Horsham FC submit plans to build their new home

Horsham FC have submitted their planning application. Pictured are the players and chairman Kevin Borrett joining together to help the Trussel Trust Foodbank recently

The club have been without a permanent home since leaving Queen Street in 2008, spending a year down at Worthing FC before ground-sharing with current landlords Horsham YMCA.

The application officially went in yesterday (Wednesday, June 4) and the club have released the following statement:

“After several years of consideration and careful planning, Horsham FC are delighted to announce that we have now officially submitted our Planning Application to build a sustainable new home in an out of town location at Hop Oast, opposite the Park & Ride on Worthing Road/A24.

“This modest home would be a much-needed, modern sports facility, providing two (one full-sized, one small) all-weather 3G pitches for use by the entire local football community, as well as securing the long-term future of the popular Holbrook Club in North Horsham.

“If successful, this application would mark the start of an exciting new era for the entire Horsham district, encouraging sport participation and community spirit, offering a high-quality playing surface and nurturing local young talent for years to come. It would also be securing over 40 jobs (The Holbrook Club) and creating opportunities for employment.

“The area in question is two disused golf holes of the former 9-hole course at Horsham Golf & Fitness – land already used for public leisure.

“It is over a quarter of a mile away from the nearest residential area, screened from view by existing woodland, and benefits from excellent transport access – situated close to the A24 bypass and directly opposite the town’s under-used Park & Ride.

“The Club feel we have submitted a strong, convincing application for the Hop Oast site, and earnestly believe that this is the most suitable location there is ever likely to be for the town and district’s senior football team.

“Nevertheless, with the future of both Horsham Football Club and The Holbrook Club at stake, we ask for the community’s support in backing this application either by writing a letter to the Planning Officer at Horsham District Council (quoting reference number DC/14/1090), writing to local newspapers, or joining the 2,000 people, businesses, charities and sports teams who have already signed our petition.

“To find out more about the application and new ground, please visit our mini-site: www.home4horsham.com”