UPDATE September 2011: In light of the comments received on the Interim Statement which presented an overriding majority for no planned growth in Billingshurst and Southwater, the Council has decided to halt progress on the Interim Statement and progress as quickly as feasible with the preparation of the Core Strategy Review in order to address the Districts housing land supply position. It is intended that a document will be prepared for consultation in January 2012. This document will consider the housing requirements for Horsham District for the medium to long term whilst considering the most up to date position on short term housing supply.

The Horsham District Core Strategy sets out a framework for planning the future of the District, including how the District Council intends to meet the Governments requirements for development. The existing Core Strategy covers the period to 2018 but we now need to look even further ahead as the Government has approved the South East Plan, which sets out new requirements from 2006 to 2026.

The first stage in the process of preparing the Core Strategy Review has begun. The Core Strategy Review Consultation Document is called 'Leading Change in Partnership to 2026 and Beyond' and was published for consultation on 4 September 2009. The document sets out some of the key issues in planning the future of the District and some options for how our development requirements can be met. Comment were invited on these issues and options during the consultation period, which ended on 16 October 2009.

Please Note: The comments and representations made on the Consultation Document can be viewed online via the Council's consultation portal.

A summary of the comments is available below:

Summary of Comments Received on ‘Leading Change in Partnership to 2026 and Beyond’ 

Summary of Comments Received on ‘Leading Change in Partnership to 2026 and Beyond’ Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

A formal introduction from Councillor Robert Nye, Leader of the Council and Councillor David Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, to 'Leading Change in Partnership to 2026 and Beyond' is available to download.

Leading Change in Partnership to 2026 and Beyond - Core Strategy Review Consultation
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The Core Strategy Review Consultation Document is also supported by a number of background documents, which are available to view and download.