The Horsham District Council's Communities and Place Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on 3 September 2025, to discuss the Capitol Theatre refurbishment, and the Bishopric and Carfax consultation. The committee delegated authority to the Director of Place to write to the Planning Inspectorate to ask them to reconsider their position on the Horsham District Local Plan.

Local Plan

The committee discussed the next steps for the Horsham District Local Plan, following the Planning Inspector's recommendation to withdraw it.

The Director of Place and Head of Strategic Planning introduced the report, explaining the Planning Inspector's concerns outlined in a letter dated 4 April. The Inspector suggested withdrawing the Local Plan and preparing a new one, as the evidence base was becoming outdated. While disagreeing with the Inspector, officers recommended withdrawal to avoid legal costs and focus resources on a new plan.

The Head of Strategic Planning provided context on national planning changes, including new regulations and a revised framework for Local Plan making. New regulations are expected later in the year, including a prescribed Local Plan preparation schedule. National development management policies are also expected, limiting Local Plans to locally specific matters. The duty to cooperate will be repealed and replaced with an 'alignment test'.

Members were informed that without a Local Plan, it would be harder to resist speculative development and ensure necessary infrastructure.

Two members of the public raised concerns about speculative developers exploiting the tilted balance[^1], increased housing targets, and potential loss of affordable homes. They also suggested reviewing the Community Infrastructure Levy[^2] to fund infrastructure projects.

Members discussed how Horsham District Council's Local Plan and that of a neighbouring council had been dealt with by the Inspectorate. Officers provided information on the duty to cooperate and discussions with neighbouring authorities about specific sites and water neutrality issues. They anticipated submitting a complaint to the Inspectorate after further assessment, noting that concerns had been raised previously.

While the Local Plan preparation would restart, some aspects of the original plan could be reused. The impact of revised housing targets and infrastructure needs would be reconsidered. Despite the lack of new guidance, an audit of the evidence base and a new call for sites would be undertaken to update the database and increase housing allocations. Members discussed possible mitigations against the housing delivery test. Officers advised that the Head of Development and Building Control was addressing this, but planning applications would need pragmatic consideration in the short term.

The committee considered the impact of lacking a Local Plan on Parish neighbourhood plans, especially those due for review, increasing the risk of speculative development and the current lack of a 5-year housing supply. They felt Parishes would benefit from urgent officer support and advice, especially since funding for neighbourhood plans had been withdrawn.

Members queried whether the council had considered asking the Secretary of State[^3] to call in the decision on Horsham's Local Plan and whether the Chief Executive had discussed the matter with the Secretary of State at a recent meeting. The Head of Strategic Planning confirmed that the Chief Executive had been invited to a task force meeting by the Secretary of State for Water, where some matters relating to the impact of the Planning Inspector's decision, in relation to water neutrality, were discussed, wider issues relating to the withdrawal of the Local Plan were not raised and there was no opportunity for discussion with the Secretary of State for Housing and Planning.

Officers confirmed that the Secretary of State was aware of the situation with Horsham's Local Plan and clarified that while he could direct the Inspector to undertake certain actions, the Secretary of State could not direct the decision resulting from those actions. The Secretary of State's powers were therefore limited, and it was suggested that perhaps an alternative would be to write to the Planning Inspectorate asking, one final time, for the matter to be reconsidered, particularly noting the new legislation coming through and changes to the duty to cooperate.

The Leader of the Council expressed frustration that the adoption of a Local Plan would assist in getting housing built and infrastructure delivered, however the Inspector's decision had prevented this. While it would be of benefit to have a new Local Plan, which the Council would endeavour to complete by March 2028, the opportunity to ask the Inspector to look at the decision again should be considered.

Members considered whether it would be appropriate to recommend that Director of Place write to the Planning Inspector one final time, to request that the position of Horsham District Council's Local Plan be reconsidered given the imminent changes in legislation and guidance. The Director of Place advised that any letter could provide further assurances about how the Council had met the duty to cooperate. The timing and risks involved in taking this course of action were discussed and it was confirmed that writing the letter would not present a barrier to officers continuing work on a new Local Plan in the meantime.

