SPECIAL REPORT: Big turn out at Storrington Sprawl meeting

A panel of seven representatives addressed the crowd, including South Downs Conservative MP Nick Herbert who said the response was a ‘testament to the sensitive nature of the issues’.

Chaired by Rupert Toovey, a Storrington resident and director of Toovey’s auction rooms at Washington, members of the panel addressed people’s concerns candidly.

Members of campaign groups and residents spoke of their fears that Storrington and other South Downs villages were being bombarded with speculative applciations which could destroy their communities.

Pressure on local infrastructure, on the village schools and health services was highlighted, as was the impact of more development on the area’s already poor air quality.

Pressures from Government over housing numbers was another concern that was raised, and leader of Horsham District Council Ray Dawe said he had spoken directly to the Minister and expressed his views.

Landbanking was a major concern expressed by members of the panel and public, who all felt action should be taken to prevent developers ‘land banking’.

To read the full report, pick up this week’s County Times.