Is the North Horsham build another mundane development?
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These meetings included its design team, and initially proved very informative and indicated that the development would not be a ‘run of the mill’ scheme.
This was of particular interest as the development, which was to be located on the northern aspects of Horsham, would be a landmark scheme and act as a gateway to the town.
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Hide AdIt was suggested that the proposed footbridge, crossing the A264, on the Eastern side of the development would act as a feature. However, as with many schemes, having obtained the requisite planning approvals and successfully negotiated any land purchases, Liberty sold the scheme, in this instance to Legal and General, before putting a spade in the ground.
Legal and General, by its own admission, has little or no experience of residential developments. However, it has recently been revealed that the initial phase of the residential development is to be carried out by Cala Homes, which is wholly owned by Legal and General.
Will this now mean that the project will be led by Cala Homes and that any thoughts of an inspired design will be watered down, in the quest for profit? This could result in the Land North of Horsham Development ending up as one of many identical and mundane developments that can be found around the country.
Prior to Christmas 2020 planning application DC/20/2509 for the bridge design was submitted to Horsham District Council for approval. Although Legal and General had indicated that the bridge would be the subject of a design competition, this has apparently amounted to two structural engineers.
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Hide AdThe proposal is most uninspiring, probably originating from a book of standard bridge designs, and one that results in making a WWII Bailey bridge look quite spectacular!
Additionally, little thought has seemingly been given to the location of the bridge, as the proposed position requires the removal of many mature trees.
All in all, this is a most uninspired bridge design, and similar in design to one that spans the A24 at Broadbridge Heath.
Surely Horsham deserves better, and hopefully the planners will see the shortcomings when considering the planning application?
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Hide AdThroughout England there are many examples of more inspiring designs. Why could Legal and General not employ an architect to design a bridge of which we could be proud?
As a better example, take a moment to look at the pedestrian bridge which spans the A29 at Billingshurst, which is clearly an improvement compared to the present proposal.