A brief adjournment took place to allow Members to consider the wording of a motion.

It was proposed and seconded that authority be delegated to the Director of Place to write to the Planning Inspectorate to ask them to reconsider their position.

The motion passed.

The committee resolved that authority be delegated to the Director of Place to write to the Planning Inspectorate to ask them to reconsider their position in view of the imminent changing planning regulations which would repeal the Duty to Cooperate.

Bishopric and Carfax Consultation

The committee reviewed the outcomes of the public consultation regarding the RIBA Stage 3 Spatial Co-ordination designs for regenerating the Bishopric/Worthing Road and Carfax areas of the town centre. The committee was also informed about an ePetition concerning certain aspects of the proposals, scheduled for consideration by the Full Council on 24 September.

The Corporate Project Manager presented a report, recommending that the Committee note the update and consultation outcomes.

The Council approved the Horsham Town Centre Vision in 2017, which recommended developing a Public Realm Strategy addressing character spaces, linkages and gateways, connectivity and movement, wayfinding and signage, and a design guide. The 'Vision' specifically suggested comprehensive public realm improvements for the Bishopric, West Street, and the Worthing Road and Springfield Road area to visually connect the area to West Street and improve connectivity and legibility of the town centre.

In 2021, the Council adopted the Horsham Town Centre Public Realm Strategy and Design Guide, informed by consultations in 2020. The 'Strategy' set out key guiding principles, including putting people first, simplifying the streetscape, ensuring design consistency, creating memorable spaces, supporting pedestrians and cyclists, and promoting a green and sustainable town centre.

The overall proposals to regenerate the Bishopric/Worthing Road and Carfax areas are detailed in the Scrutiny Report 3 Sept 2025 V6 and summarised on six exhibition banners, aiming to create a high-quality urban public realm for all visitors, residents, and businesses. The strategic design objectives developed from RIBA Stages 1 and 2 are as follows:

• Active Travel: Create a better environment for active travel to inspire people to walk and cycle. Enhance connections between existing and future local routes. Improve provision for cycling Cycle Infrastructure Design (LTN 1/20).[^4] Provision of well-designed, high quality and convenient cycle parking. Define and enhance connections between existing and future local routes. Improve safety for all users considering the needs of different groups: pedestrians, cyclists, mobility impaired.
• High Quality Public Realm: Consider enhancement of the existing streetscape. Reduction in visual clutter and rationalise material use and street furniture. Consistent design language of materials to improve legibility of spaces. Improvement and renewal of facilities to support markets, wider events programme and maintenance operations. Understand local business needs and provide the space to support their operations. Consideration of feature lighting to enhance spatial character and safety at night-time.
• Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilience: Provide urban greening with trees and planting to improve the quality of greenspace for people and wildlife, meet Biodiversity Net Gain requirements. Incorporate sustainable construction and materials.

The following consultation and engagement has been carried out:

• All HDC Members and Officers.
• John Milne MP.
• North Horsham Parish Council, Denne, Forest and Trafalgar Neighbourhood Councils, Horsham Blueprint, Horsham Town Community Partnership, Horsham District Cycling Forum, Older Persons Forum, Youth Forum, Bishopric and Carfax market operators, Horsham Society, Swan Walk management and Cube, owners of Swan Walk shopping centre, Horsham Green Spaces, Horsham Green Gym.
• HDC Consultation webpages 'A New Vision for Horsham Town Centre' comprising proposed Design Principles, Key Improvements with accompanying illustrated plans, CGI images, Masterplans and detailed area plans and links to the Public Survey.
• Leaflet distribution to all business and residential addresses within affected areas, over 600 addresses.
• Town centre banners and posters.
• Proactive press and social media engagement.
• 6,766 Horsham 'Latest News' subscribers.
• Your Horsham (Business Improvement District) over 300 subscribers.
• Swan Walk Unit 60 Exhibition and Drop In Sessions 16 and 26 April with over 300 visitors.
• Your Horsham Board (Horsham Business Improvement District board of Directors).
• Bishopric and Carfax business engagement meetings held on 16 and 17 April in association with Your Horsham.
• Your Horsham/Swan Walk and Cabinet Members' briefing 16 May.
• Stagecoach, Compass and Metrobus Companies meeting 28 May.
• Sussex Police meeting 19 May.
• Horsham Society briefing 7 May.
• BBC Radio Sussex interview.

