2 Chapter 2: Context for this document

The Core Strategy

2.1 The Core Strategy adopts the vision of the Horsham District Community Strategy prepared by the Horsham District Community Partnership.  This is then translated into spatial objectives for the District, covering key issues such as the need to balance the protection of our countryside and urban areas whilst accommodating the levels of new development that are required and meeting the needs of those who live, work and visit the District.  The spatial objectives form the basis of the set of core policies contained within the Core Strategy.

2.2 The Core Strategy has been prepared to take into account the most up-to-date national planning guidance; to be in general conformity with the requirements of the current Regional Planning Guidance for the South East; and has been heavily influenced by the adopted West Sussex Structure Plan 2001-2016.  The General Development Control Policies must, in turn, be in conformity with the Core Strategy, as the over-arching document in the Local Development Framework for this District.

2.3 This document has not sought to repeat or summarise the content of the Core Strategy.  However, it is important to be familiar with its content in order to understand the overall vision for the District and the context in which the development control policies have been written.  The policies within this General Development Control document are derived from the spatial objectives set out in the Core Strategy and expand further on how we intend to ensure that this vision for the District is delivered.

The Site Specific Allocations of Land Document

2.4 The Site Specific Allocations of Land document has been prepared in accordance with the Core Strategy and in particular defines the built-up area boundaries for the more sustainable settlements in the District.  This document also allocates land in accordance with the development strategy set out in the Core Strategy.  It identifies previously developed land that can accommodate residential development; smaller scale greenfield sites for new homes; land for employment use, community facilities and open space; and a small number of sites for other uses.

2.5 The policies in the Site Specific Allocations of Land document set out the critical development requirements for each site together with any broad design and landscape requirements; however, any application for the development of these sites will also have to refer to the relevant criteria set out in the General Development Control Policies document. 

Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment

2.6 In order to ensure that the policies and proposals of the General Development Control Policies document contribute to the aims of sustainable development, a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) incorporating the requirements of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been undertaken.

2.7 The process of SA/SEA was stated at the outset of preparation of the General Development Control Policies document and has involved the following stages:

  • Scoping Report - this was published with the Issues and Options consultation document and set out baseline information about the District, with sustainability issues affecting the area.  The report set out the likely options for not only the General Development Control Policies but also the Core Strategy and Site Specific Allocations of Land.

  • Interim Report - this document was published with the Preferred Options General Development Control Policies and provided an initial assessment of options and policies.  The comments made on the document fed into the final assessment of policies, and resulted, where necessary, in recommendations being made and implemented to improve the sustainability of this Development Plan Document.

  • Final SA / SEA Report - this has been published alongside this General Development Control Policies Submission document and has, where necessary, updated the assessment of policies to take into account any changes made as a result of the consultation on the Preferred Options document.  It sets out how the General Development Control Policies document has been appraised and influenced by the sustainability objectives and process.  It also indicates where any mitigation measures have, or will be, made through policy formulation and implementation.

National Planning Guidance

2.8 Under the new planning system, local planning authorities are not expected to repeat National Planning Policy Statements or Guidance in their local development documents but instead address the particular issues that are relevant to this District.  Policies should not seek to cover every eventuality and as a result the number of policies is considerably smaller than that contained within former local plans.  Reference has been made to the most relevant national or even local guidance as appropriate to guide applicants.  Further information on national planning guidance can be found on the Planning Portal website www.planningportal.gov.uk.