Letter to the editor: Homes England's West of Ifield masterplan for Ifield Meadows, and beyond, in doubt

National Highways has formally advised Horsham District Council not to grant planning permission for the West of Ifield development before 11 September 2026 ['Community deserves clarity on West of Ifield planning application', Crawley Observer June 12]

This is a significant development because National Highways states that it remains unable to determine whether the proposed 3,000-home scheme would have an unacceptable impact on the safety, reliability and operational efficiency of the Strategic Road Network, particularly the M23.

Among the outstanding matters are traffic modelling, junction capacity assessments at M23 Junction 11, accident analysis, travel plan assumptions and evidence supporting the proposed reduction in car journeys.

This directly challenges any suggestion that the application is ready for determination.

The timing is equally important. According to Horsham District Council’s published Local Plan timetable, consultation on the proposed Main Modifications closes on 24 August, responses are submitted to the Inspector by 28 August, and the Inspector’s Matters and Issues are due to be published on 4 September.

National Highways’ recommended holding period extends until 11 September, just weeks before the October Local Plan hearings at which the future of West of Ifield is expected to be examined.

Many residents have long argued that decisions of this magnitude should not be rushed ahead of the Local Plan Examination. The latest National Highways response reinforces that view.

Questions also remain concerning the proposed pedestrian and cycle route through Ifield Brook Meadows. Crawley Borough Council has previously confirmed that operational development within the Meadows would likely require a separate planning application to Crawley Borough Council. Yet such routes appear central to the transport assumptions underpinning the wider scheme.

West of Ifield is one of the largest planning applications ever submitted in our area. Before any decision is taken, all outstanding transport, environmental and planning issues should be fully examined and resolved.

National Highways has now made clear that this work is not yet complete.

Richard W. Symonds MCIPD

The Ifield Society

Ifield Street, Ifield Village

Crawley, West Sussex