Letter to the editor: If the West of Ifield insanity is accepted, the Local Plan is rational
Reading the latest amendments to the speculative West of Ifield planning application, one is reminded of 'rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic' [Local Plan examination begins again, WSCT April 23 / Local Plan examination, Crawley Observer Letters, April 22].
At the very same time, the Horsham District Council Local Plan is under active Examination by the Planning Inspector - and still includes the West of Ifield allocation.
Which raises a deeper issue.
If the West of Ifield insanity is accepted, the Local Plan is rational.
But that is precisely the point under scrutiny.
The question is not about layout, access, or landscaping. It is whether this site should be allocated at all.
Housing detail is being refined while planning principles remain unresolved.
We are entitled to ask: Are we witnessing a serious democratic planning process - or simply the appearance of it?
Richard W. Symonds MCIPD
Independent Candidate for Ifield - Bewbush & Ifield West
Ifield Society Co-Founder
Ifield Street, Ifield Village
Crawley, West Sussex