Gatwick Area Housing Approved Amidst Flood Risk Concerns

Plans for 126 new homes, comprising 51 affordable properties, have been controversially approved in Hookwood, Horley, near Gatwick Airport, by Mid Sussex District Council. This contentious decision was made despite strong objections from the Environment Agency and numerous local residents, who primarily raised significant concerns about the flood risk associated with the development site. The land is officially designated as Flood Zone 3, signifying a high probability of flooding, with a 1 in 100 chance of inundation in any given year. The Environment Agency had explicitly warned that the developer's proposed mitigation measures were insufficient and could potentially increase the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

Thakeham Homes, the developer, put forward plans to mitigate the flood risk by significantly raising the entire site by 2.2 meters (approximately 7 feet) and constructing a new flood attenuation basin designed to manage surface water. However, the Environment Agency steadfastly maintained its objection, asserting that the proposed flood basin was “not robust enough” to effectively manage the risk and expressing concern that the development would “increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.” Local opposition further highlighted worries beyond flooding, including the potential for severe traffic congestion on key routes like the A217 and A23, immense pressure on already stretched local services such as school places and GP surgeries, and the irreversible impact on the rural character of the Hookwood area.

Despite these significant environmental and community concerns, the council's planning committee ultimately granted approval for the scheme by a narrow margin of six votes to five. Council officers had recommended approval, arguing that the flood risk could be “satisfactorily mitigated” through the developer's detailed plans. A primary justification for the approval was the critical need for new housing within the district, particularly the provision of affordable homes, which represent a substantial 40% of the total units. The approval is contingent upon a Section 106 agreement, which will legally secure the affordable housing provision and ensure financial contributions towards necessary local infrastructure improvements. This decision exemplifies the complex balancing act local authorities face between meeting housing demands and addressing pressing environmental and community objections, especially in areas vulnerable to climate change impacts.

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyk19x0848o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)