The councillor surgery will not operate in August as is customary. We are looking forward to see you again in September, on the first Saturday of the month. Would you like to stay up to date with the latest news of Southwater? Subscribe to our newsletter on the bottom of the page.

The Downslink Play Area will be closed on Wednesday 30 th July to carry out essential maintenance works. The Spinner Bowl at this play area will be out of use from Wednesday the 30th July, due to essential maintenance works being carried out. We hope to have this piece of equipment ready for use again asap. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.   Spinner Bowl at Downslink Play area A reminder of the other play areas in Southwater for you to enjoy :   Larkspur Way Play Area Warren Drive Play Area Cornflower Way Play Area Roman Lane Play Area Nutham Lane Play Area Eversfield Play Area The Ghyll Play Area Southwater Country Park

West Sussex County Council has announced a temporary road closure of Shipley Road, Shipley CP, in the Horsham District, effective from 22nd July 2025. This closure, made under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, applies to the section of Shipley Road outside Mole Hole. The emergency closure will remain in place for a maximum of 21 days, with works expected to be completed by 25th July 2025. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and workforce while BT carries out excavation works to restore a loss of service. The restriction will operate 24 hours a day. An alternative route will be clearly signposted on site. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians within the affected area. For further information, please contact BT on 0800 023 2450. Dated: 22nd July 2025

We're thrilled to share that 11 local young people  have just been approved for financial assistance through our Duke of Edinburgh's Award Living Legacy Fund , helping them take on this new adventure. Through the Legacy Fund, at this round, SPC have supported: ✅ 6 Silver Award participants ✅ 5 Bronze Award participants. This funding helps cover vital costs like registration fees, campsite fees  or equipment for the expedition stage of the award. These successful applications came through our ongoing partnership with Southwater Youth Project CIO and their Youth Worker, Angie Choat , who continue to do incredible work as a DofE Centre supporting and inspiring local young people. We are still accepting applications for this funding. Find out more and contact us to apply . Let’s keep supporting our young people to develop confidence, resilience and new skills that will last a lifetime. #DukeofEdinburghAward #DoE #DofE #Southwater #TheLivingLegacyFund

We are grateful for the constructive input from residents on our bin survey earlier this year, the feedback we received is helping us to identify areas of the village where changes, improvements could be implemented regarding the bins. Also, in alignment with our Climate Change Action Plan , we now welcome a new general waste and mixed recycling bin by the bus stop at Cripplegate corner. General waste bins can also be used for the disposal of dog waste, so if you walk your dog in that area, please feel free to use the new general waste bin for that purpose. The recycling bin operates with the same rules as any other mixed recycling bin, but if you require some guidance on the rules, please visit HDC's website.

The One Day RPII Routine Inspectors Course, organised by our Senior Operations Officer, went ahead successfully on Tuesday 15 th  July. It was organised and attended by the Senior Operations Officer, our Litter Warden and Play Area Inspectors, together with persons from other Parish Councils and organisations in Sussex who have responsibilities for their respective play areas and facilities. Southwater Parish Council hosted the training so that costs could be shared and assist other Parish Councils.   The course was both theory and practical based and our Litter Warden and Play Area Inspectors also carried out the RPII Routine examination which means they are competent to carry out routine visual inspections of our play areas, knowing what to look for and report on, promoting safety above all. The course is for people who are responsible for the routine weekly inspections of play areas, covering the responsibilities and requirements. The Council recognises the importance of ‘play and recreation’ and we are fortunate to have eight playgrounds within our Parish Boundary. 7 of these play areas are managed by us and our team is working hard to make sure the children can enjoy these areas safely and for as long as possible. Check out our playgrounds here.

Here are a few local, organised, group walks that you can join in Southwater: Wellbeing Walks in Southwater - As part of Horsham District Wellbeing program. Level 1, Distance: 2.6 miles Duration: 75 mins Walk 1009. Meet in the car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 9UN). Along bridleways and country lanes and return via the Downs Link. No stiles but can be muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. The café and toilets at the Park will be open. There is a parking charge at Southwater Country Park. Sorry, but no dogs are allowed on this walk. Contact Sue on 07751092103 for more information. Conversation Starter Project - Walk & Talk This friendly group meets every Friday by ‘Iggy’ the dinosaur in Lintot Square, at 12pm. These walks are FREE, there is no need to book in advance and are open to anyone over 18, registered assistance dogs are also welcome. Join Southwater WI Walking Group The walking Sub Committee is led by four WI members, Gillian Pinkard, Suzanne Lewis, Tricia Gardiner & Debbie Hallgren. Look out on the group's Facebook page  and emails for different walks, at various times of day/week and varying levels of walking ability.   Visit their website   for contact details and to see their other activities. Southwater Community Partnership - Walks Join their Facebook group  for more information. Men Walk & Talk They meet at end of the Causeway / entrance to St Mary's Church every other Saturday and the walks start at 10AM - 11AM. Check out their calendar here. Fancy just exploring? Please click the links below for details of a few local walking routes and maps to help you explore Southwater on foot. Southwater Southwater Heritage Trail Southwater South & Shipley Every step you take is a step towards a healthier you!

