Government guidance states that Local Authorities must maintain an adequate supply of new housing sites in their areas. As part of this all Councils have to give consideration to where new housing development might be located within the District and to assess all potential opportunities.

Horsham District Council is, therefore, currently undertaking a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). The assessment will form an important evidence base to ensure sufficient delivery of land for housing in the District and will in due course inform the review of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. The SHLAA aims to identify potential housing sites, in 5 yearly periods, for the next 15 years.

Full details of the SHLAA process can be found within the Project Brief and Methodology. This document outlines the overall process and basis for completing the assessment as promoted by Government, before setting out the specific approach adopted by Horsham District Council.

Whilst the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment provides an important evidence source for potential housing sites, it does not in itself determine whether a particular site should be allocated for housing development. This will be considered as part of the Local Development Framework process and in full consultation with all interested parties, including local communities.

The SHLAA Interim Report was published on 4 September 2009.  The report sets out the emerging SHLAA findings, in light of the South East Plan (SEP), which informs the Core Strategy Review consultation.

Appendix 1 to the report contains a list of all the SHLAA sites and maps showing the SHLAA sites by Parish.  Appendix 2 to the report contains a list of the sites excluded from further assessment within the SHLAA.