URL: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=834

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED   i)              To place Horsham Park into the Fields in Trust scheme by entering into a Deed dedicating the park as a public playing field, recreation ground, park, play space and open space;   ii)             That responsibility be delegated to sign the Deed to the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services; and   iii)           To authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Director of Communities to make amendments to the Deed of Dedication following final negotiations with Fields in Trust.   REASON   To enable the Council to deliver in its previously stated objective to place Horsham Park into the Fields in Trust scheme.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT   i)              Do nothing. This was discounted on the basis that placing the park into the Fields in Trust scheme represents the Council’s desire to dedicate it for community use;   ii)             Designate Horsham Park as a Town/Village Green. While offering very strong statutory protection, this was discounted on the basis that such a designation may prove to be extremely inflexible and block improvements;   iii)           Designate the park as a Local Green Space, through the planning system. While offering green belt level planning protection, this was discounted on the basis that the Park benefits already from existing planning protections (for example, it has been identified as a Green Infrastructure Asset in the Infrastructure Strategy, a multi-functional green space in the Open Space Assessment and is protected under the Horsham Blueprint Neighbourhood Plan for recreation and community use. Additionally, the Council’s existing and emerging Local Plans and National Planning Policy Framework seek to prevent the loss of the Park ) and such a designation relies on planning policy which can change over time;   iv)           Move the land into an independent or charitable trust. This was discounted on the basis that it may be difficult to recruit trustees and the transfer of the park into a trust would likely require Secretary of State consent.

Date of Decision: March 25, 2026