Children of all ages can combine reading with nature and the great outdoors at West Sussex libraries when taking part in Story Garden, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. The annual initiative aims to encourage kids to keep reading over the school holidays with rewards available for completing the challenge, including a special medal and certificate.The challenge runs right across the summer and children aged 4 to 11 can join in anytime from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 13 September. It’s free to take part and you just need a library card, available from all West Sussex libraries. Meanwhile, little ones aged four and under can join the Story Garden Mini Challenge and collect stickers as they share library books over the summer , before receiving a special gold sticker and certificate when they finish.   Councillor Duncan Crow, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “The challenge is not only a fun activity for young people to take part in, but it also helps to improve their reading skills and confidence. This supports a key priority of Our Council Plan which is to help people fulfil their potential.  “Over 340,000 books were read by children and young people in West Sussex last summer and almost 10,000 children took part in the challenge. It’s fantastic to see a consistently high number of children getting involved each year. The challenge is free to join and I would urge all children and families to sign up and take part at their nearest library.” Some of the council’s libraries are appealing for volunteers aged 14 and over to support staff in promoting the challenge and in return develop their skills and gain valuable experience working with children and families. See West Sussex Libraries  for full details of how to sign up to the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, and how to volunteer.

When: Tuesday 5 th  August at 7.30pm Where: Southwater Village Hall Everyone is welcome to attend   Community Partnerships are run by the community, for the community.  They are not for profit, non-political/religious, non-lobbying organisations made up entirely of volunteers. The Southwater Community Partnership's aims to work together on issues and projects of interest and concern to Southwater and its surrounding communities, and to secure its long-term viability as a centre for social, business and cultural activities, and maintain the heritage associated with Southwater. If you would like to learn more, visit their website at www.southwatercp.org.uk or contact them at info@southwatercp.org.uk Southwater Community Partnership Logo

This survey was conducted to gather feedback from residents of Southwater Parish on how effectively the Parish Council communicates news, decisions, meetings, services and general information. The aim was to understand current perceptions, preferences, and barriers in accessing Council-related information, and to explore potential improvements in communication methods to better serve and engage the community. Whilst this survey was not as popular amongst residents as previous questionnaires, we still had a total of 64 responses that are important to consider. Thank you to everyone who participated in our latest survey, your opinion matters! Access the Communication Survey Results here.

Southwater residents are invited to a free, resident-led educational evening exploring the contributions of Black inventors and scientists during the Industrial Revolution. Date : Thursday 17 July 2025 Time : 6:00 – 9:00 pm Location : Lintot Pub, Lintot Square, Southwater, RH13 9LA This community event features a talk by local resident Paul Phoenix on historical figures Lewis Latimer and Elijah McCoy, as well as poetry readings and a special guest appearance by BBC broadcaster and author Paul Waters. The event supports the local Veterans Network and includes light a finger buffet. It is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Travel : Bus 23 or 98 from Horsham bus or train station, stops nearby. Further details and registration : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-heroes-of-the-industrial-revolution-tickets-1409518570989 This event is independently organised by a local resident and shared here for community interest.

