Developers quizzed over Billingshurst housing plans

The Billingshurst Consortium, made up of Bellway Homes, Reside Developments and Devine Homes, hosted the public exhibition to give residents the opportunity to find out more about the infrastructure and landscaping set to take place as part of the project.

The groups’ planning application for 475 homes on land east of Billingshurst was approved by Horsham District Council in August 2013.

Andrew Munton of Reside Development said: “We have been quite well received.

“I think people were expecting more on housing but that will come out in time.

“Everyone knows it is 475 houses but now we are showing people the detail and quality of the landscaping.

“Hopefully they have seen everything we are promising.

“We have always been very clear and we are sticking to our promises - consultation with the community was important from day one.”

Representatives from the consortium fielded questions from dozens of locals at the exhibition in the Billingshurst Centre, Roman Way.

A new spine road, a junction with the A272, open spaces, land for a new primary school and a new sewer are all proposed.

Chris Posgate of Devine Homes said: “The big concern is surface water damage in Billingshurst.

“It is always a concern but I think this has given us an opportunity to explain to them how the system works.

“I know what the issues are, and I know we are doing a good, robust job of designing the sewer.

“People have concerns about the deterioration that has taken place over the years in the village centre and we are making substantial contributions to improve it.”

The project team is looking to determine the finer details of the site’s infrastructure.

This will include landscaping and play areas, the development’s relationship with the new spine road, and services and drainage needed to support the new homes.

What do you think of the proposals for Billingshurst?

Send us your views to [email protected]