Frequently Asked Questions

Part of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape - South of the A259  opposite the Ropemaker Pub 

Absolutely — and we’re not saying “not here” out of preference. We support new homes in Havant Borough because the need is real. But the Local Plan delivers less than half of that need whether or not the Horsefield is built on. These 90 houses don’t fix the shortage; what they do is set a dangerous precedent that protected land can be used whenever targets get difficult.

The NPPF is the National Planning Policy Framework which sets out government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. 

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) wording is clear: Allocations in and building in a National Landscape should be refused other than in exceptional circumstances and when it is demonstrated to be in the public interest.  

Policy 30 guides development decisions within Chichester Harbour National Landscape.  It used to follow the NPPF wording refusing major developments other than in exceptional circumstances.  HBC have now added the words  “where allocated within this Local Plan or”  which we believe means it is no longer compliant as it by-passes national planning policies.

The Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) forms an integral part of the evidence base that underpins the Havant Borough Local Plan. The SHELAA is a requirement identified in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It provides an assessment of land within the borough with potential for housing development by identifying sites, assessing their housing potential and considering when they are likely to be developed. 

No. An allocation is the opposite of protection - it writes into the development plan that 90 houses on this field are acceptable in principle. Once that’s in the Plan, refusing a planning application becomes very difficult. The field is protected now; the allocation is the thing that removes the protection.

Yes - this is the stage that counts. Once the consultation has finished, the Council will summarise the points that have been made into a report and this will be forwarded to the Government inspector. Remember - identical template letters are counted as one objection, this is why it is important to write your response in your own words.

The appointed government inspector works on behalf of the Sectetary of State and will have access to HBC's summary report (called the Consultation Statement) of the previous consultations in 2022 and 2025. The inspector can also request the original representations if they wish.  The inspector is looking for the legal compliance and/or soundness of the plan.

Yes, please. Earlier petitions and letters went to the council. This consultation goes to the Inspector - it’s a different audience and the one with the power to act. A response now is worth more than everything that came before.

Absolutely. You can respond by letter or on a paper form  pick one up from Emsworth Library or the Plaza, alternatively request a form by calling 023 9244 6019 - Remember you have until 5pm on 9th September 2026 to send in your response. 

Consultation responses form part of the public examination record, so your name and comments will be publicly available (contact details are withheld). That’s normal for all planning consultations - it’s how the Inspector shows every voice was considered.

The council submits the Plan and all responses to the Planning Inspectorate on 30 November. A Government Inspector then examines it at public hearings in 2027. We have asked to appear - and we intend to be there.

We are a group of local residents, working to  protect this part of Chichester Harbour National Landscape from inappropriate development for over 20 years. We are funded entirely by local donations. If we crowdfund for professional planning advice, we’ll publish what we raise and what it’s spent on.

Can't find what you need to complete your form or do you have any questions?  Please contact us on savethehorsefield@gmail.com or call us on:  Tel: 07496 067 031