Resident’s concern after area cleared near Horsham homes

Workers began removing trees and vegetation next to the river Arun in Middleton Road at the beginning of last week.

Resident Zoe Malyon said she had been told the land was privately owned and was being cleared to make way for housing.

She said: “It was a lovely area to look at as there was lots of wildlife and lots of birds. It has really changed how it feels.

“At the end of 2013 that area also flooded. My concern is if it was developed it would increase the risk of flooding to the local properties as there is no area to absorb the water.”

Horsham District Council has since confirmed the land is privately owned but said no planning applications had been received regarding the area.

A spokesperson for the council said: “No permission has been granted by Horsham District Council to remove trees behind the homes in Middleton Road and Michell Close but as the trees and vegetation there are on privately owned land, no permission is needed to remove them.

“No planning applications have been submitted for this area since 1975 when planning permission for two bungalows was submitted but refused.”

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