Town’s become an urban sprawl

The latest HDC plans for Rookwood are being sold as ‘development’.

Collins Dictionary describes development as ‘the gradual growth of something’.

Rookwood is a successful, thriving golf course owned by the local tax payers. Development of this facility would therefore be development of the golf club, its facilities, its reach to the local community rate payers of all ages. Otherwise it would NOT be ‘development’.

If, however, someone who had another agenda completely, wished to use words that imply benefit where none exists, then using such emotive words as ‘development’ to describe the ruination of a valued, successful golf course in order to ‘develop’ housing – would be questionable in the extreme.

Trying to dress up politically motivated action against the community who own an asset as helpful, listening ‘development’ is patronising.

Would be nice if the council just owned up to the fact that they have decided to make money out of – as they see it – ‘their’ asset, no matter what those who enjoy golf and maintain the environment for golf say.

There would be no need for all of us to play this ‘game’ where we are lured into thinking we are ’stakeholders’ will be listened to.

HDC can just send in the latest wealthy land developer with bulldozers and concrete and ruin it for us just as they have always intended. Why bother to ask our opinions!

Otherwise what is it that they don’t understand when over 10,000 local ‘stakeholders’ (and their local voters) all sign to say LEAVE IT ALONE. We love it as it is.

Build your houses/make your money/meet your political targets somewhere else – you’ve found loads of fields elsewhere to ruin up till now.

Look at the urban sprawl this lovely market town has become. Humans matter as much as wildlife HDC – whatever party you support. Where is the accountability to us here?

BERNICEBAKER TowerHill Horsham