Published: 14 July 2026
Horsham held a virtual Local Plan update in May this year for parishes.In essence they have been encouraged to go for the ‘High Growth’ housing target which is around 20,100 homes for their new Plan because of the shortfall in numbers and delivery. They are focusing initial efforts on four strategic site areas of Adversane, East Billingshurst, West Billingshurst and Buck Barn.
Until HDC work through the feasibility of these sites they will not be able to allocate numbers for other parishes so we won’t know whether our position as outlined in our Management Statement still stands. This has also been further complicated by Broadbridge Heath (BBH) asking for a boundary change to move Lower Broadbridge Farm out of Slinfold and into Broadbridge Parish. We have objected, particularly if that means the 133 homes are now allocated to BBH numbers and not ours but that may take some time to resolve.
Meanwhile, the site East of Hayes Lane has a planing application running for 38 homes which is above our initial allocation of 15. HDC seem to have made their minds up that it will be 38 as they are using that figure in their latest housing projection. The Parish Council is in discussions with the developer but it looks like it faces the unenviable position of continuing to object and probably have to fund an appeal as HDC are unlikely to, or try and negotiate the best deal around issues such as a new scout hut, affordable housing and drainage.
We will keep fighting for the residents of Slinfold and keep you posted.