Community use and pre-school at Church Centre Causeway, Horsham

The site

The site was north-west of the Causeway in Horsham’s built-up area, in a listed building and conservation area surrounded mainly by homes.

“The site was located to the north-west of the Causeway, within the designated built-up area of Horsham. The application site comprised a Grade II Listed 3 Building located within the designated Conservation Area, while surrounded by primarily residential properties.”

Minutes

Earlier committee decision

The application had been deferred to obtain further information about noise affecting a neighbouring property.

“REASON FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA: The application was deferred at Committee on 04.02.2024 to seek additional information with respect noise to neighbouring property…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because noise was unlikely to cause nuisance and the proposal was not expected to harm homes, highways or protected sites.

“The Acoustic Attenuation Proposal Report dated 09 June 2025 has demonstrated the existing noise levels experienced by lawful activities within the Barn, where the proposed nursery would not exceed these experienced noise levels. No objection has been raised to the proposed use by the Environmental Health Officer, where it is concluded that the anticipated noise levels would unlikely lead to noise nuisance.”

“As concluded within the previous Committee Report (attached at Appendix A), the proposed development would provide an additional community facility within Horsham Town, and would provide a complementary service to the existing community facility.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health raised no objection, while the neighbourhood council accepted the principle but warned about congestion, parking and children’s safety.

“Representations: 6 letters of Objection have been received from 5 addresses, objecting to the application on the following grounds: - Traffic pressure - Poor access for emergency vehicles - Additional pollution from traffic - Noise pollution - Absence of sound insulation and assessment…”

“Horsham Denne Neighbourhood Council Comments: No Objection in principle but still concerned that at times when parents are dropping off or picking up children, there is potential for congestion, inconsiderate parking, and danger to children. Suggest that a member of staff should be on duty outside to manage appropriate and safe arrival and departure.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Two members of the public spoke in support of the application.

Members’ discussion

Members recognised the need for weekend and public-holiday restrictions and for the noise attenuation report to be secured.

“It was noted that HDC Environmental Health had undertaken acoustic surveys with greater than expected noise levels and would not expect noise nuisance to the neighbouring property.”

“Members recognised the need to add regulatory conditions regarding the weekends and public holidays and include a noise attenuation report.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application, amended nursery hours to exclude bank holidays and required the specified noise measures before first use.

“Regulatory Condition: The day nursery hereby permitted shall only be permitted to operate between the hours of:”

“Pre-Occupation Condition: Prior to the first use hereby approved taking place, the noise mitigations as detailed in the submitted Acoustic Attenuation Proposal Report (dated June 2025) shall be installed in strict accordance with the proposed details, unless otherwise agreed to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: In the interests of neighbouring amenity and in accordance with Policy 33 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015)”

Minutes