Horsham District Council has received confirmation from Natural England that it is withdrawing its September 2021 Position Statement on water neutrality in the Sussex North Water Supply Zone.
We recognise how important unlocking sustainable development is for our communities, particularly in helping to provide the affordable homes local people need.
This change will help unlock the delivery of new homes and community infrastructure, while continuing to protect the environment.
Over recent years we have worked constructively with our partners across the region to scrutinise the evidence and ensure that any changes are based on a sound environmental foundation. The revised advice offers a long-term solution agreed between Natural England, the Environment Agency and Southern Water which will strengthen the resilience of the Arun Valley habitats while also allowing development to proceed.
Until the formal licence change by Southern Water is completed, we will continue to consider the potential for development to impact the Arun Valley habitats as part of our decision-making. However, applicants will no longer be required to provide water neutrality statements or find their own water neutrality solutions.
We are committed to protecting our natural environment and ensuring sustainable growth remain central to our approach. We will continue to work with Natural England and other partners as these changes are implemented and as we support the delivery of high-quality, environmentally responsible development across Horsham District and wider North-West Sussex.