The following consultation materials were produced to engage, inform and gather detailed community feedback:

• A5 Consultation Flyer issued to all relevant residents, businesses, operators and community groups as listed above and the following locations:
• A1, A3, A4 Posters Museum, Carfax, Capitol, Horsham Library, Southwater Country Park and Warnham Nature Reserve cafés, Blackbridge Community Centre, Parks notice boards.
• Albion Way, Amphitheatre and Tree Wrap banner posters.
• Consultation Exhibition Banners provided 6 banners for use at the April Swan Walk Unit 60 Exhibition and Drop In Sessions and on the consultation landing page, incorporating high quality Computer Graphic Image renders to illustrate what the proposals would look like if built.
• Flyers and posters at HDC staff areas Albery House, Hop Oast, Museum, Capitol.
• Consultation press release issued to print media, Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, X and HDC fortnightly News E-mail.
• Dedicated consultation webpage providing the following information and survey access:
  • Exhibition Banners
  • Carfax and Bishopric Masterplans
  • Carfax detailed plans x 3
  • Bishopric detailed plans x 3
  • Consultation Survey comprising 33 questions with the following format:
    • o Active Travel, Public Realm and Climate Resilience Objectives
    • o Bishopric, Worthing Road and Springfield Road design principles
    • o Bishopric, Worthing Road and Springfield Road key improvements
    • o Carfax design principles
    • o Carfax key improvements
    • o Value for Money
    • Questions used a combination of preference sentiment, agree/disagree and the use of seven free text boxes (250 word limit) to capture disagreement reasoning and alternative suggestions.

The Consultation Survey results and feedback is attached as Appendix G.

The Council's public response to the consultation, following consideration by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure and Cabinet colleagues, is attached at Appendix H.

841 completed surveys were received between 9 and 30 April. Of those who responded, 98% live in Horsham and of those 50% work in Horsham. As many walk (41%), take the bus (5%), train (1%) as those travelling by car (48%). 5% travel by bike. 75% were of working age, 20% over 65 with 5%, 25 and under. Climate and Public Realm objectives received widespread support, 80% and 60% respectively, with Active Travel objectives split 40% in favour with 46% against.

Bishopric Design Principles: 51% support, 34% disagree. Plaza pedestrian priority (88%), market access from North (74%), additional signage/tactile paving (56%), more open Albion Way entrance (64%), tree retention and additional planting (92%), cycle parking by shops (55%), Open up Bishopric West, more tables and chairs, landscaped with trees (83%), recommended cyclist route (56%), central plaza new tree planting (87%), new street furniture/space for markets/access (84%) received majority and some strong support.

Worthing Road and Springfield Road: Improve access/upgrade pavements (82%), retain trees were possible and enhance planting (96%), maintain historic buildings setting (97%), widen and realign bus station crossing (80%) received strong overall support.

The provision of cycle routes, as would be expected, tended to divide opinion as follows: (Disagree%/Agree %)

Springfield Road and Bishopric (Contraflow/Shared) 61/39. Between Worthing Road/Bus Station and Blackhorse Way to Bishopric 60/40. 2-Way Black Horse Way and Bishopric 57/43. Worthing Road (North & South) and Bishopric 55/45.

Carfax and Medwin Walk Design Principles: 49% support with 34% disagreeing. Create a pedestrian priority zone/restrict daytime general traffic 63%, more cycle stands 53%, new pedestrian crossing 74%, Retain and replace with sawn York stone 64%, move Bus Stop further north 60%, reorganise and group street furniture/declutter 75%, new market utilities 89% received general and strong support.

Similarly, the provision of a cycle routes divided opinion as follows: Contraflow route from Chart Way to South Street and a Shared route in Medwin Walk were not supported with 62% and 63% respectively in disagreement.

Bishopric – Overall 41% v 33% disagreed. Carfax – Overall 42% v 32% disagreed. However, there were significant neutral scores of 26% and 27% which indicates the difficulty in assessing value for money as a concept.

