Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Published: 9 January 2026, 5:30 am GMT • Updated: —
By: Swikriti
Plans for up to 180 new homes on fields near Horsham have moved a step forward, marking another significant moment in the town’s ongoing development story. The proposal, which has now entered a more formal stage of the planning process, is already prompting discussion among residents, campaigners and local businesses about how Horsham could change in the coming years.
Current status: Horsham District Council has not yet made any decision on the proposals. The application is still at a pre-submission stage.
Housing development has long been a sensitive issue across West Sussex, where demand for new homes continues to rise while concerns about infrastructure, green space and local character remain strong. This latest proposal places those tensions firmly back in the spotlight.
What is being proposed?
The outline plans focus on the construction of around 180 new homes on open land on the outskirts of Horsham. While full design details are still subject to approval, early documents suggest a mix of property types aimed at meeting local housing needs, including family homes and a proportion of affordable housing.
The site currently consists of open fields, making land use one of the most contentious aspects of the proposal. Supporters argue the development could help ease pressure on the local housing market, while critics worry about the gradual loss of countryside around the town.
The proposals have been brought forward by Jaynic Properties, which first unveiled plans for the development in November. The site is located on land behind The Hornbrook Inn pub, off Brighton Road in Horsham, at Hornbrook Farm on the edge of the town.
At this stage, the developer is seeking a formal ‘screening opinion’ from Horsham District Council to determine whether a full environmental impact assessment will be required before a detailed planning application is submitted. This process helps establish the level of environmental scrutiny needed at the next stage.
In documents submitted to the council, agents for Jaynic Properties state that they do not believe a full environmental assessment is necessary, arguing that the proposed development would not give rise to significant environmental effects.
If approved, the scheme would deliver a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, including bungalows. Around 35 per cent of the properties would be classed as affordable housing, aimed at helping meet local housing needs.
The proposed site covers approximately 23 acres, with housing planned across around 11 acres. A substantial portion of the remaining land would be set aside as amenity open space, including areas designed to protect the Horn Brook river corridor and its associated ecological habitats.
Plans also include green corridors incorporating pedestrian and cycle routes, intended to support biodiversity networks while providing attractive shared spaces for future residents. Each home would include private amenity space, such as a balcony, terrace or garden, alongside car parking and refuse facilities.
The land is currently made up of rough grassland and arable farmland, bordered by hedgerows and some mature trees. Horsham District Council has not yet made any decision on the proposals, and the plans remain at a pre-application stage.
Why now?
Like many areas in the South East, Horsham faces ongoing pressure to deliver new housing as part of wider regional and national targets. Local authorities are required to demonstrate a steady supply of housing land, and proposals of this size often emerge as councils seek to balance growth with sustainability.
According to planning documents, the scheme is intended to contribute towards long-term housing requirements while aligning with existing development frameworks. However, final decisions will depend on further assessments and public consultation.
How residents could be affected
For people living near the proposed site, the most immediate concerns centre on traffic, schools, GP access and local services. New housing developments can place additional strain on roads and public infrastructure if not carefully planned.
Others are focused on environmental considerations, including drainage, wildlife habitats and the visual impact on the surrounding landscape. These issues are expected to feature heavily in feedback submitted during the consultation process.
At the same time, some residents see potential benefits, including increased investment, new community facilities and greater support for local shops and services.
The planning process explained
The proposal is being reviewed through the local planning system, with further opportunities for residents to have their say before any final decision is made. Planning officers will assess the scheme against existing policies, environmental reports and infrastructure capacity.
Community feedback plays a formal role at this stage, and submissions from residents can influence amendments, conditions or even the outcome of the application.
Updates and official documents are published via Horsham District Council’s planning portal, where residents can track progress and submit comments.
Wider impact on Horsham
This proposal forms part of a broader pattern of growth around Horsham, where housing, retail and infrastructure projects are gradually reshaping the area. Recent planning debates have highlighted the challenge of accommodating growth while preserving the town’s character.
Local news coverage from outlets such as SussexWorld has shown how closely these developments are followed by the community, particularly when greenfield sites are involved.
Whether this project ultimately goes ahead or not, it is likely to influence future discussions about where and how Horsham should grow.
What happens next?
The next stages will include further technical assessments and consultation before councillors are asked to make a decision. Any approval would likely come with conditions covering transport improvements, environmental mitigation and contributions towards local services.
For now, residents are being encouraged to review the plans carefully and make their views known. As Horsham continues to evolve, decisions like this one will play a key role in shaping the town’s future.
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