Here is a summary of the scheduled Cabinet meeting at Horsham Council on 8 October 2025. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss and consider a report from Councillor Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, regarding the making of the Cowfold, Itchingfield, Lower Beeding and Pulborough Neighbourhood Plans. The Cabinet is also scheduled to note the Forward Plan. There will also be an opportunity for public statements to be made.

Neighbourhood Plans

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a report about formally 'making' the Cowfold, Itchingfield, Lower Beeding and Pulborough Neighbourhood Plans, to be used alongside the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) when determining planning applications.

According to the report pack, each of the four parishes has prepared a neighbourhood plan and held a referendum where the majority voted in favour of the plan being used. The report states that the council is legally required to 'make' the plan where more than half of those voting in the referendum voted in favour of it.

The report pack notes that the preparation of the four neighbourhood plans has been significantly delayed due to the requirement for neighbourhood plans to conform with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, and that to conform with this requirement, development must demonstrate that it is water neutral¹. The report pack states that the Localism Act 2011 introduced the ability for parish and town councils to prepare neighbourhood plans for their local areas, to help shape development and growth.

The report pack also includes a table showing the referendum results:

Itchingfield Neighbourhood Plan

The report pack includes the Itchingfield Neighbourhood Plan as an appendix. The plan includes the following vision for the parish:

A vibrant, inclusive rural community which meets the changing social, economic and environmental needs while staying true to the unique village character of both Barns Green and Itchingfield

The plan allocates land at Sumners Ponds for residential and commercial purposes, and at the Old School site, Itchingfield, for residential purposes.

The plan also includes a number of policies and aims relating to topics such as green infrastructure, biodiversity, heritage assets, open spaces, community facilities, education, broadband, design, housing mix, parking, and traveller sites.

Lower Beeding Neighbourhood Plan

The report pack includes the Lower Beeding Neighbourhood Plan as an appendix. The plan includes the following vision:

We want to keep the village-feel of our community, and maintain a thriving and attractive Parish, a desirable place to live, work and visit. Our aim is to maintain, and where possible, improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of our area and the quality of life for all, now and in the future.

The plan allocates land at Cyder Farm, Trinity Cottage, land north of Sandygate Lane, and Glayde Farm (Field B) for residential development.

The plan also includes policies and aims relating to topics such as biodiversity, landscape character, green infrastructure, sustainability, energy efficiency, light pollution, air quality, the water environment, community facilities, education, waste management, recreation areas, local green spaces, broadband, utilities, existing employment sites, economic growth, transport, parking, traffic management, and accessibility.

Cowfold Neighbourhood Plan

The report pack includes the Cowfold Neighbourhood Plan as an appendix. The plan includes the following vision:

Maintain the village atmosphere and sense of Community that makes Cowfold a desirable place to live. Keep housing integrated within the village and balanced to meet current and future needs, ensuring that development is sustainable, is in balance with the appropriate infrastructure and the needs of the existing Community. Enhance the benefits of our rural location with its services, facilities, amenities and activities. Create an environment that reduces the impact of traffic focusing on the current and long-term health of residents and safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

The plan allocates land at Brook Hill and Potters for residential development.

The plan also includes policies and aims relating to topics such as air quality, sustainable development, village amenities, light pollution, flood risk, green infrastructure, local green space, heritage assets, community facilities, open space, community services, medical facilities, school provision, youth facilities, electric vehicle charging, allotments, housing, residential development principles, windfall housing, housing mix, affordable housing, retirement accommodation, economy, employment, communications, transport, traffic management, road safety, sustainable transport, pedestrian and cycling environment, and car parking.

Pulborough Neighbourhood Plan

The report pack includes the Pulborough Neighbourhood Plan as an appendix. The plan includes the following vision:

The vision for Pulborough Parish is to be a balanced living and working community at the heart of rural West Sussex that maximises its location, links and assets to deliver the highest possible quality of life to all its residents whilst supporting a varied, thriving local economy and maintaining the village's role as an important service centre.

The plan allocates land at New Place Farm, land off Glebelands, land off Station Approach, land at Harwoods Garage, and land at Highfields for development.

The plan also includes policies and aims relating to topics such as a spatial plan for the parish, tourism development, community facilities, local green spaces, design, water neutrality, and community aims.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet is scheduled to note the Forward Plan. The Forward Plan is a document that sets out the decisions that the Cabinet is expected to make in the coming months.

Public Statements

The agenda allows for members of the public to make statements or ask questions relevant to the business of the meeting.