Public Consultation Opens on Large Housing Plans Near Southwater

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A public consultation has been launched on proposals for a major housing development northwest of Southwater in West Sussex.

The plans submitted to Horsham District Council could see up to 1,000 new homes built in the area.

The developer, Berkeley Group, says the scheme would include 35% affordable housing, alongside new education facilities including a nursery, primary school, and secondary school.

Around 59 hectares of green open space would also be created.

Additional proposals include a mixed-use neighbourhood centre, business space, sports pitches, gypsy and traveller plots, improvements to public rights of way, redevelopment of existing agricultural buildings, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure.

Southwater Parish Council highlighted that the semi-rural area currently has a population of around 12,500. Local campaigners, however, have expressed concern over the scale of the plans.

A member of the Save Rural Southwater group described the proposal as a "phenomenally high number of properties" and warned that the area is already seeing a significant influx of new homes.

The public consultation is open until 23 April, giving residents the chance to share their views on the proposed development.