HORSHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL
COUNCIL’S PLAN FOR ROOKWOOD s part of Horsham District
A
much at the forefront of our thinking,
Council’s ambitious and
promoting environmental education
forward thinking proposal for
and wellbeing and aligning with our
Rookwood, there are set to be
overarching Wilder Horsham District
considerable benefits for Warnham
nature recovery networks. “If the site is allocated through the
Local Nature Reserve which is located adjacent to the proposed site, as well as numerous
Local Plan, then we would be keen to consult further and
opportunities to enhance the overall natural landscape for all
work closely with residents, partners and stakeholders to
to enjoy. The Reserve is a regionally significant ecological
develop ideas for what Rookwood could ultimately look like.
resource which currently boasts a 17-acre millpond, extensive trails through meadows and woodland, boardwalks over grassland and several bird hides, especially popular with
“At the heart of any development is the desire to ensure that nature thrives at Rookwood.” In addition to the new improvements for the Reserve, the additional benefits of the scheme would also include:
families and photographers alike. If the Rookwood proposal goes forward, the Reserve
• A beautifully designed development providing sustainable
could be expanded and benefit from a new landscaped
new eco-friendly homes in a truly unique and stunning
gateway entrance, with exciting possibilities for a much
garden setting.
improved visitor centre (above), a new café and new car park
• The proposed housing will be limited to approximately 30% of
which will all greatly enhance the visitor experience.
the total land area and only to the south of the Warnham Road.
In addition to this expansion, the land to the west of the
• There will be up to 250 new affordable homes.
Nature Reserve would now be released as public open space
• A site for a new primary school with shared leisure facilities
creating a new country park.
for all of the community to enjoy.
Putting natural habitats at the centre of this plan has been
• Expansive green corridors and sympathetic landscaping to
paramount for the Council. The biodiversity of the site will be
protect and enhance Boldings Brook and the Red River as
substantially increased with scope for re-wilding and
well as mitigate existing flooding issues.
enhancing wildlife networks, so that it would comfortably
• New paths to encourage increased cycling and walking.
exceed Government biodiversity net gain criteria, in keeping
• A real opportunity for increased ease of accessibility to the
with the scheme’s strong environmental aspiration.
northern section of the site allowing more people to enjoy the
In developing the current scheme, Horsham District Council
green space without the limitations of the current golf course.
has listened and incorporated the feedback from residents,
• The development will deliver new funding which will enable
community groups, local businesses and key stakeholders as
the Council to continue to safeguard key frontline community
part of an extensive consultation process.
services for future generations across the whole of the District.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Jonathan Chowen commented: “I would like to thank the local community for all their valuable feedback on our ideas which has greatly helped us shape them. I am pleased that following the extensive
• 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. This proposal has been submitted by real estate advisors
consultation, we are now in a position to consider an exciting
Avison Young for independent assessment by Strategic
plan that can create considerable protection of Warnham
Planning Officers as part of the process for the Council’s new
Local Nature Reserve and deliver so many improvements for
Local Plan that the Government requires it to produce.
the benefit of visitors there. This scheme will also further improve habitats for wildlife with green infrastructure very
50
MARCH/APRIL 2021
The next version of the Local Plan (Regulation 19) will be published for consultation in the spring of 2021.
HORSHAM PAGES North To advertise call 01403 588618 or visit www.horshampublications.com
