Horsted Keynes Neighbourhood Plan Formally Adopted by Mid Sussex District Council

- 08/06/2023

At its meeting on 24 May, Mid Sussex District Council agreed to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan for the parish of Horsted Keynes that sets out a vision for the future of the area.

Neighbourhood Plans set out a series of planning policies which are used to determine planning applications in the area until 2031.

After the meeting, Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Horsted Keynes Neighbourhood Plan has been adopted by the Council, and I am grateful to all those who were involved in its development. Neighbourhood Plans are an important part of our development plan because they enable the Council to secure development which is of the highest quality in the most appropriate locations with supporting infrastructure.”

The plan focuses on ensuring Horsted Keynes remains an attractive rural village and a desirable place to live, work, and visit. It also prioritises homes for all residents and ensures that all developments are sustainable to preserve the distinctive rural character, landscape, and community ethos.

The objectives of the plan are to:

  • Conserve and enhance the environment of the village.
  • Maintain and enhance existing, and encourage new, local services and facilities.
  • Encourage development which seeks to meet Horsted Keynes’s local housing needs over the plan period with emphasis on housing that addresses the needs of younger people and families to help maintain a mixed and balanced community.
  • Support local businesses and encourage enhanced employment opportunities.
  • Reduce the negative impacts of traffic and roadside parking.
  • Minimise the adverse environmental effects of new development.

Cllr Paul Brown who represents the Lindfield Rural & High Weald ward, at the Council meeting, said: “As a ward member for High Weald, which includes Horsted Keynes, I would like to pay compliments to everyone involved who has worked hard since 2016 to bring this Neighbourhood Plan to fruition. In particular, I’d like to commend the parish council for their dedication in leading this extensive consultation process.”

To read the full Neighbourhood Plan or to find out further information, please visit: www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-building/neighbourhood-plans.