Planning Applications

Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council are non-statutory consultees when it comes to planning applications received by Horsham District Council. This means that any consultations with us are made at HDC’s and WSCC’s discretion. We have a Planning Committee that looks at applications, visits sites and takes into account the views of local residents. Each Committee member reviews every application in isolation and feeds back their opinion to form the overall view of HDNC. This is then passed back to the HDC Planning authorities. Whilst HDNC does not have any statutory powers to approve or reject planning applications in our area, Horsham District Council does take into account our opinion when making planning decisions.

If you have a planning issue that you want to raise with us, do let us know via the Contact page. If we agree that you have a valid point given the pertinent planning regulations in effect, we will happily make representations to Horsham District Council on your behalf.

Q: What are the common local issues considered when it comes to planning?
A: It can be whole new developments (like the Highwood development, in West Horsham), businesses wanting a change of use from office to retail for example, simple house extensions, any modifications to listed buildings or those in the conservation area… right through to tree felling or pruning.

HDNC’s Planning Committee decides responses to Planning Applications within the 21-day response deadline, following notification of the application to us by Horsham District Council. Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council

Further help / Associated documents:

Once you have the application number that interests you, you may view the whole application, together with supplemental documents and feedback from local interested parties here, Planning Applications Search Tool.

For information on applying for planning permission or advice, click HDC Planning Applications Web Page.

For further information on Horsham’s Planning Guidelines, click Horsham District Planning Framework (Latest)

Water Neutrality

Water neutrality is defined as development that takes place which does not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies above existing levels. Horsham District is situated in an area of serious water stress, as identified by the Environment Agency Water Stressed Areas Classification.

For more information click here

Here are some Planning Applications that HDNC has been consulted on:

Highwood – Berkeley Homes Development

This major development east of the A24 falls within the Denne area. Since it was first proposed back in 2009 HDNC has worked closely with Berkeley’s, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council – using our local knowledge on all the individual phases of the development.

We worked together to achieve improvements in the design of several planning applications and regular site visits have been made since to ensure the work complies with the plans. The Northern site is completed, including the Extra Care Home (Highwood Mill) and work is well underway on the Southern Site between the River Arun and the railway line, with many properties now being occupied.

Most recently we have been involved in discussions regarding details of the Southern access road, agreed in the original Masterplan. This road will be for buses and emergency vehicles only – coming out on Hills Farm Lane by the long bend.

Although the road is not completed yet we were eventually able to persuade Berkeley’s to retain a path onto the grass recreation area and reopen the original Riverside Walk path, as well as opening pedestrian and cycle access to the Southern Site.

Piries Place Development

This major redevelopment in the centre of Horsham created a new nightlife and leisure/entertainment area. HDNC has been involved in all the planning applications and wants to ensure the integrity of the traditional Twittens, giving access to the Carfax, is retained.

We were also heavily involved in the new car park for Pirie’s Place – influencing everything from the number of spaces to the amount of electric car charge points and toilets on offer.

Aldi – Tanbridge Retail Park

HDNC realises that this development on the site previously occupied by Curry’s and Office Outlet will be a popular addition to the supermarket offer in Horsham; but we objected to the planning application because we were disappointed by the design of the building and concerned about the safety of the car park exit. Nevertheless the planning application was permitted and construction began; it is currently delayed as additional work is required to divert a sewer. The opening date is not known.

Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council