Crawley new housing plan branded ‘shambolic’ by CPRE

CPRE Sussex has slammed Homes England's proposals for a major new road, a school, and an industrial, commercial, and business development on farmland and a golf course west of Crawley.

The countryside charity is concerned about the impact on the environment.

Dr Roger Smith, CPRE Sussex trustee, said: "The proposed scheme is not consistent with the three overarching economic, social and environmental objectives required by the planning system.

"The scheme is not sustainable. Nature within and outside of the targeted rea would be harmed, existing wetland and floodplain habitats would be at risk, the area’s rural landscape would be destroyed and residents would be exposed to noise from aircraft taking off and landing at the nearby Gatwick airport."

The application is being considered by Horsham District Council. To read the full application, go to horsham.gov.uk/planning.

Dr Smith also raised doubts about the provision of affordable housing and the capacity of the current foul water network to support the development.

He added: "The application bundle is shambolic and looks like it has been cobbled together in a hurry."

Paul Steedman, CPRE Sussex director, said: "This is the latest in a series of attacks on nature and Sussex's beautiful countryside.

"Again and again, we see that developers and government ministers don't care about our environment or genuinely tackling the housing affordability crisis – only about the cash building could generate.

"Communities are angry and CPRE Sussex will stand with them to defend beauty, peace and nature." .