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A Design Statement for Horsham
The Planning and
Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 changed the way in which
local plans are prepared by councils. Horsham District Council
is well on the way to producing the various elements
of what is now called the Local Development Framework.
The Core Strategy,
setting out the overarching policies, has recently
been approved by independent Inspectors and is
expected to be formally adopted by the Council
shortly.
The main reference
document against which individual planning
applications will be judged is called General
Development Control Policies. Following consultation,
it has been submitted to the Secretary of State for
approval and a public examination is expected in
Summer 2007. The policies cover a broad spectrum of
planning issues including design and are intended to
ensure that all new developments are of high quality
and take account of the character of the locality.
“Development will be permitted if does not
adversely affect the character of the settlement,
including its overall setting, townscape features,
views and green corridors, and open spaces …”
“Planning permission will be granted for developments
which
….. ensure that the scale, massing and appearance of
the development is of a high standard of design and
layout and where relevant relates sympathetically with
the built surroundings, open spaces and routes within
and adjoining the site, including any impact on the
skyline and important views; and
…...are locally distinctive in character, respect the
character of the surrounding area and, where
available, incorporate the recommendations/policies of
the relevant Design Statements and Character
Assessments. “
A design statement gives a detailed
guide to the character of a town or village,
explaining the nature of the buildings and landscape
which makes it distinctive, and explaining how new
developments can complement and enhance what exists
already. So, the existence of a design statement will
significantly strengthen and particularise the general
requirements in the General Development Control
Policies; but in order to become a part of the overall
Local Development Framework it has to be adopted
formally by the Council.
A number of villages
have already prepared design statements and in order
to ensure future development in Horsham town respects
its existing character we need one too.
A steering committee
has been established with representatives from Denne,
Forest and Trafalgar Neighbourhood Councils, North
Horsham Parish Council, and the Horsham Society, with
support from Horsham District Council.
We hope to consult
widely with residents, and those who work in or visit
the town. We need to know what they think is special
about the built environment, streets scenes, and open
spaces; features that need to be protected or
enhanced, and perhaps what they do not like. The
consultation will probably start with an exhibition in
the town centre and we are looking for organisations
and individuals who would like to get involved,
perhaps with experience or an interest in particular
aspects.
Horsham includes many different
types of building style and street scene, often
reflecting the era in which areas were developed. This
makes the production of a design statement more
complex and challenging. We are fortunate that in 2005
the three Horsham Neighbourhood Councils prepared
Neighbourhood Appraisals covering the unparished area
of the town which will provide an invaluable starting
point. However, the design statement will include not
only the unparished area but also that part of North
Horsham Parish – Holbrook and Roffey – that lies
within the built up boundary of the town.
Once we have completed
the initial consultation, the steering committee plan
to publish a draft design statement this summer for
further consultation.
The Design Statement was published in December 2008
Download the Design Statement from HDC website»
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