Horsham district council's development control committee (North) met tonight to make a decision on an application for outline planning permission for land between Horsham and Broadbridge Heath.Having campaigned extensively on the affordable element of this application, and petitioned the council on behalf of hundreds of local residents, members of Horsham Labour party spoke at the meeting.
Margaret Cornwell, the treasurer of Horsham Labour party, said:
We oppose this development due the failure to deliver the affordable housing at the appropriate rate.
Berkeley Homes claims in its publicity material that its objective is to deliver a proposal in accordance with Horsham district council’s master plan.
In his memo dated 16th February 2010 to Hilary Coplestone. the council’s major development officer, Andrew Smith clearly summarises the West of Horsham plan. He states 'The masterplan aspires to meet the target laid down in the core strategy: reflecting the importance of achieving housing that is available at an affordable price for local people, 40 percent of all homes delivered within the development area are expected to be affordable.'
This application not only proposes delivery of affordable houses at half the expected rate but within the mix of the so called affordable element, only 100 homes can be considered as accessible by those on the council’s housing register - less than 10 percent of the total units proposed.
The remaining amount being only available to those who can afford a part-share or discounted market rate home. Not affordable options for those in most need.
Berkeley Homes have failed in their own key objective and failed to meet a key objective for this council’s core strategy. This must surely be a serious matter for a council that has consistently failed to address the housing need and failed to meet its own target in four consecutive years. This must surely be a reason to turn this application down.
David Hide, chair of Horsham Labour party, said:
Horsham Labour Party submitted a petition requesting that this development deliver a minimum of 40% affordable housing. This demand reflects the desire of local residents to see this council provide opportunities through the planning process for their own families to continue to live and work here.
This application fails both to meet the Council’s own housing strategy to deliver a minimum of 40%, and to respond to the demands of the petitioners. The council has ignored the needs of the electorate in favour of cosying up to big business. If you vote yes this evening, the only people who will be happy with the outcome will be the developer, Berkeley homes, who will be laughing all the way to the bank.
Horsham council has a poor record on affordable housing, with only half the national average of affordable homes within the district. We have put forward many suggestions as to how this appalling situation can be addressed, but every suggestion is met with an excuse for rejection.
It is no surprise to us then that, once again, the council is proposing to support the desires of a developer to seize on a gold plated opportunity, rather than the needs of local residents. This council is in denial of its housing record and if it approves this application it once again says to the social and shop worker, bus driver and refuse collector, street cleaner and teaching assistant, you may work for the people of Horsham but you are not welcome to live amongst us.
We are told that the developer can no longer afford to provide a minimum of 40%, as this figure was set at a time of rising markets. This figure is not about markets but reflects a level of housing need that this council identified. The Council hides behind the fig leaf of recession while conveniently overlooking the fact that local house prices continue to rise.
Please vote against this application.