PLANS to build thousands of new homes have been delayed after the government demanded a council outline its 30-year vision for housing.

It comes as the government amended the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) so that local communities will be more involved in how new developments look, with a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability.

This has impacted on Horsham District Council's housing developments at Buck Barn, Billingshurst, Southwater and west of Ifield.

Thousands of new homes were scheduled to be built - but these plans have now been delayed as the council now have to prepare a "local plan".

A statement put out by Horsham District Council said: "We have sought legal advice, and it is clear that we will need to commission some additional work to support this new 30-year vision requirement.

"Consequently, we have been recommended to delay the development of the local plan."

The current draft plan was prepared under the previous requirement to set out planning policies and proposals to guide development up to 2038.

The Argus: Leader of the council, Cllr Paul ClarkeLeader of the council, Cllr Paul Clarke A council meeting this week, where plans were set to be approved, has now been postponed.

Leader of the council, Cllr Paul Clarke, said: "This is hugely disappointing news.

"Our legal advice is clear that we have no choice but to delay our plan."

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