Council positive about Barns Green school and housing deal

The statement from Horsham District Council reads:

“A planning application by Berkeley Homes (Southern) for permission to build 69 new homes and a new primary school in Barns Green was considered by Horsham District Council’s Planning Committee on April 16.

“Councillors recognised the substantial community benefits that the new school (involving minimal cost to the taxpayer) would bring as well as the widespread local support for the development package.

“However, many councillors were also concerned that, despite the positive aspects of the scheme, no provision was made for affordable homes, the need for which is widely recognised and is reflected in the Council’s statutory planning policies.

“Following a lengthy debate the committee decided that further discussions were needed with the applicant and the county council to try to secure provision of some affordable homes. In deferring the application for this reason the Committee was signalling that in other respects the proposals were welcomed.

“Following the committee meeting the district and county council’s chief executives and the chairman of Berkeley Homes (Southern) met to explore the issue.

“The meeting resulted in the identification of a set of potential changes to the package of infrastructure contributions and a reassessment of the development costs which will enable six of the homes in the scheme to be sold on a shared ownership basis - providing affordable homes for local people.

“This will enable planning officers to report the revised package back to the committee on May 21 when councillors will make a decision in the light of the changes that are now proposed. Delivery of the new school would not be affected by the proposed changes to the development package.”