Horsham District Council is moving a step closer to adopting a new Local Plan for Horsham District as the second stage of the Planning Inspector’s examination hearings start on Tuesday 13 October. The hearings are expected to last until Friday 22 October.
When adopted, the new Local Plan will not only guide where new homes, employment sites and other development should go, but also how we will protect and enhance our natural environment and ensure delivery of the infrastructure needed to support our communities.
Following the initial Stage 1 examination hearings in April 2026, the Planning Inspector asked the Council to make some changes to the draft Plan to reflect new national planning policies that have taken place since it was first prepared.
These changes, known as main modifications, including planning for a higher number of new homes and updating several of the planning policies, went to public consultation and were then agreed by the Council in July.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher commented: “We welcome the start of the second stage of examination hearings as we look forward to a return to plan-led development and all the benefits this will bring.
“We are grateful to the many people who have given their feedback along the way in our various public consultations. Your input has very much helped us shape the draft Plan so far.
“We now feel well on the way to formalising a new Plan which should be fully adopted in early 2027.”