Excepting the value for money responses, the majority of improvements were supported. As may be expected, there was a split opinion on the value of active travel cycle routes.

Respondents were given the opportunity if they disagreed with any proposals to make comments and offer other options and ideas.

Bishopric Main Themes:

• Pedestrian Zones and Cycle routes: Too much emphasis on cycling, mixing pedestrians and cyclists unsafe, retain pedestrian areas and priority as is makes Horsham distinct, cyclists to park on edge/dismount and walk like everyone else, secure cycle storage – bike theft, anti-social e-bike and young cycling behaviour, unnecessary, waste of money – better spent elsewhere, area is alright as it is, no cycling demand/very few cyclists, lanes will be ignored by cyclists, no cycling signs are not observed, impact on historic town, will encourage more cycling in West St, negative impacts resulting from failed Covid Albion Way cycle route, impact on people with disabilities, young children, elderly .
• Loss of stream, rocks, waterfall and birch trees: Loss of character, unique/charming, destroy the charm and uniqueness of our town, Horsham is one of the busiest and pretty towns, relatively unspoilt market town .
• Bus Station: Existing crossing OK, crossing from Dunelm not so.
• Albion Way crossing operation time to cross from Guildford Road north into Bishopric and safety risks associated with single phase operation.
• Value for Money: Waste of money, vanity project, parking charges too high, better spent elsewhere, far greater needs, struggling families, spend on pedestrians/aging population, potholes, cheaper bus fares, uneven pavements and Forum area – slips and glare .

Carfax Main Themes:

• Pedestrian Zones and Cycle routes: Many of the themes noted above were also made in relation to Carfax. Additionally, would be better to have more cycle lanes into town then park and walk retaining pedestrian priority, impact of mixing bikes on 'disabled, elderly and children', solving a problem that does not exist, impact on heritage, little cycling demand, pedestrianised Carfax is one of its best features, Medwin Walk inappropriate for cyclists, provide cycle parking, cycle contraflow not needed, would be dangerous, will confuse pedestrians as currently one way .
• Cobbles: Very strong support to keep the cobbles although there are comments identifying that they are difficult to cross, cobbles now seen as an integral part of the look and feel of the 'market town', despite 1990's vintage, makes Horsham distinct from other places, crime to remove , part of the historic feel, calms traffic.
• Revised bus stop location/one stop: Loss of loading bay used by markets, residents unloading, area will become too crowded as close to bandstand, current location works better with more space/seating for queuing.
• Restricting general traffic through Carfax: Negative impacts on Dulcima House, Hewell's Court, Causeway, loss of loading bays, business impact/pickups, creates a South Street 'cul de sac' and increases traffic on Black Horse Way, Black Horse Way/South Street junction would be a problem.

Business and Community Responses:

