We’ve been credited by the HBF for representing the industry on the issue of water neutrality in West Sussex!
Last week the Government announced it had lifted the advice to Crawley, Horsham and Chichester local authorities. First issued in 2021, the advice ruled that applicants for residential development must demonstrate water neutrality, meaning that the total water use after development must be no greater than before.
But with the u turn, from November 1st developers in the ‘Sussex North Water Resource Zone (WRZ)’ will be able to finally build much needed homes again without a water neutrality strategy. Around 4,000 homes that were previously stalled due to the advice can now proceed, while enabling a further 17,000 to be built.
Dean Knight led Richborough’s involvement in the issue and appeared on panels, workshops and articles discussing solutions from a developer’s standpoint.
The HBF said: “This is a major breakthrough, ending an embargo on housebuilding in this part of West Sussex that had been running for four years. HBF and many members have been campaigning continually on this issue and the solution agreed by the Government is one that the HBF and many of its members had advocated back in 2022.
“HBF would like to extend its special thanks to Crest Nicholson, Thakeham Homes, Devine Homes, Croudace, Richborough and Christopher Boyle KC and the Houses for Homes consortium led by Marcel Hoad and Alastair Aitken, for all their assistance on this issue.”
Dean added: “I’m thrilled to see the government’s new stance on this issue, and that much needed housing for Crawley, Horsham and Chichester can be delivered.
“It has been a pleasure to help lead the industry conversation on this resulting in positive change.
“Richborough’s role in this matter reflects its role as a leader in the land promotion and development sectors, with industry experts across all departments including technical, planning, design and disposals.”
For advice on what the new guidance means for your land, get in touch today: land@richborough.co.uk