URGENT - WE ONLY HAVE 7 DAYS TO RAISE £5,400 OF INITIAL PLEDGES

PLEASE PLEDGE NOW BEFORE THE 11TH DEC

We are raising funds to challenge the recent decision to approve The Land at Duckmoor, Billingshurst by Horsham District Council

Our Case

The recent approval of the reserved matters application for the Duckmoor Development (DC/24/0768) leaves our community with no choice but to take action. Despite widespread objections and evidence challenging the validity of the water neutrality scheme, Horsham District Council approved the scheme without the rigorous scrutiny it demands. The approved water neutrality scheme relies on flawed assumptions, outdated data, and methodologies that fail to meet the "beyond reasonable scientific doubt" standard set by the Planning Inspector. 

If left unchallenged, this approval sets a dangerous precedent, allowing development across all of the Horsham District to continue that compromises both our environment and our water supply. We now have an opportunity to stand together and ensure this decision is challenged in the courts by seeking a Judicial Review.

What are we trying to achieve?

We want to get this decision quashed and the scheme sent back to the Planning Inspectorate for reconsideration. Ultimately to get the decision reversed. But this fight is not just about The Land at Duckmoor case and protecting the environment—it’s about ensuring that new housing in our district is properly planned, balanced, and sustainable for both people and nature. 

A successful challenge to this decision will strengthen the standards for all future developments in Horsham District and mean they have to review their approach to Water Neutrality.  By holding decision-makers accountable now, we can establish safeguards to ensure that every new home is delivered responsibly, meets community needs, and respects our limited resources.

How much are we raising and why?

We have instructed Lisa Foster, a specialist environmental and planning solicitor and Partner at Richard Buxton Solicitors and Andrew Parkinson, a specialist planning Barrister at Landmark Chambers.

We are raising funds in three stages;

Stage 1: £5,400 - Case Assessment

Evaluating the case, its legal merits and preparing case materials

(WE MUST HIT THIS TARGET BY THE 11TH DECEMBER SO PLEASE SUPPORT AND PLEDGE NOW)

100 households pledge £54

157 households average pledge £35

200 households £27

540 households £10 

There are c.67,000 households in Horsham District so we can easily achieve this if we act now.

Stage 2: £4,860 - Pre Court Action Protocol

So that we can serve letters to Horsham District Council and prepare court filings (WE MUST HIT THIS TARGET BY THE 20TH DECEMBER SO PLEASE SUPPORT AND PLEDGE NOW)

Stage 3: c£25,000 - Court Hearing

If the Court accepts our application we have several months to raise this amount into January/February/March 2025.

I will be seeking financial support from Billingshurst Parish Council to match community funding £1 for £1.  

All funds raised beyond Stage 1 will roll into the next stage pot.

What are the next steps in the case?

The first step for us is to assess the legal basis of the challenge and for the lawyer and barrister to determine if there is sufficient merit to take the case to the courts.  We need to do this quickly so please pledge and support.

Please, please, please join us by pledging and sharing this campaign. Together, we can make our voices heard and challenge this decision for the benefit of our community and future generations. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to the right decision.

PLEASE PLEDGE

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PLEASE ENCOURAGE OTHERS IN OTHER PLANNING CASES TO SUPPORT

LETS ACT NOW - BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE