The Case for Rookwood
On 6th February 2021 we sent the following email to all District Councillors asking that they reconsider their approach to Rookwood. We included the slides below, setting out our case for Rookwood, and a copy of our petition analysis.
Dear Councillor ,
In a few weeks you will decide Rookwood’s future, and shape residents’ and future generations’ experience of Horsham. We kindly invite you to view the attached slide presentation before making your decision, it contains new information and will only take a few minutes of your time.
No doubt you have seen the Dasgupta Report published by HM Treasury three days ago which says: “Nature is a blind spot in economics that we ignore at our peril”. In support, the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “...we need policies that will both protect and enhance the supply of our natural assets”.
The Dasgupta report would not classify Rookwood as an “underperforming asset” but as an “irreplaceable natural asset” that should be protected. The unprecedented weight of public opinion in favour of retaining Rookwood Golf Course is made clear, week after week, in the West Sussex County Times and in comments from 3,480 people in Horsham Town who signed our petition (see attachment).
You have the opportunity to be a leading light in “rebalancing our relationship with nature” and to deliver on the high values of HDC’s revolutionary Wilder Horsham Partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust. Please take the enlightened route that the UK Government and Sport England are signposting and seize this opportunity to be on the right side of history!
Yours sincerely,
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