Following Horsham District Council’s request to re-open the examination of its 2023-2040 Local Plan, the Government’s newly appointed Planning Inspector, Jonathan Bore has now confirmed that he will approach the examination afresh and a revised workplan and timing schedule have been announced.
The examination will take place in two stages:
- Stage One will focus on housing requirements with examination hearings on this issue in April 2026. The outcomes from these hearings will guide subsequent site selection decisions.
- Stage Two will take place in September 2026 and will consider the Council’s overall strategic approach, including the identification of specific development sites within the Plan.
As part of the re-examination, the Inspector has stated that the Development Management policies currently set out in the existing draft Plan will need to be significantly updated in line with the Government’s emerging National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This will ensure that, once adopted, the Plan contains policies that remain up to date and robust.
Commenting on this update, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher said: “It really is excellent news that our Local Plan examination is now re-opened giving Horsham District the opportunity to get back to plan-led development.
We welcome the new ambitious timetable and the positive view the Inspector is taking of the extensive work already done and proposed by the Council to develop the new Local Plan.
“We recognise that the Government’s recent decision to remove water neutrality restrictions will incur higher housing targets from the Inspector, but we anticipate that additional development will be on sites already identified as suitable and will be subject to provision of appropriate infrastructure and take account of site constraints.
“A new Local Plan will also strengthen our ability to deliver the affordable homes and supporting infrastructure our residents need.”
For more information and details about the Local Plan examination please visit the Council’s planning pages on our website.