ECE Planning secures resolution to grant outline permission
for 90 homes at Rudgwick, Horsham
ECE Planning has secured a resolution to grant outline planning permission for up to 90 new homes at Bucks Green, Rudgwick, on behalf of Welbeck Land Limited, subject to the completion of the Section 106 Agreement.
This is a strong result for our planning team, not simply because the application secured a positive Committee resolution, but because the scheme proposes 30 additional homes beyond the emerging Horsham Local Plan allocation. The draft allocation identified the site for at least 60 homes, but through a robust planning strategy, careful site promotion, and proactive engagement, ECE Planning demonstrated that the site could sustainably accommodate up to 90 homes.
This was an important outcome for the client. It increased the development potential of the site, optimised land value, and progressed an application that makes more efficient use of a sustainable location in Horsham District, Sussex.
ECE Planning also promoted the site through the emerging Local Plan process before leading the outline planning application. The application required a clear strategy to address the fact that the proposals extended beyond the draft allocation boundary and exceeded the number of homes identified in the emerging policy.
To support the case, our planning consultants coordinated a multi-disciplinary team and demonstrated that the increased scale of development could be delivered without unacceptable landscape, design, heritage, highways, drainage, ecology, or amenity impacts.
A central part of the planning strategy was positioning the scheme as landscape-led. In response to consultation feedback, the proposals evolved through updated parameter plans, reduced building heights and density along the northern edge of the site, and a strengthened landscape buffer to create a softer transition to the countryside. This helped address landscape concerns and showed that the additional development could be successfully integrated into Bucks Green.
The planning application also proposes a series of wider benefits, including 40% affordable housing, enhanced green infrastructure, public open space, play provision, sustainable drainage, access improvements, a controlled pedestrian crossing on Guildford Road, and improved pedestrian and cycle links, including a new connection to Lynwick Street.
Another important success was the management of local interest. The application attracted objections and was reported to Planning Committee as a departure from the development plan. ECE Planning worked proactively with Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, the Parish Council, local residents, and stakeholders throughout the planning process to respond to key issues and maintain positive momentum towards determination.
The Committee resolved to approve the application, subject to completion of the Section 106 Agreement. This represents a strong endorsement of the planning case and the collaborative approach taken by the team.
In the context of Horsham District’s constrained housing land supply, the proposals would make a meaningful contribution to local housing delivery while demonstrating the value of an ambitious, evidence-led planning strategy.
For ECE Planning, the Bucks Green resolution is a clear example of our role as planning consultants in Sussex: shaping places, unlocking potential, promoting land through the planning system, and helping clients progress high-value planning applications through to a successful outcome.
If you’re promoting land, preparing an outline application, or need strategic planning advice, our team can help. Contact ECE Planning to discuss your project.
