After months of preparation, written submissions and public debate, the hearings into the Horsham District Local Plan have now concluded. For residents of Pulborough and neighbouring villages, this marks the end of one important chapter in a planning process that will help shape our part of West Sussex for decades to come.

The hearings saw councillors, planning officers, developers, environmental bodies, parish councils and community representatives scrutinised by the independent Planning Inspector, Jonathan Bore, responsible for examining the Plan. Among the most closely watched discussions were those relating to the proposed strategic development at Adversane known as Kingswood, an allocation that has generated significant local interest because of its potential scale and long-term impact on the local area.

A number of issues were explored during the hearings. Participants questioned whether the proposed housing numbers could realistically be delivered within the plan period, whether community facilities and employment opportunities would arrive early enough to create a sustainable community, whether the A29 and local roads and infrastructure could cope, and whether sufficient evidence exists to protect internationally important habitats and the setting of the South Downs National Park.

For many local residents, the hearings provided reassurance that concerns raised during previous consultations were being properly tested in public. Inspectors challenged assumptions, sought clarification from the Council and developers, and explored whether the evidence supporting proposed modifications was robust enough to justify inclusion within the final Plan.

What Does This Mean for Pulborough?

Although the hearings themselves have now finished, no final decisions were made during the sessions. The Inspector's role is not to determine who "wins" an argument, but to assess whether the Local Plan is legally compliant and sound.

For communities such as Pulborough, the outcome matters because the Local Plan will guide future development across the district, influencing where homes, jobs, community facilities and environmental protections are located over the coming years.

The Inspector will now consider all the evidence submitted, both written and verbal, before reaching conclusions.

What Happens Next?

The examination process now enters what is often described as the Inspector's deliberation stage.

During this period, the Inspector will review hearing discussions, written representations and supporting evidence. Additional clarification may be requested if any outstanding matters need further explanation.

Once satisfied that all issues have been considered, the Inspector will prepare a formal report. That report will set out whether the Local Plan is sound and identify any modifications that must be made before it can be adopted.

Only after receiving the Inspector's report can Horsham District Council move towards formally adopting the new Local Plan.

When Can Residents Expect a Decision?

This is perhaps the question being asked most frequently.

Unfortunately, there is no fixed timetable. Local Plan examinations are detailed and often complex processes, particularly where strategic developments and environmental considerations are involved.

Based on similar examinations, residents should expect to wait several months rather than several weeks. A report is unlikely before early 2027, although the exact timing remains entirely a matter for the Planning Inspector.

A Process Worth Following

While planning policy can sometimes seem remote from everyday life, the decisions arising from this examination will have a lasting effect on communities across Horsham District.

The hearings demonstrated the importance of local participation. Parish councils, community groups and residents all played a part in ensuring local knowledge, concerns and aspirations formed part of the evidence considered by the Inspector.

The next milestone will be the Inspector's report. When it arrives, it will reveal whether the Local Plan, and the modifications proposed to it, have met the tests required to guide development in Horsham District for the years ahead.

For more information click here

Pulborough Residents are invited to find out more

Our Place, the master developers of Kingswood, are coming to Pulborough to hear residents’ views

When: Friday 30^th October 2026

Where: Pulborough Village Hall

Time: 3pm – 7pm

For more information click here

Pulborough Post will continue to follow the process and report on any significant developments as they emerge.