Neighbourhood forum’s designation ‘terrific news’ for Horsham

Horsham Blueprint has been officially designated as the neighbourhood forum for the majority of the town and can now start preparing a neighbourhood plan.

This would then influence where shops and homes should be in the unparished area of Horsham, and the location of conservation areas, protected green spaces, and employment zones.

Frances Haigh, chair of Horsham Blueprint, said: “This means we can now get on with the neighbourhood plan which is terrific news for the town.”

She felt it was important to involve as many people who live or work in Horsham as possible as there were some residents who did not even know that the town had three neighbourhood councils.

David Searle, a member of Horsham Blueprint, explained that they hoped to find out what residents liked and disliked and while some things would fall outside of their remit they could pass any feedback on to the relevant group or local authority.

He said: “It’s good to listen to what people have to say and then see whether we can build on their ideas.”

Mrs Haigh added: “It’s about the people saying what they want to see in the town. We will listen and try and put it in the plan.”

One of the forum’s previous ‘place checks’ in Queen Street and Brighton Road led to some significant improvements in the appearance of the area, and they were able to speak to several business owners about what changes they wanted to see. Further place checks in other parts of the town will be organised to gather more information and ideas from residents and businesses.

The group has also been involved in Hack Horsham, a project looking to make the town a digital hub.

The forum has already looked at some ideas for the future of the Ayshe Court Lakes off Harwood Road, while it could also get involved in solving parking problems in the New Street area, and finding a new base for homelessness charity Ark Horsham.

To get involved visit http://horshamblueprint.btck.co.uk

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