Local Plan hearings start on Tuesday 13^th October and run until Friday 23^rd October (Reserve Day).

The context

The Horsham District Local Plan 2023–2040 sets out where thousands of new homes, employment land and infrastructure could be built across the district. After delays, a change of inspector, and significant public concern, the examination hearings resume this month at Horsham District Council’s chamber in Springfield Road.

The hearings are the public’s opportunity to see the Inspector test whether the Plan is sound — meaning justified, effective, deliverable, and consistent with national policy.

Why Pulborough is directly affected

The most significant issue for Pulborough is Main Modification MM227, the proposal for a 3,200‑home new settlement at Adversane/Kingswood, formally known as Strategic Policy HA(NP1).

This site sits immediately north of the parish boundary and would fundamentally reshape the A29 corridor. Key concerns raised by residents, West Sussex County Council and community groups include:

• Severe traffic impacts on the already constrained A29, especially given the ongoing landslip and single‑lane restriction at Church Hill. WSCC has formally objected on soundness grounds, warning that development traffic could overwhelm unsuitable rural lanes if the A29 restriction persists.
• Infrastructure uncertainty, including electricity capacity, healthcare provision, and reliance on a new railway bridge at Adversane Lane — a single point of failure.
• Landscape and ecological harm, including fragmentation of wildlife corridors and loss of rural character.
• Settlement coalescence, narrowing the gap between Billingshurst and Pulborough.

For Pulborough residents, the hearing on 20th October is the moment these issues will be examined in detail.

Key Hearing: Tuesday 20 October — Matter 6d (Adversane/Kingswood)

Time & Venue

• 10:00am, Tuesday 20 October 2026
• Council Chamber, Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham
• Livestream available via Horsham District Council’s YouTube channel.

Topic

Matter 6d: Strategic Policy HA(NP1) — Land at Adversane (Kingswood) This session focuses exclusively on the soundness of MM227 and the evidence base supporting (or undermining) the allocation.

Expected agenda items

Based on the Inspector’s programme and submitted hearing statements, the session will likely cover:

• The funding and timing of the new road, railway bridge and roundabout and the effect on viability and deliverability
• The impact on the wider road system, the availability of public transport and facilities for active travel
• Delivery rates, housing market absorption, the delivery of on-site social, community and retail facilities, and the ability to attract investment for employment
• The role of the proposed secondary school
• The effect on the setting of the National Park
• The effect on wildlife, The Mens SAC and Arun Valley habitats

Key Participants and Speakers

The hearing programme lists a wide range of participants for Matter 6d, including:

• Local Authorities
• Horsham District Council — presenting the case for the allocation
• West Sussex County Council (Highways) — raising concerns about severe traffic impacts
• Community & Resident Groups
• Local residents and parish councils
• CPRE Sussex and other environmental groups (active in related matters)
• Developers & Site Promoters
• Representatives for the Adversane/Kingswood site (SA597)
• Planning agents and legal counsel supporting the allocation

Inspector Jonathan Bore, appointed in April 2026 is to restart the examination.

What this means for Pulborough

The Inspector’s conclusions on MM227 will determine whether:

• A new settlement of 3,200 homes is built on Pulborough’s doorstep
• Major infrastructure upgrades — including the A29, electricity, water, and healthcare — must be delivered before homes
• The rural gap between Billingshurst and Pulborough is preserved or eroded
• Pulborough faces years of construction traffic and cumulative development pressure
• This hearing is therefore one of the most consequential planning events for Pulborough in decades.

Next steps

• Hearings continue on 21 October covering Ashington, Storrington and Henfield.
• The Inspector will later issue post‑hearing advice and may request further modifications.
• A final report will determine whether the Plan can be adopted.

For more information click here