UPDATE: Council ‘disappointed’ by increase in housing target

The announcement was made at Parkside this afternoon. Photo by Derek Martin ENGPPP00320130424214348

Speaking before the start of Horsham District Council’s Development Control South meeting today (July 21), Chris Lyons, director for planning, economic development and property, told councillors they had received a letter from the planning inspector increasing the housing requirement from 750 to 800 homes a year.

The increase is the fourth in the last two years and councillor Claire Vickers, cabinet member for planning and development, said she was disappointed with the news.

She said: “We have today received a note from the inspector requiring us to make two final modifications to the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) in order that he can approve it.

“In light of Crawley’s projected housing shortfall, the inspector is requiring us to increase the number of dwellings to 800 per year for the plan period (2011-2031). This would result in a total of 16,000 dwellings between 2011 and 2031.

“We do not need to find or consult on these additional numbers now, but must start to review the plan within three years of adopting it, with a view to identifying extra numbers that may be required.

“Whilst I am disappointed that the numbers have been increased to 800, this note from the inspector does give us some certainty for the foreseeable future.

“The second modification is to reflect a change in government policy as regards wind farms.

“The council is considering the Inspector’s Note in detail and will respond to him very shortly.”

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