KRGA
KEEP ROOKWOOD GREEN ALLIANCE
I
n the recent Local Plan consultation Horsham District Council (HDC) proposed several ‘strategic sites’ for future housing developments. One of these is
Rookwood Golf Course where they propose to build 1100 high-density dwellings, up to five storeys high. The Covid-19 emergency has emphasised how access to local green space is vital for physical and mental wellbeing. Given the impact the proposals would have on the areas adjacent to Rookwood Golf Course, the “Keep Rookwood Green Alliance” (KRGA) has been formed from local groups. We (KRGA) believe that the Rookwood site should be retained as a green space to provide leisure and recreational opportunities for both the local community in Horsham town and those from further afield. This proposal threatens Warnham Local Nature Reserve, which is adjacent to Rookwood, through noise and light pollution, increased predation by cats and by severing the Reserve’s wildlife corridors to the west. It would be isolated within urban development. HDC does need to produce a Local Development
Nature Reserve. HDC do have a choice! The draft Local Plan proposed more housing capacity than the new Government targets require – presumably to give some post-
Plan, but this is the wrong plan! Their proposal will axe
consultation flexibility. They can choose to exclude some
a popular amenity, destroy a valued green space and
of the proposed sites and we urge them to “Keep
damage one of the most bio-diverse sites in Sussex.
Rookwood Green”. We need to protect this green space
Horsham District Council (HDC) has released an Ecological Survey Report compiled by a Principal
for Horsham Residents, for wildlife and for future generations. The Victorians protected green space in cities and it is
Ecologist with fifteen years of experience. The report confirms the rich natural heritage of the
the challenge of our generation to protect green spaces
site. In particular, the northern half contains important
in towns such as ours. What can YOU do? Have your say!
woodland bordering onto Warnham Local Nature
Please write to your councillors today. If you don’t have
Reserve and 75% of the land it represents is ‘high to
their names, find them here: www.writetothem.com
medium risk’ to the Reserve, if developed. The southern
Tell us what you would like to happen at Rookwood
land contains a flood plain as well linking vital green
by participating in our survey at
and blue corridors leading to the River Arun. Both
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KRGAJune20.
halves of the site contain ancient wooded boundaries,
Sign the petition – add your name to the petition which
hedgerows, ditches and ponds which provide important
already has over 5000 signatures at
wildlife habitat.
http://chng.it/tLS8TnkZgr (Horsham District Council: No
Any development would need major access roads to reach the relatively small areas where building would
to Rookwood golf course future development for housing). Keep up to date with our website:
have the least impact, whilst the expected influx of
www.keeprookwoodgreen.org
domestic cats, would be disastrous for wildlife on the
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12
JULY 2020
SOUTHWATER Life To advertise call 01403 588618 or visit www.horshampublications.com
