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Plans to build up to 800 homes between Southwater and Horsham have been refused.

The outline application for the site by Worthing Road, which included a sports and leisure hub, was rejected by Horsham District Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

While a number of councillors initially backed the idea – notably the sports provision – the extent of housing gave was a cause for concern.

Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Grant said the application from developers Generator Group was "enticing" but was "crashing on the rocks" due to lack of infrastructure.

Planning officers gave nine reasons to reject the plans, which included the fact the site was outside the built-up area boundary and was not allocated for development in local plans.

They also felt the site would lack a "safe and suitable" access.

The council received 827 objections to the plans and 78 letter of support, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A petition from the Keep Denne Hill Green community group attracted more than 3,500 signatures online.

Spokesman Nigel Langridge told the meeting more than half of those involved were concerned about the loss of green space and the impact on wildlife.

Despite the rejection, there was sympathy from councillors for the Horsham Hockey Club and the charity Warren Clark Golfing Dreams, as they both groups would have had a new home in the sports hub.

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