News that has come to light today reveals that the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal for the development of up to 800 homes and a sports and leisure hub at Horsham Golf Club. This decision , released on 11 July 2025, has significant implications for Southwater and the wider Horsham District - particularly in the absence of an up-to-date Local Plan. Why does this matter? The Inspector’s decision highlights the district’s lack of a five-year housing land supply, the outdated status of the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) and lack of a new Local Plan for the Horsham District. As a result, the Inspector applied the "tilted balance" under Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF, which favours sustainable development unless the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. This means that speculative development, even outside settlement boundaries, can now be approved if it meets broader sustainability criteria under the NPPF. What does this mean for Southwater? The Inspector acknowledged that the development would cause moderate landscape harm and some loss of tranquillity between Horsham and Southwater. However, considered that these harms were outweighed by the substantial benefits they listed: Delivery of 800 homes, including 280 affordable homes A £750,000 contribution to improve local bus services New sports and leisure facilities A local centre with retail and co-working space A net biodiversity gain of over 10% The Inspector also noted that greenfield sites on the edge of settlements like Horsham and Southwater will be necessary to meet housing needs, given the District Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. The role - and limits - of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan The Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP), adopted in June 2021, was designed to give our community a stronger voice in shaping local development. However, as this appeal decision makes clear, even the strongest Neighbourhood Plan cannot override national planning rules when the district’s Local Plan is out of date. Because Horsham District Council (HDC) has failed to adopt a new Local Plan and cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, the Inspector had to apply the “tilted balance” under national planning policy (Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF). This means that planning permission should be granted unless the harm clearly outweighs the benefits, a very high bar. What this means in practice is that Southwater’s Neighbourhood Plan while still material and carries weight, based on the Planning Inspectorate’s Decision, it appears it does not carry enough weight to resist speculative or large-scale development, especially on greenfield land at the edge of settlements. This is unfortunately a consequence of there being no up-to-date Local Plan for the District. Unless the SNP is formally reviewed and updated before June 2026, it will lose the protections it currently benefits from under Paragraph 14 of the NPPF. Without this, Southwater could be exposed to even more speculative development with fewer tools available to resist it. What is the Parish Council doing? Following this news, we will be urgently reviewing options and the position of our Neighbourhood Plan and will provide updates on what can be done to protect Southwater from further large-scale developments in view of there being no up-to-date HDC Local Plan. What can you do? We urge all residents to: Stay informed about the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan processes. Participate in future consultations and public meetings. Support the Parish Council's efforts to review the SNP and protect Southwater's character. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Your voice matters - together, we can help shape the future of Southwater.

It's no secret that there are amazing volunteers who work very hard to help the elderly in the village. Last week, one of these small group of lovely people, who run the Games Afternoon at the Village Hall, combined forces with Age UK to make the day a bit more special. AGE UK provided a delicious hot meal for everyone and the attendees could enjoy their usual games after they finished their lunch. Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Bettina and Dom are regularly present at these events to help out and this time our Community Engagement Officer also attended to give a pair of extra hands to help where needed. Everyone seemed to have a great time and new friendships were formed. Volunteers are always welcome at these events and if you have a couple hours a week to spare, and would like to put it to good use, please contact Teresa Longdon at 07957449701 or Chris Cribb at 07854826724. They will appreciate every little help.

The Full Council Agenda for 16th July 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By choosing to refuse single-use plastics for one month, individuals, schools, businesses, and communities can help create cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful spaces. The challenge is simple: reduce or eliminate single-use plastics from your daily life throughout the month of July. Whether it's bringing your own reusable coffee cup, switching to a bar of soap instead of a plastic bottle, or saying no to plastic straws, every action makes a difference. Plastic Free July is about progress, not perfection. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our plastic use, make more sustainable choices, and inspire others to do the same. Take the challenge Share your efforts Help reduce plastic waste To sign up or find ideas to get started, visit www.plasticfreejuly.org . Let’s take steps together toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

Recently, there has been some awful and hate filled talk about staff and councillors. There has not been a shred of evidence of wrongdoing, and it has been driven by a few residents who hold the council at fault, by the association with an application to build a 3G football pitch by The Ghyll CIO charity. Staff and councillors have received abuse and threats, and I must take steps to protect them. This awful behaviour must stop now. I find it hard to believe that there are people in our community who can behave in such a way. Calls to bring down the council are inciteful of hatred. Only too recently we saw the result of such behaviour elsewhere. If the council was to fall, the cost of reestablishing a new council would be significant and that would fall directly to all the residents. The psychological harm done to those affected is also significant. I, and other councillors will be at the usual Surgery we hold, this Saturday at 10.00am. If you wish to speak to us face to face, please come. I hope those who have posted these awful messages, reread what they have said and at the very least apologise. Yours sincerely, Cllr Derek Moore