• Your Horsham
  • Bishopric: Bishopric businesses very strongly opposed to proposed shared cycle route from Albion Way going east and North-South. Strong preference to open up the area for tables and chairs to create a safe family friendly area which can respond flexibly as required. Owners of Swan Walk and Swan Walk management wish to ensure Wilco's facade area will allow for future external use in Springfield Road.
  • Lack of evidence to demonstrate that increasing cycling opportunities through this vital pedestrian area will improve overall footfall, dwell time, investment and spend in this part of town.
  • 53% of respondents from Your Horsham survey conducted in Jan / Feb 2025 stated that cycling in a pedestrianised area made them feel either extremely unsafe or unsafe with priority being to improve pedestrian areas and wayfinding.
  • Safety of pedestrians and increasing use of e-bikes, cycle lanes will prevent cross business opportunities, current negative cycling behaviour in West Street and Carfax, does not provide a 'safer environment for all users, better to provide bike storage at main entry zones.
  • Support more opportunities for markets, need for entertainment space and better lighting solution.
  • Carfax: The general consensus was that whilst regeneration is welcomed, there is no evidence to indicate that there was either a demand or need for cycle lane provision within certain areas of Horsham town centre, that this would encourage cyclists to cut through and not dwell within the town, thus not supporting the local economy. There was a general feel that this would make the town feel unsafe for pedestrians and that this would encourage further anti-social behaviour associated with cycling which we already struggle with in areas such as West Street, where regulation of this is minimal and illegal cycling is prominent.
  • Support for pedestrian improvements, safer for multi-use purposes, primarily pedestrians and market stalls.
  • Opposed to Medwin Walk shared cycle lane due to lack of demand and very high Swan Walk footfall, pedestrian safety, safety of cyclists who may use the proposed contraflow.
  • Opposed to introduction of two way traffic up to Swan Walk service yard, if traffic restricted via Carfax, and impact on congestion, vehicles turning left out of Black Horse Way and low carriageway width, would exclude unmarked smaller business vehicles, removal of two loading bays, loss of disabled parking bays, resulting impact on main pedestrian crossing point between Middle Street and West Street arising from two-way operation.
  • Support secure cycle storage at main entrances.
• Cube (Hathaway Opportunity Fund) and Swan Walk Centre
  • Bishopric: Support investment in principle, priority that this space be flexible for future investment as well as events, markets and safe customer circulation.
  • Cycle lane concerns prioritise pedestrians in these more congested areas, cyclists should be encouraged to dismount and secure cycle parking for visitors to use at every entry point to the town centre.
  • Carfax: Object to the introduction of a cycle lane in the currently pedestrianised Medwin Walk area, preventing further investment from Cube and other stakeholders, use as the main evacuation zone, significant safety risk as Swan Walk's busiest entrance sees close to 6 million visitors a year. Support cycle contraflow as it will provide cross town access.
• Denne Neighbourhood Council
  • Bishopric: Supports main objectives although pedestrians should have priority over cyclists.
  • Supports Springfield contraflow, Plaza to have pedestrian priority, opening up Albion Way entrance, stream removal and opening up but not the shared cycle lane as this will be ignored and artificially divides the space.
  • Worthing Road: Supports paving reinstatement, improved planting/low timber fence removal and road narrowing for on-carriageway cycle lane.
  • Carfax: Supports contraflow if safe, more cycle stands, concern over Swan Walk entrance as always congested. Supports retention of riven Yorkstone - gives character although mobility issue, removal of circular planting bed and suggests 'Stocks' are relocated to Museum, supports some face to face seating and an improved pedestrian crossing between Middle and West Street.
• Horsham District Cycling Forum
  • Bishopric: All active travel proposals supported in Springfield Road, Bishopric and Worthing Road as well as Plaza pedestrian priority, market stalls to keep to defined areas, more cycle parking, tree planting welcome.
  • Worthing Road: Supports cycle route via western side of bus station, crossing realignment and stepped cycle track heading north.
  • Carfax: Supports all design principles, support for limiting vehicular daytime access noting careful design of two way route on South Street. Suggests continuous footway at Middle/West Street junction, cycle access to and from Medwin Way and pedestrian priority at Swan Walk entrance.
  • Supports contraflow and new crossing, cobbles difficult to cycle on and for mobility scooters – needs better solution.
• Horsham Society
  • General: Access for people with disabilities should be made more explicit, for movement and in seating. Horsham has regular wheelchair users and an ever increasing number of mobility scooters and guide dog users has also risen, consideration to be given to the recommendations by Guide Dogs for the use of shared surfaces in respect of Bishopric West and Medwin Walk.
  • Bishopric/Worthing Road: Supports cycle routes north-south and west-east will assist guide dog owners etc, Plaza cycle free, loss of trees and seating, more public seating needed, lack of cycle parking, supports cycle route north and crossing realignment, dangerous crossing from Forum to bus station.
  • Carfax: Not averse to loss of cobbles but at cost, needs good replacement to keep Horsham special, supports new crossing and decluttering, care in choice of paving materials, concern over two way operation and tight corner from Black Horse Way, designated crossing for Middle/West Street, Medwin Walk cycle access problem on market days, pedestrian priority zone around Swan Walk entrance, loss of loading bays.

