need, and it will help us strengthen the protection of our precious countryside from speculative developments.”
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