The Horsham Planning Committee met on 2 September 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a solar farm, housing developments, and a change of use for a community centre. Councillors approved plans for a solar farm at Horton Landfill Site, amendments to a housing development at Berkeley Homes Development Site, and a reserved matters application for residential homes at the Mowbray Development Site. They also approved applications for a mobile home at Peacocks Paddock and facilities for Horsham Olympic Football Club.

Horton Landfill Site Solar Farm

The committee approved application DC/24/0374 for a large-scale solar farm at Horton Landfill Site, powering around 3,500 homes for 40 years. The plan includes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), transformers, inverters, switching stations, fencing, and CCTV.

Concerns were raised about the visual impact on the landscape, but planning officers said planting would mitigate harm, with a negligible impact after 15 years. There were also worries about the dangers of solar panels on a landfill, but officers confirmed a fire prevention condition and said the panel supports would not affect the landfill's capping system.

The committee discussed a liaison committee between the applicant and the local community, but this was encouraged rather than required. The committee also considered deferring the application for further information, particularly from the South Downs National Park, but planning officers advised that all parties had been given the opportunity to comment.

An informative was added to Condition 6 regarding a detailed Fire Strategy/Safety report, taking into account recommendations from Councillor Dennis Livingstone.

Berkeley Homes Development Site

The committee approved application DC/19/2464 for 94 dwellings as Phase 5 of the Broadacres development in Southwater. This revised the number of homes from a previous plan, redistributing units between Phases 4 and 5.

Ten further letters of representation had been received objecting to the proposal since the committee resolution to delegate approval on 1 November 2022, seven of which were from addresses that had not previously submitted representations. Southwater Parish Council had no objection to the proposal.

Members acknowledged that the revised water neutrality scheme had been agreed. It was noted that the application did not increase the overall number of dwellings on the approved outline development as a whole and members agreed that the layout had been improved.

Mowbray Development Site

The committee approved application DC/21/1427 for 221 homes within Reserved Matters Area 7 of the Mowbray Development Site, north of Horsham. The plan includes 120 privately rented homes, 28 affordable homes, and 73 market homes, with 366 parking spaces.

Members noted that Legal and General would not be managing the build to rent properties, as previously stated, and that Dandara would be working in partnership with a private rent provider.

Peacocks Paddock

The committee approved application DC/25/0150 for a change of use of land at Peacocks Paddock to allow for one mobile home, a day room, and one touring caravan for private use. Councillors Len Ellis-Brown and Roger Noel did not vote on this item, as they declared an interest.

Concerns were raised about the impact on the landscape and trees, but planning officers confirmed limited localised impact, with existing vegetation mitigating screening.

The committee acknowledged that the council could not demonstrate a five-year land supply for Gypsy and Traveller sites, giving significant weight to granting permission.

Horsham Olympic Football Club

The committee approved application DC/25/0279 for the installation of four football dugouts and new fencing at Dutchells Copse Playing Fields, Robert Way, Horsham.

Members acknowledged that as the football club progressed the Football Association (FA) required certain facilities to be provided and that the planned dugouts were one of these requirements.

Land at Campsfield, Linfield Close, Southwater

The committee were asked to consider the report for application DC/25/0102 for outline planning permission for the erection of up to 82 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access at Land at Campsfield, Linfield Close, Southwater, West Sussex.

The application represents a departure from the development plan. The recommendation was to approve outline planning permission subject to appropriate conditions and subject to the completion of the necessary section 106 agreement within four months of the decision of this Committee, or such longer period as is agreed by the Director of Place acting reasonably and properly.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF 2015) policies were considered.

Land to the Rear of Rectory, High Street, Rusper

The committee were asked to consider the report for application DC/24/1835 for the erection of 9no. new build dwellings including the formation of a new vehicle access and associated landscaping works at Land to the Rear of the Rectory, High Street, Rusper, West Sussex.

The recommendation was to approve full planning permission subject to appropriate conditions.

The National Planning Policy Framework, Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF 2015) and Rusper Neighbourhood Plan (2018) policies were considered.

Church Centre, Causeway, Horsham

The committee were asked to consider the report for application DC/24/0075 for the change of use from community use (Use Class F2(b)) to mixed community use (Use Class F2(b)) and Pre-School (Use Class F1(a)) at Church Centre, Causeway, Horsham, West Sussex.

The recommendation was to approve planning permission subject to appropriate conditions

The National Planning Policy Framework, Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF 2015) and Horsham Blueprint Business Neighbourhood Plan policies were considered.

Fivensgreen House, North Heath Lane, Horsham

The committee were asked to consider the report for application DC/24/1291 for the demolition of existing house and outbuildings and the construction of 8no. dwellings and associated garages/driveways and new access points at Fivensgreen House, North Heath Lane, Horsham, West Sussex.

The recommendation was to approve planning permission subject to appropriate conditions

The National Planning Policy Framework and Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF 2015) policies were considered.

Appeals

The committee noted the list of appeals lodged, appeals in progress, and appeal decisions as circulated in the Appeals Sheet 2nd September 2025.