The examination of Horsham’s Local Plan has taken a step towards completion, with the government’s Planning Inspector indicating that it would be found to be sound.

Two weeks of hearings, led by Jonathan Bore, ended on Thursday (October 22) having examined the district council’s proposed strategy, site allocations, supporting evidence, and comments received through public consultation.

Among those who spoke during the hearings were Fenella Maitland-Smith and Cathy Durrant, of Save West of Ifield. The pair argued eloquently against Homes England’s plans to build up to 3,000 homes in the area.

Speaking after the hearings, they praised Mr Bore’s conduct during the meetings but felt that Homes England’s efforts to discredit the campaign’s arguments ‘showed some misunderstanding of the local area’.

Speaking for the campaign, Ms Durrant said they were concerned that the impact of additional traffic on Crawley and the surrounding area had been under-estimated, given the combined impact of developments planned for Kilnwood Vale, West of Ifield and Crabbet Park.

Their concerns also covered how traffic would impact the Conservation Area following the partial closure of Rusper Road.

She added: “We don’t believe that Homes England’s active travel plans are robust enough to counteract these effects.

“Metrobus considers Home England’s estimates of bus usage to be highly ambitious – much higher than is achieved virtually anywhere in the country in fact. And Homes England’s own consultants concede that Rusper Road is a tight squeeze for buses.

“Ifield station is not what is considered a reasonable walking distance for three-quarters of the site, and cycle paths needed don’t yet exist.”

Sewage capacity and the loss of Ifield Golf Club were also high on the campaign’s list of concerns, along with questions about the financial viability of the entire West of Ifield plan.

Ms Durrant said: “Throughout this process we have been told the government is funding West of Ifield and they have deep pockets. We are being asked to take on trust that the government will fund all shortfalls.

“We believe that taxpayers have a right to know the full amount being spent on the development.”

A technical consultation on a small number of modifications to the Local Plan will be held soon. Then Mr Bore will prepare his final report setting out any necessary changes to ensure the Plan is legally compliant and sound.

He expects this to be with the council early in the New Year.