‘Nature at heart of plan for site’
Details of revised Rookwood housing plans are revealed
Horsham District Council has revealed its ‘ambitious and forward-thinking proposal for Rookwood that offers opportunities to enhance the natural landscape for all to enjoy’.
The revised plans have been drawn up following a huge public outcry about the impact that developing the golf course could have on the neighbouring Warnham Nature Reserve.
The new plan includes an expansion of the reserve, as well as increased outdoor leisure and recreational facilities.
Chairman of Horsham Trafalgar Neighbourhood Council Martin Boffey said it was encouraging HDC seemed ‘willing to engage with stakeholders’ but the local plan was ‘entirely the wrong means of deciding the future of this hugely important public asset’.
Meanwhile the Lib Dems have labelled the revisions made ‘largely cosmetic’, with councillor John Milne arguing the changes do ‘nothing for any of the main problems’.
More details about revised ‘eco-friendly’ development plans for Horsham’s Rookwood Golf Course have been revealed.
As the landowner, Horsham District Council has been promoting the site as a potential strategic allocation for up to 1,100 homes as part of its own local plan review.
Facing huge opposition due to concerns about the impact on the Warnham Local Nature Reserve and the loss of green space, the council asked its consultants to revise the scheme.
According to the council, this has resulted in an ‘ambitious and forwardthinking proposal’ for Rookwood that offers ‘opportunities to enhance the natural landscape for all to enjoy’ including expansion of the nature reserve and new outdoor leisure and recreational activities.
The northern section of the site offers ‘many possibilities for re-wilding, improving biodiversity, enhancing wildlife networks and enabling the community to get closer to nature’.
HDC says it has listened and incorporated feedback from residents, businesses and key stakeholders in developing this proposal, which represents an ‘exemplar approach with mitigations for climate change, improved opportunities for health and wellbeing, protection of wildlife and enhancement of ecological biodiversity at the heart of the potential development’ Jonathan Chowen, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, said that at the heart of the proposal was the protection of the nature reserve and enhancement of the natural environment throughout the site’.
He added: “It offers a unique opportunity to deliver a high quality, eco-friendly and less car centric development which will achieve far reaching community benefits and an inspiring, peaceful place to enjoy. The proposal will build upon the existing woodland landscape and increase the amount of open space for a much wider range of activities with pathways for cyclists and walkers to explore.”
This proposal has been submitted by advisors Avison Young for assessment by the council’s own strategic planning officers as part of the local plan review process. The next version of the plan is due to be published for consultation early next year.