Inquiry to hear debate over controversial Horsham Gypsy site - Sussex

From the West Sussex County Times

An inquiry into a controversial application for permission for a Gypsy site near Horsham will start on Tuesday January 14.

Horsham District Council rejected an application on Deer Park Farm in Hampers Lane for a caravan for residential purposes, and the building of a dayroom and utility room in October 2012.

The council’s objection revolved around the site’s location within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The applicant then appealed the decision, and the appeal was heard at Roffey Millennium Hall in May 2013, with more than a hundred nearby residents packing out.

Just as the hearing started the site’s proximity to St Leonard’s Park, which is an English Heritage Grade II* listed building, was raised.

It was then decided the appeal would be decided by an inquiry.

This will begin at HDC’s Park North offices at 10am on January 14, lasting until January 17.

Hampers Lane Protection Group, which is aiming to ‘protect the local area’, has leaflet dropped surrounding properties asking residents to show up in force to show their opposition to the development.