PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU SIGN YOU CONFIRM YOUR SIGNATURE FROM THE EMAIL THEY WILL SEND YOU, IF YOU DONT DO IT IT WILL NOT COUNT.

We, the undersigned residents of Kilnwood Vale Estate and the surrounding community of Crawley and Horsham Users of the A264, urgently call for immediate action to resolve the ongoing flooding on the A264, which critically affects our right to safe, timely, and unhindered access to our homes.

Key Concerns:
 1. Safety and Access: The recurrent flooding of the A264 makes existing access points impassable, compromising safety and hindering emergency services. This is supported by the 2015 Planning Inspectorate decision and the 2022 case confirming that emergency routes must remain open during flooding.
 2. Convenience and Legitimacy: The flooding forces residents into lengthy detours, undermining their legitimate right to safe and timely access. This disrupts daily routines and places undue stress on residents, affecting their quality of life.
 3. Freedom of Movement: The flooding infringes upon our freedom of movement, causing delays that impact commuting to work, college, and schools. What should be a short journey often becomes a prolonged, frustrating delay.
 4. Environmental Impact: The prolonged flooding, unaddressed for years, leads to increased carbon emissions and environmental harm. Ensuring permanent access will help reduce these impacts and promote sustainability.
 5. Right of Access for Emergency Services: Permanent access is crucial for both residents and emergency services. Their ability to reach the estate promptly during floods is essential for public safety. This is supported by both the 2015 Planning Inspectorate decision and the 2022 case.

6. Lega and Enjoyment of Roads: While not absolute, the legal frameworks, including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the National Planning Policy Framework, ensure that residents have the right to safe and reasonable access to their properties. This supports our right to enjoy the roads and access our homes without undue obstruction.

7. Responsibility of Horsham Council: We urge Horsham Council to coordinate with all relevant stakeholders—estate management (Preim), construction company (Crest Nicholson), public transport (Metrobus), and surveillance camera operators— as well all the agencies in charge to ensure a cohesive solution that guarantees permanent and safe access via the Sullivan Drive roundabout.

8.Long-Term Impact of Climate Change on Flooding: As we face the challenges of climate change, Horsham is seeing more frequent and intense rainfall. According to the Met Office, autumn and winter rainfall in the region has increased by approximately 15%, and the UK Climate Resilience Programme predicts that with a 2°C rise in global temperatures, intense rainfall events will become even more common. This trend means that flooding is not just a temporary issue but a persistent one that will likely worsen over time. Therefore, it’s crucial that we take proactive measures now to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of all residents. Addressing this issue is not only about immediate concerns but also about preparing for the long-term impacts of climate change.

Our Request:

We strongly urge the Horsham Council to:

• Implement effective flood management strategies to prevent future flooding on A264
• Ensure the A264  is permanently accessible by all users guaranteeing consistent and safe access to the surrounding towns.
• Ensure the Sullivan Drive roundabout entrance is permanently open to Kilnwood Vale residents, guaranteeing consistent and safe access to the estate.
• Coordinate with all involved parties to ensure a collaborative and sustainable solution.

By addressing these concerns, we will ensure the safety, convenience, and well-being of our community, road users. We believe that every resident, user deserves reliable and safe access to their homes, and with your support, we can push for meaningful change.