Horsham nature reserve to be expanded under new plans
It's part of proposals for a new development in the area
Horsham District Council has said that plans for a brand new housing development near the town will have 'considerable benefits' for a neighbouring nature reserve.
The Warnham Local Nature Reserve sits directly adjacent land for the proposed Rookwood development, which would see around 1,000 homes built on the site of the current golf course there.
The authority has said that the site could be expanded if plans for the development get the green light.
It would also gain a new landscaped gateway entrance, with possibilities for an improved visitor centre, a new café and new car park.
In addition to this expansion, the land to the west of the Nature Reserve would now be released as public open space creating a new country park.
Horsham District Council has said it is hoping to increase the amount of re-wilding taking place inside the reserve in order to meet environmental targets from the Government.
The Reserve is a regionally significant ecological resource which currently boasts a 17-acre millpond, extensive trails through meadows and woodland, boardwalks over grassland and several bird hides.
Cllr Jonathan Chowen, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said:
I would like to thank the local community for all their valuable feedback on our ideas which has greatly helped us shape them.
“I am pleased that following the extensive consultation, we are now in a position to consider an exciting plan that can create considerable protection of Warnham Local Nature Reserve and deliver so many improvements for the benefit of visitors there.
“This scheme will also further improve habitats for wildlife with green infrastructure very much at the forefront of our thinking, promoting environmental education and wellbeing and aligning with our overarching Wilder Horsham District nature recovery networks.
“If the site is allocated through the Local Plan, then we would be keen to consult further and work closely with residents, partners and stakeholders to develop ideas for what Rookwood could ultimately look like.
"At the heart of any development is the desire to ensure that nature thrives at Rookwood."
The Rookwood development has also been designed with environmentally-friendly credentials, with all housing set to be built only to the south of the Warnham Road.
Up to 250 of the homes have been designating as affordable and the majority of those being built are planned to be eco-friendly as well.
Other developments planned for the Rookwood site include a new primary school with shared leisure facilities and new paths to encourage increased cycling and walking.
This proposal has been submitted by real estate advisors Avison Young for independent assessment by Strategic Planning Officers as part of the process for the Council’s new Local Plan that the Government requires it to produce.
The next version of the Local Plan will be published for consultation in the spring of 2021.