Controversial plans to expand a town by more than 5,000 new homes are to be revealed for the first time.

Councillors in Crawley fear their town would struggle to cope with the demands on its infrastructure if the development goes ahead.

The plans have been outlined in the local development framework, which sets out the vision of the town for the next ten to 15 years.

It will be released to the public on Friday.

Key sites are earmarked for development, three of which already have planning permission, including shopping complexes, housing, businesses and plans for a new Sussex University campus.

The framework reveals plans, which take Government planning policy expectations into account, for 5,100 new homes. These are expected to be built by 2018.

There are also plans for 317,333sqm of business space and a university campus at Pease Pottage Hill.

Most building will take place within the town but there are sites on the edges.

Labour Councillor Jim Smith said: "The traffic is unbelievable and if they're going to add houses they're going to add cars. Without the right transport strategy you're just ruining people's standard of living.

"Wherever they put housing, a lot of people are going to work in Manor Royal and the airport.

"They will all have cars and it will exacerbate the problem."

The framework addresses transport problems by restricting town centre parking and increasing public transport, including a park-and-ride scheme.

Conservative Councillor Alan Quirk said: "We want somewhere to spend our leisure time without looking at the back of another house."

BAA's indecision over a second runway at Gatwick also prevents any development of a large strip of land.

Areas already with planning permission for housing include Apple Tree Farm in Ifield, Station Hill in Pound Hill and Lucerne Drive and Stone Court in
Maidenbower.

Other identified sites to be pursued by the council are the Town Centre North project, Haslett Avenue leisure centre, Telford Place/Haslett Avenue opposite Debenhams, Dorsten Square in Bewbush, Ifield Community College, Thomas Bennett Community College and land east of Tinsley Lane next to Manor Royal.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006