New plans for restaurant

Revised plans to redevelop the current home of Horsham’s Smith and Western restaurant have been submitted, with the chain looking to move to the town centre.

Homes England has so far failed to buy land at Ifield Golf Club, which forms part of its plans for 10,000 homes west of Crawley.

Rather than giving those opposed to the massive development a reason to celebrate, the lack of a sale is little more than a blip for the government’s housing agency, which still aims to buy the 160-acre site.

Project director Ken Glendinning said: “Homes England were unable to complete the acquisition before the end of our financial year.

“The acquisition will be included in our future investment plans.

“The development at West of Ifield will take over 30 years to complete, so the current delay, should not have a long-term impact on the provision of muchneeded local homes.”

If the scheme gets the goahead, it would add three new neighbourhoods to the 14 that already make up Crawley, with 35 per cent of the new homes classed as affordable.

There would be primary and secondary schools, community facilities, up to 50 per cent green space and a western relief road.

There has been vocal opposition to the development, with Crawley Borough Council openly opposing the plans.

The scheme rests on whether Horsham District Council will allocate the site for housing in its Local Plan, which will guide development in the area up until 2036.

While the draft plan is scheduled to be consulted on this autumn/winter, leader Ray Dawe has written to the Secretary of State asking for ‘more flexibility’ with the timetable given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.