Council planners nominated for prestigious planning industry award

Horsham District Council’s Planning Development team have been named as finalists in the category for Excellence in Planning for Health and Wellbeing at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2020.

This is the second year the team has been short listed in these national awards.

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry. Running for over 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.

Planning permission was granted for a new football facility for Horsham Football Club in 2017.   Before moving into their new facility, Horsham Football Club had been homeless for many years and, without its own ground, the future of the club was at risk.  The new ground to the south of Horsham town provides the club with its own facility with two 3G pitches and a club house.  As well as the Horsham Football Club there are numerous other clubs who use the facility including eight First Teams managed by the club with a range between Under 23s and Under 11s.  Outside of the Stadium the Club are also linking up with Horsham District Council’s Ready and Able Club for people with disabilities, where once a month they run a football session for them.

The planning permission for the football facility was not without its challenges and represents a good example of how to bring forward community and sports facilities for the wider benefit of the town.

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Development Cllr Claire Vickers said:

I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for such a prestigious national award which attracts hundreds of competitive entries. I wish to thank our planners for all their hard work and dedication.

Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Development Cllr Claire Vickers

RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI said:

“These outstanding projects, teams and individuals show how planning can have a positive effect on our communities and the environment and how planners can use their expertise and enthusiasm to create inclusive, happy and healthy places and spaces for ourselves and for future generations.

Many congratulations to all the finalists at this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, representing the very best of our profession from not only all the RTPI’s regions and nations but also from countries around the globe.

RTPI President Sue Manns

“I wish them all the best of the luck at the ceremony on 30 April.”

The winners will be announced during a ceremony held at Milton Court Concert Hall in central London on 30 April 2020.

The RTPI champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. It is the only body in the UK that confers Chartered status to planners, the highest professional qualification sought after by employers. It supports its members – over 25,000 worldwide - throughout their careers.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .