Council's plans for housebuilding put on pause

A West Sussex council has described the halting of its Local Plan examination as "unnecessary" and "incredibly frustrating".

Three days into the hearing of Horsham District Council's plan, government inspector Luke Fleming has cancelled the remaining sessions, which were due to run until 21January.

Mr Fleming wrote to the authority on Monday to say he had "significant concerns" about the plan's "soundness and legal compliance".

In a response, the council described his actions as "premature" and has asked him to re-consider and contemplate reopening the hearings in the new year.

Horsham's Local Plan sets out where and when 13,000 new homes would be built up to the year 2040.

The authority said no explanations or feedback had been shared by Mr Fleming regarding his decision, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ruth Fletcher, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, said: "This unnecessary delay is incredibly frustrating.

"The benefits of passing this plan are obvious in terms of controlling speculative development.

She said the plan would mean "more affordable homes" and "better protection for green spaces and wildlife".

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has been approached for comment.

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