As the landowner, Horsham District Council has been promoting the site as a potential strategic allocation for up to 1,100 homes as part of its own local plan review. Facing significant opposition due to concerns about the impact on the Warnham Local Nature Reserve and the loss of green space, the council asked its consultants to revise the scheme. According to the council, this has resulted in an ‘ambitious and forward-thinking proposal’ for Rookwood that offers ‘opportunities to enhance the natural landscape for all to enjoy’ including expansion of the nature reserve and new outdoor leisure and recreational activities. The northern section of the site offers ‘many possibilities for re-wilding, improving biodiversity, enhancing wildlife networks and enabling the community to get closer to nature’. HDC says it has listened and incorporated feedback from residents, businesses and key stakeholders in developing this proposal, which represents an ‘exemplar approach with mitigations for climate change, improved opportunities for health and wellbeing, protection of wildlife and enhancement of ecological biodiversity at the heart of the potential development’ Jonathan Chowen, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “I am pleased that following intense consultation we are now in a position to consider an exciting plan that can deliver such a broad scope of benefits for both the natural environment and the local community. “At the heart of this proposal is the protection of Warnham Local Nature Reserve and enhancement of the natural environment throughout the site. “This proposal will further improve habitats for wildlife with green infrastructure very much at the forefront of our thinking, promoting environmental education and wellbeing and aligning with our overarching Wilder Horsham District nature recovery networks. “It offers a unique opportunity to deliver a high quality, eco-friendly and less car centric development which will achieve far reaching community benefits and an inspiring, peaceful place to enjoy. The proposal will build upon the existing woodland landscape and increase the amount of open space for a much wider range of activities with pathways for cyclists and walkers to explore. “If the proposal is allocated through the Local Plan, then we would be keen to consult further and work closely with residents, partners and stakeholders to develop ideas for what Rookwood will ultimately look like. “At the heart of any development is the desire to ensure that nature thrives at Rookwood and is protected through our Wilder Horsham nature recovery networks.” The council argues the benefits of the proposal would include: • A ‘beautifully designed’ development providing sustainable new homes for local people in a ‘truly unique and stunning garden setting’ • The proposed housing will be limited to approximately one third of the total land area and primarily focussed to the south of the Warnham Road. • There will be up to 300 new affordable homes. • A new primary school with shared leisure facilities for the community. • Green corridors and landscaping to ‘protect and enhance’ Boldings Brook and the Red River as well as mitigate existing flooding issues • A new gateway to the northern section of the site with possibilities for a new visitor centre, café and car park for visitors to Warnham Local Nature Reserve as well as a network of new paths to encourage increased cycling and walking • An opportunity for increased ease of accessibility to the northern section of the site allowing more people to enjoy the green space ‘without the limitations of the current golf course’ • The development would deliver new funding which will enable the council to continue to safeguard key frontline community services. This proposal has been submitted by real estate advisors Avison Young for independent assessment by the council’s own strategic Planning Officers as part of the local plan review process. The next version of the plan is due to be published for consultation early next year.