Letter to the editor: We lost a battle, not the war on West of Ifield

The spectre of Homes England’s ambitions still looms over the ancient Parish of Ifield.

On Thursday 22 October, Planning Inspector Jonathan Bore delivered his preliminary assessment of the Horsham Local Plan. His indication that the Plan is sound, and that he does not anticipate removing any proposed development sites, came as a profound disappointment to those of us who have campaigned tirelessly to protect West of Ifield.

SHOCKED? YES. DEFEATED? NO.

We have lost a battle in a much longer struggle. That is all.

The Inspector’s final written report is not expected until early 2027. More importantly, Homes England has not been granted planning permission for its proposed West of Ifield development, application DC/25/1312.

That application must still undergo proper planning scrutiny and determination by Horsham District Council.

And there remains the critically important question of Ifield Brook Meadows — a designated Local Green Space within Crawley Borough Council’s jurisdiction, although owned by Homes England.

The proposed pedestrian and cycle route through the Meadows towards Ifield Station raises fundamental questions about ecological protection, environmental damage and the need for separate planning permission from Crawley Borough Council.

These matters have not simply disappeared because of the Inspector’s preliminary conclusions.

Nor has our vision disappeared.

The Ifield Society will now redouble its efforts to protect and restore Ifield Brook Meadows and Beyond, pursuing our seven-step strategy for ecological restoration, heritage protection, democratic accountability and the creation of Ifield Park — a Local Nature Reserve.

We shall continue to scrutinise Homes England’s proposals, challenge unacceptable environmental harm, demand transparency over long-term management arrangements and work with others who share our determination to safeguard this extraordinary landscape.

There will undoubtedly be disappointment, frustration and even anger among those who have devoted so much time and energy to this cause.

I share those feelings.

But I also believe that setbacks can bring renewed clarity of purpose.

WE ARE SHOCKED. BUT WE WILL RECOVER AND MOVE ON — MORE FOCUSED, MORE DETERMINED AND MORE EMPOWERED.

The ancient Parish of Ifield has survived centuries of change. Its history, heritage, wildlife and community deserve more than resignation in the face of powerful development interests.

To Fenella and Cathy at Save West of Ifield, George at Rusper Parish Council, and the many others who have worked so hard, I offer my heartfelt thanks.

Our efforts have not been wasted. They have strengthened our knowledge, our friendships and our resolve.

We lost a battle. We have not lost our purpose.

The spectre may still loom over Ifield, but so does something far more powerful: the determination of people who care about the place they call home.

WE FIGHT ON.

Richard W. Symonds, MCIPD
The Ifield Society

Ifielf Street, Ifielf Village

Crawley, West Sussex