As reported at the Planning Committee meeting of 2 nd July 2025, the Council can confirm that a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) A2 notice was served in full to SPC on 17 th  June 2025 by a resident for the addition of a path across The Ghyll playing field from the Southeast corner of the field to the western side, just south of the play area through the damaged fence.  SPC is yet to receive any correspondence from West Sussex County Council (WSCC) confirming the application. Subsequently, a CA16 landowner deposit was submitted to WSCC pursuant to S31(6) of the Highway Act 1980 and s15A(1) Commons Act 2006, where the Council is landowner of The Ghyll.  The submission follows after being served notice of the DMMO A2 Notice. This is a standard legal process available to all landowners, and it does not affect any existing rights of way. In making this deposit, the Council is clarifying its position regarding the current access and land use to protect the land from future claims for unrecorded rights of way or town and village green being made without the Council’s involvement or opportunity to review the evidence beforehand. The current access arrangements as managed and permitted by Southwater Ghyll CIO have not been altered. This simply ensures that any future claims to record new public rights over the land follow the relevant legal criteria and are supported by evidence that meets the statutory tests. The Ghyll continues to benefit from planning protection under Policy SNP7 of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, which designates the site as a Formal/Informal Sports Area. SNP7 ensures that land, as specified under the policy, is used for formal or informal sporting and recreational activities and is safeguarded for the benefit of current and future generations. For clarity, the existing Public Right of Way 1678, which runs along the eastern boundary of The Ghyll, lies outside of the land under Southwater Parish Council’s ownership and is not affected by the CA16 submission. Further details, including a copy of the CA17 notice that had been displayed by WSCC at The Ghyll, and the landowner deposit record will be available on the West Sussex County Council website which is the local authority responsible for these matters.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is developing its next  Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026–2030 , and they want to hear from you. The CRMP outlines how the service will prevent fires and emergencies, protect people and property, respond effectively to incidents, support staff wellbeing, and make the best use of resources such as vehicles, stations, and technology. It’s a vital plan that ensures the service meets the evolving needs of our communities. This public survey is your chance to help identify what matters most—whether it's wildfire risk, flooding, road traffic collisions, house fires, or other emergencies in your area. Your feedback will directly influence how priorities are set and how resources are allocated in the years ahead. If you live, work, or travel through West Sussex, your opinion matters. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey and help make your community safer. Complete the survey here

The June Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2025

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 5th July 2025 from 10:00AM in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity for you to speak with your Parish, District and County Councillors and raise any queries/concerns and share ideas you may have. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Cllr Steven Lewis has resigned from Southwater Parish Council after several years of dedicated service to the local community. First elected in 2019, he served diligently until his resignation in 2025, including a year as Vice Chairman. Throughout his tenure, he contributed significantly across a wide range of Council responsibilities. He sat on several key committees, including Finance and General Purpose, Planning, Human Resources, Health and Safety, and the Neighbourhood Wardens Steering Group. He also represented the Council on the Village Hall Committee and maintained strong relationships with local groups and societies within the Parish. A retired Police Officer and Civil Servant, Cllr Lewis brought a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to public safety and community wellbeing. His passion for safeguarding extended beyond the Council, as he also served as Safeguarding Officer for Horsham Rugby Club. The Parish Council extends its thanks to Cllr Lewis for his years of service and commitment to Southwater and wishes him all the best for the future.

To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting  or view the agenda on the noticeboard situated outside Beeson House.

Tree Works will be carried out within the Parish on Southwater Parish Council operated land as identified by a tree survey conducted at the end of 2024. Commencement of Tree Works is scheduled to take place from Monday 7th July 2025 and they are anticipated to last for 12 weeks. Oxleas Tree Care Ltd. will be carrying out the work in the immediate future.  Minimal disruption is anticipated, should you have any queries please contact the Parish Office. Please find our contact details here. Thank you.

Following up on the recent update from Horsham District Council's Parks and Countryside newsletter : Tucked away in a small woodland in Southwater lives a special and elusive resident – the hazel dormouse. These charming creatures, with their golden-brown fur, large black eyes, and bushy tails, are not only a joy to spot but also a vital part of the woodland ecosystem. Photo: Woodland Trust UK Hazel dormice have a varied diet that changes with the seasons: they feed on shrub flowers in the spring, insects in the summer, and fruits and nuts in the autumn. As temperatures drop, they hibernate on the ground through the winter months, often in tightly woven nests hidden among leaf litter. Unfortunately, dormice are thought to be in decline across the UK, largely due to the loss and poor management of woodland habitats. To help support the local population, the Countryside Team of Horsham District Council carried out hazel coppicing earlier this year – a traditional method of woodland management that encourages new growth and provides ideal conditions for dormice. In addition, a licensed ecologist is conducting regular surveys as part of the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme. Supporting this effort, the local community group Men’s in Sheds Horsham have kindly volunteered to craft wooden nest boxes, offering safe and secure homes for these tiny mammals. Dormouse Box in Southwater by Men's in Sheds Horsham Fascinating Facts About Hazel Dormice: Dormice are excellent climbers and rarely come down to the ground, except during hibernation. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping, becoming active only at night. Dormice can hibernate for up to six months depending on the weather – and may enter a state called “torpor” in cold summer spells. The presence of hazel dormice is a good indicator of a healthy, well-managed woodland. Their nests are beautifully woven from strips of bark and grasses – and lined with leaves for insulation. Protecting hazel dormice is a community effort, and thanks to ongoing conservation work and local support, Southwater’s woodland remains a safe haven for these precious little animals.

