Horsham Local Plan amendments gain support

Horsham District Council has launched work on a new-style Local Plan, Horsham District 2045, and is inviting early public feedback through a scoping consultation running from 30 June to 28 July.

The consultation is part of the government’s new planning reforms, introduced in March 2026, which require many councils to begin preparing fresh plans immediately under tighter national timescales.

The first stage of this process asks residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share what they think should be included in the plan and how they would like to be involved as it develops. The council says the new plan will shape the district’s long-term future.

A key proposal highlighted in the announcement is the allocation of Land at Adversane (Kingswood), which Build for Britain and Our Place say could deliver 3,200 new homes, early infrastructure, including three schools, as well as skills, jobs, and nature-focused development. Joseph Baum, director of planning and communications at Build for Britain, described the council’s decision to move forward as a “huge step forward” and said the group is ready to work with the community to turn the vision into reality.

Cllr Ruth Fletcher, Horsham District Council’s cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said the council is having to run two consultations at once because of the government’s new rules. She noted that the Horsham District Local Plan 2023–2040 is still progressing toward adoption early next year, while the new scoping consultation is intended to look further ahead and guide the next plan’s direction.

Residents are encouraged to take part via the council website. The announcement also points readers to the latest council news, Our District magazine, and contact details for media enquiries.