Rookwood development and nature reserve expansion ‘will improve biodiversity’

Developing Rookwood and expanding Warnham Local Nature Reserve will lead to a net gain in biodiversity, according to consultants working for the council.
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Horsham District Council is promoting the golf course site as a potential strategic housing allocation through its own local plan review.

Even having revised its plans for the site several times, County Times readers are still writing in to express concerns about the proposed housing as well as lamenting the potential loss of the golf course.

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This week HDC has launched a website detailing its vision for Rookwood as well as releasing more information on efforts to increase biodiversity within the site.

Illustrative view of an improved and expanded Warnham Local Nature ReserveIllustrative view of an improved and expanded Warnham Local Nature Reserve
Illustrative view of an improved and expanded Warnham Local Nature Reserve

The current proposal would see the nature reserve expanded offering possibilities for rewilding, enhanced wildlife networks and increased open space.

Housing would be limited to land south of Warnham Road.

In order to develop these proposals the council has engaged specialist ecological consultants and environmental experts.

Duncan McLaughlin, an associate ecologist from design consultancy Stantec, said: “Carrying out an in-depth ecological assessment at the start of the Rookwood project has allowed key environmentally friendly features to be identified at the earliest stage of the scheme design.

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“We have ensured that the most important areas for biodiversity, in particular Warnham Local Nature Reserve, are protected, with development focused only on the areas of the site of lowest ecological value.

“From the outset we have sought to create high-quality habitats for future wildlife and plant life, complementing the existing habitats on the site.

“As a result of this, the scheme can deliver net gains to biodiversity.”

The council says it wants to create an award-winning scheme with the health and wellbeing of wildlife, the environment, landscape and people at its heart.

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Around 70 per cent of the site would be open space, with 103 acres dedicated to the expanded nature reserve and land open for full public use with the potential to include allotments, community orchards and playing fields.

The council says ecological benefits of the proposal would include:

• A new public park and extension to the nature reserve, the northern section of the site offering possibilities for improving biodiversity, enhancing wildlife networks and enabling the community to get closer to nature

• Green corridors and landscaping to protect and enhance habitats within the riverways of Boldings Brook and the Red River

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• New pathways for walking and cycling creating a less car-centric development, some 25 minutes’ walk from the town centre.

• A new drainage system to deal with existing flooding problems in the area

• The biodiversity of the northern site will be improved and the development is expected to more than meet Government environmental criteria for biodiversity net gain.

The next version of the Local Plan (Regulation 19) is due to be published for consultation in the spring.