Strategic Site Option 7 ~ East of Billingshurst

This potential option (part of the approach under Option 2 of the Strategic Spatial Options) comprises a strategic site of some 126 hectares, with the land north of the railway line being capable of accommodating some 1,750 new homes, together with a new primary school, community sports facilities, open space, a local centre (potentially to include retail and services) and a new north/south relief road connecting the A272 to the A29. The land south of the railway is intended to accommodate commercial uses, open space and a link road from Daux Road to the A272.

The development of this area is being promoted by a consortium of developers who have produced a masterplan for the site.

The opportunities and constraints applying to this area can be summarised as:

Opportunities:
The area is not subject to any national or local landscape designations and there are no national conservation designations, although Wilden’s Meadow and Rosier Wood are Sites of Nature Conservation Importance and adjoin the potential development area.

The majority of the site is not affected by flooding issues (within Flood Zone 1), although there are some areas within Flood Zones 2 and 3 either side of the Par Brook.

There are two Listed Buildings within the site (although these are excluded from any development proposals) and some trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders bound the site.

Development would relieve the centre of Billingshurst further by removing the need for east-west traffic to pass through the centre.

Development would offer the opportunity to rationalise existing employment sites in Billingshurst, perhaps creating opportunities for redevelopment, and the new link road would remove the need to cross the railway line to access the current employment areas south of the railway.

Constraints:
The scale of development would have a significant impact on the existing community. For example, the capacity of the Weald School to expand on the current site is severely limited and the need for new pupil places will have to be met elsewhere.

Major off-site water mains reinforcements will be required and the development may contribute to the need for additional water resources.

The capacity of Billingshurst Waste Water Treatment Works is limited (up to 400 additional dwellings) and larger development would require consent from the Environment Agency for a 60% increase in the volume of effluent discharged.

There are known problems with surface water flooding and other flooding associated with the Par Brook and appropriate surface water management will be necessary to ensure drainage does not impact upon the water quality of the River Arun or the Upper Arun Site of Special Scientific Interest.