Having reviewed all consultation responses and as summarised above, along with research evidence, national and local guidance, survey information, local townscape context, planning and economic development policies and in the context of the Horsham Town Vision and Public Realm Strategy, which involved extensive public and stakeholder engagement, the following recommendations are made in respect to the key issues raised:

As reported above, public consultation on the plans was launched in the Spring of 2025. Over 841 survey responses were received. The results were analysed together with feedback from businesses and community organisations.

Following consideration by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure in response to the recommendations following the public consultation, the Council published a summary of its responses detailing the proposed changes on 4 July 2025.

Among the proposals being progressed in the Bishopric West and Plaza area, the summary outlined a plan to 'Remove the stream, rocks and birch stand to provide more outdoor eating space for shops, an entertainment space, space for the market and to reinforce the pedestrian connection between this area and Waitrose, John Lewis and Aldi. Relocate the birch stand to Horsham Park if possible. Safeguard space so that possible future cycling provision is not prevented.'

Subsequently the Council received and accepted an ePetition on 22 July 2025, expiring on 22 November 2025, to Save the Stream, Rocks and Birch Trees in the Bishopric , as follows:

"We the undersigned petition the council to Reconsider their decision to remove the artificial stream, rocks and Birch trees from the Bishopric.

This area is a little oasis in the concrete jungle that is Horsham. Judging by the reaction on Nextdoor to its proposed removal it appears to be a very popular spot and its removal would have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere in this part of Horsham. It breaks up the noise from the road nearby, it is a haven for birds and provides cool shelter to people in the hot weather. There is already ample space for outdoor eating and we need all the green spaces we can get."

The petition has now received 1,675 signatures as of 26 August 2025. The Council's Constitution requires that any valid petition reaching a minimum of 1,000 signatures of persons resident, working or studying in the District will be debated by Full Council. This is being arranged for the next Council meeting on 24 September 2025.

Following the Cabinet decision in January 2023, consultants Pick Everard were engaged to provide multi-disciplinary services to design and deliver the public realm schemes following the Royal Institute of British Architects seven stage Plan of Work process, from Inception to Completion.

RIBA Stages 1 and 2 developed a set of strategic design objectives as detailed in Section 1.2 focussing on three main themes: Active and Sustainable Travel, a High Quality Public Realm and improving Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilience.

Improvement proposals for the Bishopric have now been developed to RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Co-ordination, in order to address existing issues, constraints, business and operational needs and respond to future pressures and demands as follows:

• Since the arrival of John Lewis and Waitrose to improve connections to and from the town centre to support the wider town centre economy.
• To increase accessibility and permeability for all users pedestrians, cyclists, mobility scooter users, in particular open up the 'pinch point' entrance from Albion Way into and from Bishopric.
• Improve footfall and access to the northern side of the Bishopric to support better permeability for pedestrians and cyclists and reduce user conflicts to improve wider health and safety noting that pedestrian flows, as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report show that, on a weekday average, 8,926 entering the central plaza area from all directions with 2,039 and 3,950 pedestrian movements from Albion Way and from West Street, respectively.
• Improve active travel links and connections north-south and east-west and provide cycle parking close to shops.
• To support business operations and service offers through better use of external spaces by opening up the area.
• To replace failed surface materials with more sustainable and functional materials and improve maintenance operations.
• To improve and meet appropriate public safety lighting standards.
• To create a more cohesive overall space, as a destination point rather than a through route, increasing dwell time and improving vitality and vibrancy.
• To rationalise the provision of market facilities and provide opportunities to expand operations, whilst maintaining emergency access to and from West Street.
• Provide more flexible multi-functional spaces to support various activities and events.
• To retain, replace as necessary and improve existing tree cover and soft landscaping to meet our aspirations for a minimum increase of 10% in biodiversity net gain.
• Bring nature and biodiversity into the centre by introducing new street trees as well as creating windbreaks and green corridors.

These proposals are encapsulated in the consultation banners, Appendix A, and accompanying Masterplans, Appendices E and F and detailed architectural drawings.

