Moving towards a new Local Plan

We are moving closer to adopting a new Local Plan for Horsham District, which will guide where new homes, employment sites and other development should go up to 2040.

Following the first examination hearings in April 2026, the independent Planning Inspector asked us to make changes to the draft plan. These changes, known as main modifications, were agreed by the Council in July.

In the light of new advice relating to how water resources and nature conservation habitats can be protected, the Planning Inspector has asked us to plan for more homes. This means adding some new housing sites to the draft Local Plan.

We have also updated several planning policies to reflect changes made by the Government since the local plan was first prepared.

Public consultation

The proposed changes were shared in a six-week public consultation, held over the summer, giving everyone the opportunity to have their say. The consultation responses were passed to the Planning Inspector for consideration. The Inspector then set dates for further examination hearings, which took place in October.

What happens next?

The Inspector is now preparing his final report. When the report is received, the Council will move towards adopting the Horsham District 2023-2040 Local Plan in early 2027.