Call for Horsham golf course to be transformed into reservoir

Proposals have been made to build more than 1,000 homes on the site, which is owned by Horsham District Council.

The land was put forward as one of many potential strategic sites during a consultation on the local plan review earlier this year.

The responses are currently being analysed and the council has repeatedly stated that no final decisions on any site allocations have been made.

But artist and former teacher Morag Warrack, who lives in Trafalgar, is calling for the site to be turned into a reservoir instead.

She said: “Should Horsham District Council be considering turning Rookwood into a reservoir which could be used as a public amenity for walking, cycling, swimming and fishing instead of more homes?”

Morag raised concerns about the water supply after people in the area were sent a message from Southern Water asking them to limit usage.

She added: “If we are already unable to provide enough water for the existing homes, how will we cope with more?

“Clearly having families all at home during the hot weather in lockdown will have had an impact on the figures, but it seems that home-working and Covid 19 will be around for a long while yet.

“We are already recycling water from washing up and limiting baths, laundry and showers.”

The area has a ‘huge variety’ of diverse wildlife, Morag said.

She added: “We need green spaces.”