There is a Win-Win-Win scenario to HFC and Holbrook, let’s find it!

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:28:08 GMT

The Editor

West Sussex County Times

14-16 Market Square

Horsham

RH12 1HD

22/4/2008

Subject: There is a Win-Win-Win scenario to HFC and Holbrook, let’s find it!

Dear Sir,

At the latest North Horsham Parish Council Holbrook Community meeting held in the small but very packed back room of North Heath Hall, the idea that there is a Win-Win-Win scenario to the HFC and Holbrook dilemma was floated and received quite a warm reception – most surprising, given that the gathering was not shall we say of HFC supporters or their Planning Application.

There should be no doubt that the residents of Holbrook with the help of the newly formed Holbrook Neighbourhood Action Group (HNAG) will oppose this application, we hope for hundreds of objections “on proper planning grounds”. Opposing this football stadium application only on the grounds that it is in Holbrook would simply see HNAG labelled NIMBY’s, however unsuitable HNAG feel the site on which The Holbrook Club operates (under lease) to be. So there needs to be another way of approaching this problem, Holbrook Neighbourhood Action Group believe that HFC need Horsham’s collective help, to find a location for a stadium worthy of their talents and their aspirations (and that location is not in Holbrook).

What do HNAG mean by Win-Win-Win?

We, the residents of Holbrook need an outcome whereby : WIN (1) HFC get their stadium in the correct situ of the edge of the town (not Holbrook) WIN (2) Holbrook residents have this potential blight removed and peace and quiet is restored and WIN(3) The Holbrook Club are permitted security of tenure for a minimum of 21- 25 years (if not allowed to purchase the freehold of the site), they are permitted to survive and thrive and the important community asset/service that The Holbrook Club provide be allowed to continue.

To achieve this there needs to be dialogue between all parties HFC, HDC, NHPC, THC and Holbrook Community Action Group (for Holbrook Residents) this also could include our WSCC Councillor Peter Catchpole, we (HNAG) ask “Is there the will to see this happen?”

At last nights (21^st) meeting, there were representatives from all the above organisations except Horsham Football Club. Without wishing to antagonise HFC, the general feeling around the room was that they have through the whole process been illusive and non-communicative. But, others believed that their silence showed that they were really not “good neighbours” not just to Holbrook but to the whole of Horsham.

HNAG believe now is the time to test whether HFC “really want to be good neighbours to Horsham as a whole”. Even though HFC have “gambled” on the Holbrook Club site, they must know deep down that the site is unsuitable for their mid to longer term aspirations.

A site on the extremity of Horsham (and not in the middle of a dense residential area such as Holbrook) is the correct solution. As this would allow for the full range of required revenue earners (to provide that much needed extra income) and for club expansion, purchase of better (more expensive) players and promotion say to the Football Conference – this should be the aim.

So are HFC willing to enter into a dialogue that would have them exit from this application and the Holbrook Club site? Are HFC willing to show the residents of Holbrook and the population of Horsham District that they can be “good neighbours”?

Lest anyone think that we are brow-beating HFC, please believe us when we say that we are not. We wish them well for a future outside of Holbrook and in a location “worthy of the club, its efforts in this year’s F.A Cup and its long-term aspirations for promotion”. It is here that Horsham District Council and other statutory bodies will need to play their part and help HFC find ”that site”, and not go for the “quick and dirty fix” of invading a quiet residential area such as Holbrook with this football stadium and all that comes along with it.

That then is HNAG’s “challenge” to all parties and we look forward to their positive responses.

J G Rae (Jim)

Horsham Neighbourhood Action Group

(1) This is to be considered as an “Open-Letter to all Parties”

(2) This letter is to be uploaded as is on the web by HNAG at a later date.

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There is a Win-Win-Win scenario to HFC and Holbrook, let’s find it!