Neighbourhood plan reaches ‘critical stage’

WSCT 161241 Protesters from the Stop Bovis Ruining Storrington Action Group at the western edge of Storrington. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-141216-165301001

A draft pre-submission of the Storrington, Sullington and Washington Neighbourhood Plan will be heard at public meeting in the Parish Hall, at Thakeham Road, Storrington, on January 22, at 7pm, where members of the public will be able to find out what the future may hold for the area.

The meeting is being run by Storrington and Sullington Parish Council who will discuss the nine possible locations they have identified as potential development sites.

Anna Worthington-Leese chairman of Storrington and Sullington Parish Council said: “The Neighbourhood Plan has now reached a critical stage. What we need to do is make sure that any development we have to take is the type of development that we want in the places that we consider acceptable and see this as an opportunity to work with developers to achieve that, rather than sitting back and having to accept what is imposed upon us.

“What we need is a robust Neighbourhood Plan that has the backing of the community through a referendum.”

Development pressure in the area has caused mounting concern, with fears more homes will create further congestion and air pollution.

Last month campaigners were out in force showing their opposition to housing plans put forward for Storrington by Bovis Homes.

But Mrs Worthington-Leese said: “Whilst, in an ideal world, we would all like to say ‘no more development’, we have to live in the real world and accept that is simply not possible – especially when we are in a village that is classified as ‘large’ (the old ‘Category 1’ classification) by the planning authority and capable of taking development.

“We are not saying that any or all of the sites that we are proposing will definitely be developed.

“We are simply saying that should an acceptable proposal be put forward on those sites it would be looked at favourably. If an unacceptable proposal were put forward on an acceptable site we would still object.”

Members of the public who attend the meeting will be able to comment on the proposals and leave their feedback.

There will also be a six week consultation process after the meeting where members of the public will get another chance to comment on the plans.

To comment on the plans email [email protected]