Have a simple referendum?

With regard to Rookwood green space, I believe we live in a democracy. National and local politicians are in office because the people voted for them, their fundamental job is to represent the will of the electorate either nationally or locally.

Therefore, why not have a simple referendum regarding the Rookwood proposal.

One form, one question ‘Do you want Rookwood to be built on’ and two potential answers – yes or no. Surely this simplistic democratic idea would save a great deal of time and money.

Also, the cost of a local referendum will be far cheaper than the cost of all the recent glossy marketing and the creation of the recently launched Rookwood website depicting HDC’s vision of paradise! footpaths on the northern section of Rookwood Golf Course.

Clearly, Mr Jonathan Chowen has failed in his duty to fully examine the implications of decimating this valuable local asset by changing the area into an unsightly housing estate to the detriment of Horsham residents.

Mr Chowen should also check his facts before stating that it is public knowledge that golf is on the decline.

According to GolfNow, which operates the world’s largest online tee-time market place, the number of rounds booked on-line in September 2020 increased by 97 per cent, yes Mr Chowen, ninetyseven per cent, compared with September 2019 and the number of golfers booking them increased by more than 100 per cent.

Overall golf participation continued to skyrocket in 2020 and a similar surge is being reported throughout the UK. More homework required for Mr Chowen?

The construction of some 700 houses will inevitably result in the felling of wellestablished, mature trees, shrubs and hedgerows.

Removing trees and vegetation will have a huge hydrological impact on the area – reduced rainfall interception, increased surface water run-off and soil erosion.

Trees, especially broadleaf species, of which there are many on Rookwood, provide huge benefits for carbon dioxide capture.

They also help the soil to capture and store significant amounts of this harmful greenhouse gas thus improving soil health and a better habitat for wildlife.

Removing these trees and vegetation to reach ‘targets’, flies in the face of the Government’s target of zero CO2 emissions by 2050. How will HDC’s CEO explain this vandalism to the PM?

If the proposal of HDC is approved, all this wonder of nature on the open and beautiful Rookwood Golf Course will be replaced by unsightly two/three story houses, concrete paving, tarmac roads and street lighting.

To top it all, assuming at least one vehicle to each house, there will be some 700 cars all emitting poisonous carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air. Horsham residents will be pleased!

Many West Sussex residents have highlighted in this newspaper, the unprecedented proposals for building housing in open green areas which will mean squandering this valuable asset at a time where it is needed for our own health and wellbeing, and to address the climate emergency, more than ever before.

Despite evidence that there’s already enough space on previously used land (known as brownfield) and other land already granted planning permission for HDC to reach its housing targets.

Rookwood Golf Course must be removed from Local Planning Consultation for the benefit of all residents; it is unique in that it is the only non-private play and pay golf course within the district generating some £80,000 pa plus for HDC.

In addition to the main course, it has a nine-hole short course. This acts as a wonderful introduction facility for the increasing numbers of youngsters wishing to learn, play and enjoy golf.

The Government’s Covid restriction ‘Roadmap’ states: ‘Physical activity and outdoor sports such as golf, is known to help with improving mental health through better sleep, happier moods and managing stress and anxiety’. Rookwood Golf Course must stay as it is.