|
Protecting Horsham's Town Greens
Horsham is very
fortunate to have many open spaces. The larger ones,
including Horsham Park and our recreation grounds
provide opportunities for formal recreation or just a
chance to relax. Chesworth Farm provides unique public
access to nearby countryside.
Many green spaces are however relatively small, left
by developers as somewhere for children to play and
neighbours to meet. They play an important role in our
street scenes. Often hosts to our declining stock of
large forest trees, they frame an otherwise urban
street scene. As building densities rise, developers
look for opportunities for in-fill, and the number of
homes with gardens decline these green lungs become
ever more precious.
For many years the Horsham Society has been
encouraging their registration as Town Greens to
ensure they are protected for future generations.
The National
Planning Policy Framework (para 76) says that
“local communities, through local and neighbourhood
plans should be able to identify for special
protection green areas of particular importance to
them. By designating land as Local Green Space local
communities will be able to rule out new development
except in very special circumstances”
The Society has published a survey of
green spaces in the town which we will ask Horsham
District Council to consider designating as Local
Green Space. Click
here to
download it. |
Ramsey Close Green - no longer under
threat
Cootes Green - successfully registered
after local community action
Photos by John Steele |
