‘Land west of Ifield’ development bid is an ‘attack on nature’

CPRE Sussex criticises Homes England’s application to build a major new road, up to 3000 new homes, a school and an industrial, commercial and business development on farmland and a golf course west of Crawley, West Sussex.

CPRE Sussex trustee Dr Roger Smith said: “The proposed scheme is not consistent with the three overarching economic, social and environmental objectives required by the planning system. The scheme is not sustainable.

“Nature within and outside of the targeted area would be harmed, existing wetland and floodplain habitats would be at risk, the area’s rural landscape would be destroyed and residents would be exposed to noise from aircraft taking off and landing at the nearby Gatwick airport. Whether the application would deliver the requisite number of affordable housing including for social rent is in doubt, and the existing foul water network does not have capacity to support the development scheme.

“The application bundle is shambolic and looks like it has been cobbled together in a hurry.”

CPRE Sussex Director Paul Steedman added: “This is the latest in a series of attacks on nature and Sussex’s beautiful countryside. Again and again, we see that developers and government ministers don’t care about our environment or genuinely tackling the housing affordability crisis – only about the cash building could generate. Communities are angry and CPRE Sussex will stand with them to defend beauty, peace and nature.”

The application is being considered by Horsham District Council.

View the full application, number DC/25/1312, at www.horsham.gov.uk/planning.

Read our full objection here.