Local plan sets out vision for Crawley as a ‘modern and vibrant town’

The latest version of the document will be published for a six week period of consultation starting on Wednesday (January 6) for residents, businesses and other stakeholders to make representations on any policy or allocation.

Those who have previously submitted a response to the consultation in early 2020 do not have to resubmit their comments, but new responses on subsequent changes to the plan and updated evidence documents are welcomed.

According to Crawley Borough Council the plan contains its vision for a ‘modern, vibrant town that stands proud of its achievements and uses its strengths to reach its potential. Its strong and diverse communities, neighbourhood structure, sustainable economic growth and excellent connections within and beyond the region will make it a place that people enjoy and want to live, work and visit’.

The local plan sets out the strategic priorities for Crawley and the planning policies to deliver:

• Homes and jobs

• Provision of retail, leisure and other commercial development

• Provision of infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, water supply, wastewater, flood risk management and energy

• Provision of community, social and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, including landscape and green infrastructure

• Sustainable growth of Gatwick Airport.

The draft submission Local Plan includes:

• Planning for a minimum of 5,320 new homes within the borough, meeting the local housing needs for a mix of house types and sizes, and including affordable housing

• Meeting the borough’s future employment needs through protection and improvement of existing main employment areas and the allocation of a new strategic employment site, alongside supporting skills development, arts and culture and office provision

• Enabling healthy lifestyles and wellbeing through good urban design, securing accessible and inclusive design from all new developments, protection and enhancements of existing open space, sports, play and recreation facilities, prioritising the use of accessible and reliable sustainable transport and active travel, and ensuring new development is supported by necessary infrastructure provision.

Peter Smith, the council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “This consultation is the last chance for residents to tell us what they think about the local plan before it is examined by a planning inspector.

“So if you’re interested in the future sustainable development of our town please take part in this stage of consultation.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on 17 February. Comments must be based on whether you consider the plan to comply with legal requirements, the duty to co-operate and whether the plan is sound.

All responses will go to a planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

To have your say and for more information visit crawley.gov.uk/localplanreview from Wednesday.

You can also email your comments to [email protected] or send them to Local Plan Consultation, Strategic Planning, Crawley Borough Council, Town Hall, The Boulevard, Crawley RH10 1UZ.