West Sussex County Council has announced a proposed temporary daytime closure of Thistle Way in Southwater to carry out essential footway repairs. The works are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, at 9:30 AM and are expected to conclude by 3:30 PM on Thursday, 3rd July 2025. During this period, both the road and footway will be closed between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM each day. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workforce and the public while the repair works are in progress. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians throughout the duration of the closure. Further updates will be provided once the details are confirmed. For more information, the public is encouraged to visit one.network  or contact West Sussex County Council directly at 01243 642105.

In light of recent public discussion regarding the works carried out to the permitter path (um) at The Ghyll, Southwater Parish Council wishes to provide clarification on the status of public rights of way (PROW) and other informal access routes on this site.   Established Public Rights of Way There are a number of officially designated public rights of way recorded on the West Sussex County Council Definitive Map that run adjacent to The Ghyll. These routes are protected in law and shown clearly on the public mapping system maintained by WSCC. The Parish Council fully supports the public's ongoing use of these recorded rights of way. Reference PROW 1678 (path highlighted in violet/purple).   [Credit: iMAP West Sussex County Council website] Informal or Unauthorised Routes It is important to distinguish between these legally recorded footpaths and other informal routes that have developed over time. Some of these routes appear to have been created through unauthorised access including instances where boundary fencing was deliberately removed and/or damaged. These informal paths are not designated public rights of way and should not be interpreted as evidence of landowner intention to dedicate access. Any access outside the recorded PROW network remains entirely permissive, revocable, and at the discretion of the landowner (Southwater Parish Council) and licensee (Southwater Ghyll CIO).   Clarification Following Recent Communications A recent social media post shared by Councillor Nikki Knott sought to reassure residents that “ established routes ” at The Ghyll remain available for public use. For clarity, this reference was intended to apply specifically to designated and legally recorded public rights of way. It was not intended to imply that any informal paths (path um) at the site are formally recognised or protected. Similarly, recent correspondence from the Council regarding vegetation works and fencing maintenance has been misinterpreted in some cases. The Council’s communications have referred only to maintenance of existing mapped routes, and not to any intention to endorse or support informal, unrecorded paths.   Recent Works and Vegetation Clearance Additional concerns had been raised as to why the work had been carried out to improve access to the unmade (um) path depicted on the Title Plan for the land and also featured on the WSCC online map of paths. Vegetation clearance recently undertaken at The Ghyll was carried out in accordance with the Council’s duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984. The works focused on restoring access to an existing mapped perimeter route (path um) and managing overgrowth which had compromised site visibility, fencing, and public safety. No new footpaths were created.   Why This Clarification Has Been Issued The Council is aware of recent statements and assumptions suggesting that all paths currently used at The Ghyll are legally designated rights of way. This is not the case. Only those recorded on the Definitive Map carry that legal status. This statement is provided to ensure the public has accurate information and to reaffirm the Council’s ongoing support for lawful access and responsible land management.     Further Information To view the official West Sussex County Council map of public rights of way, please visit: iMap - West Sussex County Council   For any further enquiries or to report damage to Council-owned land, please contact the Parish Office at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk .

Amongst the many anniversaries Southwater celebrates this year (25 years old trees at Millenium Wood, 100 years old Village Hall and 175 years old Church) we must not forget about our Allotments at Easteds Lane and their 25th year. The lovely community of Easteds Allotments (contact info here) are holding an Open Day for the community of Southwater to celebrate the 25 years anniversary. everyone is invited. When? Sunday 29th June 2025 11AM-3PM Where? Easteds Allotments Easteds Lane Southwater RH13 9XR (Located off Cedar Drive) Their poster offers more details below:

The Southwater Infant and Junior Academies PTFA is thrilled to announce the return of its much-loved Summer Fair on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 12–4 PM. Taking place across both school campuses, this vibrant community event promises a fun-filled afternoon for families in Southwater and Horsham. Sponsored by Cubitt & West (Southwater), the fair will feature over 20 local businesses, exciting games, and a wide range of attractions including the new Area 51 inflatable laser tag arena, a 33ft obstacle course, Bungee Run, and fan favorites like Teddy Spin to Win and Hook a Duck. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, delicious food, and a variety of shopping stalls. This year introduces a Grand Summer Prize Draw with cash prizes of up to £250 and luxury hampers. Entry is just £1 for adults, 50p for children, and free for preschoolers, with all proceeds supporting school initiatives and local causes. To get involved or for more details, visit the PTFA’s social media pages or email: southwateracademiesptfa@gmail.com . Don’t miss what’s set to be one of Horsham’s biggest school fairs of the summer!