Why Protect Rookwood?

In Summary

We believe that building on Rookwood would be a bad decision by Horsham District Council that future generations will criticise because:

• Development here is contrary to HDC’s other policies ie. Green Space Strategy and Wilder Horsham as well as National Policy in the Dasgupta Review.

• Wildlife sees Warnham Nature Reserve and Rookwood as one space. Building on Rookwood will harm wildlife on our Nature Reserve, there are alternatives, why do this?

• The golf club is both viable and profitable for HDC and the club manages the land environmentally, allowing access for the public. Meanwhile HDC seek to deter public with their “no public access” signs.

• The land is already owned by HDC, on behalf of Horsham residents, and is valued and used every day. Building on Rookwood is a lost opportunity to ensure future generations will thrive here.

• Horsham’s population is increasing but building on Rookwood reduces our green space.
  Population and green space provision need to move in tandem and not in opposite directions.

• Selling Rookwood now requires that HDC gives away half the proceeds to the previous land owner because of a legal covenant. HDC should wait until the covenant expires, selling now demonstrates a lack of financial acumen and responsibility.