Government plans to build 3,000 homes near Gatwick

The site earmarked for west of Ifield sits just a few miles south of Gatwick Airport

The government has submitted plans to build 3,000 homes on land south of Gatwick Airport, in West Sussex.

Homes England wants to build homes, schools, a hotel, healthcare and sports facilities, a community centre and a host of other amenities west of Ifield, on the outskirts of Crawley.

The outline planning application has now been submitted to Horsham District Council and people will be able to have their say on the plans from Thursday until 25 September.

Ruth Fletcher, cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at the council, said: "Public feedback is vital in helping us assess the potential impacts and benefits of this development."

The outline part of the application will cover the 3,000 homes, business, service, storage and industrial buildings, a hotel, community and education facilities, gypsy and traveller pitches, open space and sports pitches, as well as pedestrian and cycle routes.

If the outline application is approved, then a full, more detailed application will be drawn up.

'Major application'

The full element will cover infrastructure such as the Crawley western relief road, access from Charlwood Road, crossing points and access infrastructure for the school site and future development.

"This is a major application with significant implications for our district and its communities," said Ms Fletcher.

"We are committed to ensuring a transparent and inclusive planning process, and I strongly encourage residents, local businesses and community groups to review the proposals and share their views."

Campaign group Save West of Ifield, which is against the proposals, said it would be holding workshops to help anyone who needs guidance on how to respond, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We remain deeply concerned that issues relating to traffic congestion, environmental impact, water resources, social and affordable housing availability, sewage, noise and power supply have not been addressed in the application."

Charlotte O'Mahony, project director at Homes England, said the government wanted to create a place where people could "live, work and thrive".

"Our proposals will not only deliver much needed new homes for the region but also secure investment in new infrastructure, jobs, community facilities.

"We look forward to working with the councils, stakeholders and local residents through the planning application determination process."