DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM SUBMIT PLANS FOR THE EASTERN EXPANSION OF BILLINGSHURST

The Consortium of developers (Devine Homes, Bellway Homes and Reside Developments) has now submitted an outline planning application to Horsham District Council for the expansion of the eastern side of Billingshurst.

The plans are for: up to 550 homes and also include a bypass/link road from the A29, Stane Street/High Street roundabout, to the A272, a new primary school and an allocation of land to accommodate either a new doctor's surgery or an expansion to the existing surgery, dentists' surgery and crèche facility.

In addition, the Consortium is currently working with the Council to formulate a ‘Retail Study’, which seeks to establish a vision for the future of Billingshurst, as a local retail centre incorporating Billingshurst High Street and Jengers Mead. The development works and enhanced infrastructure for the village will be funded by the Consortium, subject to planning permission being granted. It is anticipated that the first phase of new homes will be available in spring 2013.

Community consultations have been very important in the formulation of the plans submitted. It is the Consortium’s intention to continue to work with and engage with the local community to ensure the package of benefits, which will be generated as a result of the project, are targeted at what the community has asked for. These include improvements to Jengers Mead and a proposed youth facility project in Billingshurst.

In addition to the benefits that can be secured through the section 106 planning agreement mechanism, there is also the opportunity, through the New Homes Bonus Scheme, to secure further investment for the local community.

To this end the Consortium will be hosting a further public exhibition on Friday 16th September at the Village Hall and will continue with other focussed consultations. In both instances the Consortium will be seeking the community’s views on what and where funding packages should be targeted.

Andrew Munton, Regional Planning Director for Bellway Homes and spokesman for the Consortium, commented:

“We are grateful to the residents who attended the first public exhibition in January this year and took the time to give us their feedback. We are also particularly grateful to the councillors, representatives from the local schools, healthcare providers, faith groups, the voluntary sector and business organisations who have sat on the Community Liaison Group to discuss the eastern expansion project and help shape and direct the proposals the Consortium have submitted.”

“We are totally committed to working with local residents and we will continue to consult with them on this scheme now the application has been submitted”. Through our second public exhibition, we believe we will be better placed to realise the aspirations of those who live in Billingshurst”.