Horley Master Plan to be decided
News release dated 27 January 2005 about the final decision relating to the Horley Master Plan.
The first step in making the final decision on the Horley Master Plan takes place on Thursday 3 February 2005.
The likelihood is that the development will be going ahead. It is now down to us to make sure that we get the best deal we can for Horley. (Council leader Joan Spiers)
That evening the Executive Committee of the Borough Council will be asked to make a recommendation to full Council on the proposed modifications to the Borough Local Plan which incorporates the Horley Master Plan.
The Council Leader, Councillor Mrs Joan Spiers, said: “The Borough Council is very well aware of the sensitivity of the proposed expansion of Horley and spent many years challenging the Government’s decision that Horley should accommodate 2,600 new homes.
"However, the allocation was upheld in two Structure Plans and the Local Plan Inquiry.
"It is in nobody's interests to build houses which are at risk of flooding or which increase the risk to existing properties. We have received expert advice from the Environment Agency (EA), the statutory body with responsibility for advising planning authorities on development and flood risk.
"To be doubly sure we commissioned an independent evaluation to test the robustness of the EA’s study. This led to some changes to the EA’s model and our consultant confirmed the revised flood maps provided by the EA are sufficiently robust for allocating land for housing in the Local Plan.
"If the development proceeds, we will ensure that we will secure the best possible package of infrastructure and community benefits for current and future residents of Horley."
The two new neighbourhoods will include extensive areas of new public open space; sites for new primary schools; new local shops; new community facilities and improved infrastructure provisions such as an improved public transport network and more frequent buses.
In addition the town centre is set to undergo some major changes as the Borough, County and Town Councils progress a new development framework which will guide a gradual regeneration process over the coming years. Draft ideas for how the town could look in future years include
- the creation of a market square
- tree-lined approaches, and
- a ‘cultural’ quarter.
The new homes wil also bring a substantial increase in spending power which will help to make town centre businesses more viable.
The Executive's recommendation on the Borough Local Plan will go to full Council for final determination on 17 February.
Following that decision the Planning Committee will consider the details of the planning applications for the north-east sector ( north of Langshott). A special meeting has been arranged for 10 March.
The planning application for the north west sector ( Meath Green) will be decided at a later date.
Further information
- FAQs on the Horley Master Plan
- About the redevelopment of Horley
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
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