New school scheme for Barns Green ‘true localism’ says county councillor

An application for 69 new homes in Barns Green and a new school for Itchingfield Primary School is due to be decided by Horsham District Council next Tuesday, but its officers have recommended it be refused.

Currently the school is split over two sites, one at Itchingfield, the other in Barns Green. Plans would consolidate the school on to the Barns Green site, with the 69 homes sited north of Two Mile Ash Road.

West Sussex county councillor Amanda Jupp (Con, Billingshurst), who has worked closely with other stakeholders throughout the project, said it was a great initiative that had seen the entire community come together.

“It will ensure the future of the village and it continues to thrive,” she said.

“It’s not just the school, it’s the community bus and improvements to the village hall.

“Barns Green is the most unique village. It really does have a true heart and this will enable this to go on.”

Asked if the amount of housing was appropriate for Barns Green Mrs Jupp added: “We did a number of consultations and this was something that was gone into very carefully.

“It was not something that was steamrollered through and on the liaison committee we had a representative from all the groups.

“I very much hope they [HDC] will look at this scheme and recognise that it’s true localism and they will recognise these facts when they reach a decision next Tuesday.”

For the full story see this Thursday’s West Sussex County Times.