The Horsham Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 7 October 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal for affordable housing in Dukes Square, a change of use for a swimming pool, and the replacement of floodlighting at Roffey Football Club. The committee will also review appeals and consider the minutes from previous meetings.

Affordable Housing in Dukes Square

The committee will consider an application for the demolition of a garage and the construction of nine dwellings, comprising five one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units, for 100% affordable rent housing at the car park in Dukes Square. The application, submitted by Miss Laura Wilson, includes associated landscaping and amenity space.

The proposal involves the demolition of an existing commercial vehicle garage used for storage, and the construction of three residential blocks. According to the Public reports pack, the scheme includes:

A small communal green will separate the blocks providing access to the street level private door entry to each ground floor unit, two of which would be Part M4(3) wheelchair accessible and adaptable, and three of which would have their own outdoor yards and cycle and refuse storage close to their front entrance.

The development would result in a net loss of nine parking spaces in the Dukes Square car park, as well as a reduction of eight general permits reallocated from public availability to the new residents.

The Planning report notes objections to the scheme from the Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council and 28 individual letters. Concerns include the loss of parking spaces, impact on neighbouring amenities, and the adequacy of infrastructure provision.

Change of Use at Rowan, Two Mile Ash

The committee will also consider a planning application for a change of use at Rowan, Two Mile Ash, submitted by Mr Amit Patel. The application seeks to change the use of an existing swimming pool to allow mixed private and commercial use for swimming lessons.

The Public reports pack notes that the swimming lessons would be undertaken on weekdays, with a total of five classes per day, each lasting 30 minutes. Each class would have seven customers and two teachers.

The Planning report notes that nine letters of objection have been received, citing concerns such as highway access, the scale and nature of the enterprise, and the impact on residential amenity. Southwater Parish Council has also objected to the proposal, raising concerns about the proximity of the car park to neighbouring properties and the potential for increased traffic.

Floodlighting at Roffey Football Club

The Planning Committee is scheduled to review an application concerning Roffey Football Club, submitted by Roffey FC, for the replacement of existing floodlighting at their ground on Bartholomew Way. The proposal involves replacing the existing floodlights with like-for-like LED units on the existing columns.

The Public reports pack notes that one letter of objection has been received, citing concerns about light from the floodlights shining directly into a sitting room. North Horsham Parish Council has also expressed a desire to be assured that there won't be light leakage onto neighbouring properties.

Bin Lockers at Park Place

The committee will also consider an application for the placement of ten bin lockers to serve Burtons Court, submitted by Mrs Elizabeth Williams. The lockers would be located in Park Place, next to the Piries Place Car Park.

The Public reports pack notes that one letter of objection has been received collectively from five addresses at Park Place, objecting to the application on the grounds of loss of public highway, impact on public highway safety, and loss of general amenity. Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council has also objected to the application, requesting more information on the design and usage of the bin lockers.

Appeals

The Planning Committee will be notified of appeals lodged, started, and appeal decisions, as detailed on pages 23-26 of the Public reports pack.