Responses to Planning consultations
Our Strategic Planning and Development Management Teams respond to a number of consultations issued by Government departments and other agencies. The responses sent by us are available to download below.
The consultation sought comments on proposed changes to the Local Plan making process with a view to producing simpler plans and speeding up their production. The Council’s response to the consultation can be found below
(Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - September 2023)
The Operation reforms to the NSIP consultation sought views on the details to the operational reforms which the government was looking to make to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) consenting process, following the publication of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Action Plan in February 2023. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
This consultation presented proposals for extension to the existing National Grid Bolney substation. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
This consultation presented a potential alternative to a 3km (approx.) section of the onshore cable route in the South Downs, north of Patching. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
The Rampion 2 Targeted Onshore Cable Route Consultation ran from 18 October to 29 November 2022. This consultation presented several potential changes to the onshore cable route proposals. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
The Rampion 2 Formal Public Consultation was held from 14 July to 16 September 2021. The consultation was then reopened between 7 February and 11 April 2022. The Rampion 2 Windfarm proposal constitutes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) which will require an application for Development Consent to be made to the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision ultimately made by the Secretary of State. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
(Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - March 2023)
In March 2023 the Government sought views on the 'Infrastructure Levy' - a reform to the existing developer contributions - Section 106 planning obligations and Community Infrastructure Levy - in England. Horsham District Council's response can be read below:
(Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - March 2023)
In March 2023 the government sought views on the approach to developing Environmental Outcomes Reports to support departments in the next stage of policy development. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below
(Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - February 2023)
In February 2023 the government sought views on proposals intended to improve the performance of local planning authorities through an increase in planning fees, building capacity and capability, and introducing a more robust performance regime. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below
(Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - December 2022)
In December 2022, the Government published a consultation on planning reforms related to changes in legislation likely to come forward in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
Following five years of technical work, stakeholder engagement and the publication of its Transport Strategy in 2020, Transport for the South East (TfSE) has published its draft Strategic Investment Plan. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation draft can be read below.
(Gatwick Airport - July 2022)
In Summer 2022, Gatwick Airport Ltd commenced a further consultation on its proposals to bring its northern (or standby) runway into routine use. The consultation principally focused on updated road designs although also contained other project updates. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
(National Highways - March 2022)
National Highways commenced a statutory public consultation in January 2022 on the proposed A27 Arundel Bypass Scheme which would see approximately 8km of new dual carriageway, incorporating proposals for the old A27. The Scheme constitutes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) which will require an application for Development Consent to be made to the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision ultimately made by the Secretary of State for Transport. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
(Gatwick Airport - December 2021)
Through its Northern Runway Project, Gatwick Airport Ltd proposes to bring its northern runway into routine use to create a dual-runway airport with significantly expanded capacity. Proposals for expansion of the airport were originally set out in the Gatwick Airport Master Plan (2019) which presented three scenarios for growth. This is the second growth scenario and constitutes a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) which will require an application for Development Consent to be made to the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision ultimately made by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Horsham District Council has responded individually, but is also working jointly with nine other local authorities affected by the proposals. The Council’s published response below does not contain Appendices (iii) to (ix) due to the size of the reports, however these are available upon request.
(West Sussex County Council Consultation - October 2021)
West Sussex County Council published the Draft West Susssex Transport Plan (WSTP) 2022-2036 for consultation from 16 July to 8 October 2021. Horsham District Council's response to the consultation can be read below.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - March 2020)
The National Planning Policy Framework and National Model Design Code consultation sought views on two areas. The first related to proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in response to recommendations made by the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission. The second related to the new draft National Model Design Code, which is expected to be used to support the creation of local design codes, guides and policies in order to promote good design.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - December 2020)
The Supporting housing delivery and public service infrastructure consultation sought views on permitted development rights, change of use and speeding up planning permission for public service infrastructure.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - October 2020)
The Planning for the future consultation proposes reforms of the planning system to streamline and modernise the planning process, bring a new focus to design and sustainability, improve the system of developer contributions to infrastructure, and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.
Horsham District Council has responded both individually, and as part of a joint response submitted by the West Sussex and Greater Brighton Strategic Planning Board.
- HDC-White-Paper-Planning-for-the-Future-Response (PDF File, 784.2 KB)
- WSGB-White-Paper-Planning-for-the-Future-Response (PDF File, 168.4 KB)
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - October 2020)
The changes to the current planning system consultation sought views on changes to planning policy and regulations.
Horsham District Council has responded both individually, and as part of a joint response submitted by the West Sussex and Greater Brighton Strategic Planning Board.
- HDC-Changes-to-the-Current-Planning-System-Response.pdf (PDF File, 721.9 KB)
- WSGB-Changes-to-the-Current-Planning-System-Response (PDF File, 185.2 KB)
(DEFRA - February 2019)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Consultation sought views on how the planning system in England can be improved to protect the environment and wildlife, while creating better places to live and work.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - January 2019)
The Developer Contributions Reform consultation consulted on draft regulations to further amend the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. The proposed changes to the 2010 Regulations follow the package of reforms announced in the Autumn Budget 2017, which are aimed at making the system of developer contributions more transparent and accountable.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - January 2019)
The Planning Reform consultation consulted on a package of measures which the Government has proposed to provide greater planning certainty to support the High Street and ensure delivery of new homes.
(Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Consultation - December 2018)
The Local Housing Needs assessment consulted on changes to planning policy and guidance including the standard method for assessing local housing need.