Your local Councillors are absolutely delighted that Berkeley Homes have withdrawn their application for 1,500 homes west of Southwater.
The application has been withdrawn by Berkeley Homes because Horsham District Council Planning Officers were recommending refusal of the application. A recommendation that is likely to have received overwhelming support from councillors. The reasons for refusal were many and included:
The principle of development being contrary to HDC policies, unsustainable growth in Southwater, heritage harm, water neutrality, no completed legal agreement for affordable housing and infrastructure, loss of trees, insufficient information for provisions for young people and more. The officer’s report was comprehensive.
It will not be easy for the plan to be resubmitted and therefore we do not expect to see it back soon.
We were all extremely disappointed that without consultation, Berkeley Homes submitted this application, which would have significantly increased the size of our village and was overwhelmingly opposed by residents - as 88% of people who responded to the consultation did not support the proposals.
We hope now Southwater is given time to breathe, respecting the Neighbourhood Plan the people of Southwater voted on in 2021. You will be aware Southwater Parish
Council is currently working on its Neighbourhood Plan. This plan provide us with a vital starting point in discussions.
This is a victory for ordinary people. For those who supported us and said no, signed the petitions, who made their voices heard, this is a victory for us. Enough is enough.
Southwater has had too much development, HDC’s report and Berkeley Homes’ retreat vindicates that. We are aware this is a battle won, but we must be vigilant. We must continue to fight for our greenspaces and against over development in Southwater.
Your local Conservatives are working hard to protect and preserve our countryside.