Recommendations on the issues raised in the ePetition:

• Plaza Birch Trees: To relocate to Horsham Park or other suitable location, if possible, as proposed.
• The birch stand was introduced as a temporary measure in 2016 to replace the Shelley Fountain sculpture. The trees made use of the original shallow splash pond. This is not a permanent solution and tree health will eventually suffer. The location of the birch stand significantly impairs our ability to improve the area to address the strategic design objectives. The public consultation and engagement supported central plaza new tree planting 87% and new street furniture/space for markets/access 84%.
• Stream and Rocks: To remove the stream and accompanying rockery as planned and supported - Open up Bishopric West, more tables and chairs, landscaped with trees 83%.
• The original 1990's improvements, provided a tranquil space as part of a wider pedestrianisation scheme and to mitigate traffic noise from the Albion Way ring road. The design remains a relatively attractive feature but it divides Bishopric west into two areas, north and south, with limited access, 3 metres wide at its narrowest point, between the two spaces. The addition of planting beds on the north side further restricts movement and accessibility with limited crossing points between the two rows of retail premises. The current design therefore provides significant challenges in meeting current and future requirements, set out in the feedback from businesses and in response to the numerous consultations as described above. In addition the planned and reactive maintenance costs of the stream and waterfall are approximately £24,000 a year.
• With respect to the ePetition comments it is not accepted that Horsham town centre or the Bishopric, in particular, is a 'concrete jungle'. The Bishopric comprises modest terraces of five, 2 – 3 storey retail premises and the Olive Branch public house is a Grade II Listed Building, bookended by the 5 and 4 storey brick built Paperyard and Lynd Cross buildings.
• The trees and soft landscaping facing Albion Way is to be retained and enhanced maintaining a screen from traffic noise. The existing trees in Bishopric west are to be retained and enhanced with new soft landscaping beds underneath incorporating new seating. Areas of shade are being retained and enhanced with the reprovision of commercial parasols to the outdoor dining areas extending seasonal use and the overall number of dining covers to support existing and future business operations.
• The landscape proposals for Bishopric West form part of the wider proposals to replace and introduce more 'urban greening' in Springfield Road and Worthing Road as part of a comprehensive public realm enhancement meeting current and future needs.

Subject to the outcome of the debate at Policy and Scrutiny Committee and Full Council, the overall programme is now estimated to be as follows:

Oct 2025 - Jan 2026: RIBA Stage 4 Technical Construction Design and all necessary consents.

Feb 2026 - Apr 2027: RIBA Stage 5 Construction of Bishopric scheme.

May 2027: RIBA Stage 6 Handover.

Capitol Theatre Refurbishment

The committee received an update on the Capitol Theatre refurbishment project from the Head of Leisure and Culture.

The report provided an update on the Capitol refurbishment project and sought various approvals to give effect to further its implementation.

In February 2024 Council approved a budget of £10.7m for a programme to deliver a major refurbishment of the Capitol Theatre. Between March and September 2024 this project was developed to the end of RIBA Stage 3.

In October 2024 a decision was made not to proceed with the project as originally designed due to a significant escalation of project costs outlined in the RIBA Stage 3 cost plan.

The above decision activated a 13 week pause period where the project was reviewed and rescoped. As part of this some of the main structural improvements were not deemed possible within the approved budget. This included replacing the glass box foyer and associated entrance improvements, remodelling of interior spaces, increased theatre seating capacity and structural alterations, reorientation of Screen 1 and the additional first floor toilets.

In March 2025 Council approved a revised project scope which to deliver the refurbishment across two financial years - 2025/26 and 2026/27. Council approved a budget of £10.2m for the project.

The venue was planned to close from April 2025 under the initial project plan. There is generally a 12-month lead in time to book shows for the theatre which meant that there was a period whereby the theatre could only be used for cinema. Therefore to make best use of this period, the first phase of the project delivery focused on essential repairs to the building so it could remain functional.

This included roof repairs, progressing building surveys, checking the effectiveness of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems and asbestos surveys. It also included the purchase of equipment to allow the venue to remain operational such as the cinema projectors which had reached the end of their life and were failing. This approach enabled maximum value to be gained from that period where there were no bookings. The Capitol Team also managed to pull together an Autumn 2025 programme and schedule a pantomime for December 2025.

Phase 2 of the project will commence in January 2