Notes of a meeting of all working parties held on 5th October 2016 at 3pm at Roffey Millennium Hall

Purpose of the groups:- three working parties appointed to jointly develop a full response to the outline planning application recently submitted for development north of Horsham (DC/16/1677). The application includes housing (up to 2,750 dwellings), a business park (up to 46,450 m2), retail, community centre, leisure facilities, education facilities, public open space, landscaping and related infrastructure and has reserved matters except for access.
Remit of this meeting:- to review information gained so far, add any comment and facilitate moving forward.
Working Group Members:- Nicholas Butler, Frances Haigh, Roland Knight, Martin Loates*, Richard Millington, Helen Ralston, Tony Rickett, David Searle, Ray Turner*,  Ian Wassell, Roger Wilton, Sally Wilton. Resident Mr Laurie Holt*.
*Denotes present
Comments had been received on the first draft submission response. Developments would be made and brought to the next meeting of all working groups (now arranged for Monday 17th October at 4pm) in order to finalise the submission at the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting scheduled or 27th October 2016 at 8pm in the Tythe Barn.
The Planning Committee had agreed that the Council Clerk would approach consultants on a list which had been compiled from those which had been used by other Parish Councils locally, to ascertain general costs and capacity. In addition that  delegated responsibility be given collectively to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Planning Environment and Transport Committee, the Council Chairman and the Chairman of Finance to agree specific questions and concise areas of investigation that will assist the Parish Council with their response to the planning application. Their role extends to engaging a consultant to conduct a critique of traffic proposals and alternative solutions when it is considered appropriate. The Council must be kept informed at all stages.
Concern was raised regarding the new road going through existing ancient woodland and the consequent loss of ecology and Mr Holt indicated that he had made the Woodland Trust aware. He would also flag up concern about loss of habitat for the Pipistrelle bats that are prevalent in the area.
A meeting would be arranged to enable working group members to review the second draft of the response and put forward recommendations for a submission to the Council. A press release advertising the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting and updating residents would be released.

Further meetings and conclusion
•    6th October 2016 – 7pm  – Horsham Association of Local Councils (HALC) Meeting in Pulborough – opportunity to share information and discuss infrastructure implications with all HDC parishes.
•    Monday 17th October 2016 4pm – meeting of all working groups to finalise recommendations to Council.
•    Thursday 27th October 2016 – Extraordinary PCM at 8pm at the Tythe Barn to agree an initial response to HDC.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 3.30pm.

Notes taken by the Clerk (Pauline Whitehead)