Can you take a minute to sign this petition for Horsham FC re: new ground?

[tinx]

I was really hoping they would give permission to building the gorund at Holbrook cos I live about 2 minutes walk away and it would have been most convenient walking up the road to watch the football.

I had abuse from one of my neighbours because I refused to sign the petition against the ground and said I really hoped it would be built. He kept on going on about all the football hooligans in the area which I laughed at seeing as the 400 or so Horsham regulars are as far away form Hooligans you could possibly get.

 

[Alex Alex Dawson oo! oo!]

My understanding is there were no official planning reasons for turning down the plans.

The planning application was rejected by Horsham DC in July; in summary, the reasons were:
1) Highway safety and parking issues not adequately addressed in the application, liable to result in increased on street parking and loss of amenity to nearby residents.
2) Likely to lead to loss of amenity and general disturbance to adjoining residential occupiers.

Both criteria are consistent with the West Sussex Structure Plan and Horsham DC's Local Development Framework Control Policies - ie should (imo) have been obvious to the FC before submission.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Horsham's search for a new ground is a very long and complicated one.

As someone who has watched them many, many times (and played at Queens Street too on numerous ocassions) I do feel some sympathy for the club. Frank is a good man, and always wants what is best for the club, but the club are themselves certainly not blameless in the situation they now find themselves in.

They have clearly had much bad advise over the years.

Let's remember that when the Athletics track at Broadbridge Heath was built on the old Army site (along with Tescos) Horsham FC were offered land there at the time to relocate. They failed to take up the offer, ran up huge debts, and sold their ground.

They sold the ground MANY years ago, and have still not found a suitable site, although this has not been for lack of trying. However all three of the locations they have come up with have been deemed unsuitable for one reason or another.(Holbrook being the latest after Hop Oast and Brighton Road)

IMO, despite it being rejected by the Council, Holbrook Club might still be possible - the Councillors rejected it due to pressure from locals - not due to planning reasons - it is not as some have claimed a huge 'stadium' - covering the whole of the site, and whilst it would impact on other sports there, let's remember HFC do actually own the site. If they fail to get permission then it WILL go to a developer who will build houses on it in time (maybe not in the short term.)

So an appeal my succeed.

What would locals rather have - 700/800 new houses (with the traffic that they would bring) or a small purpose built ground with 400 people going there once or twice a fortnight?

 

[The Timekeeper]

Done. Only 54 signatures at present. Come on sign up.

 

[Jello]

Signed. Horsham born and bred, but I escaped south a while ago.

 

[Giraffe]

Done

 

[Pondicherry]

Disagree that it will go to a property developer if planning permission is refused. The Holbrook Club itself are in a position now to make some sort of offer for the freehold and this is a buyers market. Most likely scenario IMHO is - any appeal will fail (original decision was unanimous) - Council find another site for Horsham FC - Horsham FC forced to sell Holbrook freehold to the Holbrook Sports Club. The thing I find hardest to understand is who and why someone thought it was a good idea to spend £2.4 million on land for which it was at best unlikely that planning permission for a stadium would be granted.

 

[Motogull]

Done.

 

[Early Doors]

I was really hoping they would give permission to building the gorund at Holbrook cos I live about 2 minutes walk away and it would have been most convenient walking up the road to watch the football.

I had abuse from one of my neighbours because I refused to sign the petition against the ground and said I really hoped it would be built. He kept on going on about all the football hooligans in the area which I laughed at seeing as the 400 or so Horsham regulars are as far away form Hooligans you could possibly get.

I also live 2 mins walk from there, and was looking forward to convenient local football. And as a member of the Holbrook club, could enjoy a good few before and after the game

Don't think it will happen though.

 

[hitony]

Just signed will make it a sticky for you.

 

[champion7]

Done

 

[philsussex]

done

 

[withdeanwombat]

Done.

 

[Wexford Gull]

No No No

 

[lizard]

Does anyone know how to get ink off my monitor?

 

[Trigger]

Of course I will Richie dear boy.

 

[sullyshuffle]

Thank you for all your support so far. The council have doing nothing to support the club in its search, unlike the Brighton council.
The town got far more publicity from the wonderful FA Cup run lst season then it does from entering the Britain in Bloom. Perhaps they are concerned that the football hooligans will destroy all the flower beds around the town!
Please continue to show your support.

 

[strings]

Signed.

726 signatures now.

 

[B.W.]

Done!

 

[Pevenseagull]

done