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A consultation on proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority for Sussex and Brighton is now open, inviting residents, businesses, and organisations to have their say before the deadline on 13 April 2025. Led by the Government, this consultation aims to gather feedback on governance arrangements, economic growth, public services, and how the authority could reflect local identity. If approved, the combined authority would be overseen by an elected mayor and representatives from East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove councils. This could mean greater local control over key issues such as transport, housing, and employment, allowing decisions to be made closer to home rather than by central government. Local authorities, including Horsham District Council and county councils, will submit their responses, but public participation is crucial. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to take part and share their views by visiting the Government’s website at Sussex and Brighton Devolution - GOV.UK  and reviewing the Government’s press notice at Devolution Priority Programme Consultations Launch - GOV.UK . This is a key opportunity to influence the future governance of Sussex and Brighton, ensuring decisions align with local needs and priorities.

The event is back, due to popular demand. Join our next in-person session providing you with the knowledge on how to spot scams and what to do if you or your family become a victim of online fraud. Southwater Parish Council will be hosting a FREE event on: Thursday 3rd April 2025, 11:30AM till 13:00AM Q&A session after the presentation with the Digital Safety and Fraud Prevention Delivery Officer. There's limited spaces available, but the booking is FREE, please use the link below to book your seat, scan the QR code from the poster or call or email us or the wardens . Are you scam savvy? Click here to book your FREE seat

The Full Council Agenda for 19th March 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council and Southwater Community Partnership invite you to take part in a Community Litter Picking Day  as part of the Great British Spring Clean! Date:  Saturday, 29th March 2025 Time:  10 AM - 4 PM Meeting Point:  Lintot Square, Southwater For Facebook event click here This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference , meet like-minded people , and help keep Southwater clean and green. All equipment will be provided , so just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in, even for a short period of time during the day! Whether you're an individual, a family, or part of a group, your support will help improve the local environment while having fun along the way. Let’s work together for a cleaner, greener future! Poster for community litter picking day

Southwater Parish Council Launches Community Consultations Southwater Parish Council is committed to engaging with residents and ensuring that local voices shape the future of our community. Throughout the year, we will be running a series of short online consultations on various topics, allowing residents to share their opinions and help guide decisions on local matters. Our first consultation focuses on public bins across Southwater , covering everything from general waste bins to recycling and dog waste bins . We want to hear your thoughts on their locations, types, and whether there are enough to meet the needs of our community. These surveys are designed to be quick and easy to complete, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute without taking up too much time. Your feedback is essential in helping us make improvements that benefit all residents. To take part in the consultation, click here and share your thoughts today! Hard copies will be available at Beeson House, please return them to the Parish Office. Scan the QR code to access the survey Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your views on other important local issues throughout the year. For updates on upcoming consultations, follow us on our website and social media and sign up to our newsletter (just scroll to the bottom of the page).

Following the resignation of Councillor Pauline Flores-Moore from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a vacancy at the Council. Statutory Notice May we take the opportunity again to thank Pauline for her contribution to Southwater Parish Council in the last 23 years. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater please see below for more information and visit our " Becoming a councillor " page.

After 23 years of dedicated service, councillor Pauline Flores - Moore has decided to retire from Southwater Parish Council. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and a deep commitment to the community of Southwater. Her Statement: " After 23 incredible years as a councillor, I can honestly say—it’s been quite the ride! Through the ups and downs, what I’ve cherished most is the opportunity to help shape and support our community, even in the toughest times. One of my proudest (and longest!) achievements was finally securing the path on Blakes Farm Road alongside County Councillor Nigel Jupp and Justin Tyler (Executive Officer and RFO) — a mere 20-year project! But knowing it’s made a real difference to safety (including my own) makes every bit of effort worthwhile. That being said, the time has come for me to step down. It’s not a decision I’ve made lightly, and I’ll truly miss this role. But I also believe it’s important for new voices to step forward, bring fresh perspectives, and continue serving our community for all the right reasons. However, I won’t be vanishing! I’ll be putting more energy into the Southwater Community Partnership C.I.C., getting more people involved, and making sure events—especially Christmas—are extra special (because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a festive celebration?). I’ll also continue my work with the ambulance service, as a community first responder ensuring our community gets the care it needs, fast. And since retiring from A&E last year, I’ve taken up golf—turns out, I love it (though my swing is still a work in progress!). I’m truly sorry it has come to this. I believe open dialogue and the Council’s continued efforts on discussing and consulting on potentially sensitive topics should be maintained as this helps us overcome challenges and keeps our community thriving. Thank you for your support over the years;  and being presented with the Freedom of the Parish Award, it has been a privilege. " Southwater Parish Council extends its heartfelt thanks for her outstanding contributions over the years. Her commitment has left an indelible mark on our community, and we are deeply grateful for her dedicated service. We wish her every success in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued involvement within the community.

Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Dominic and Bettina, will be holding their Warden Drop-in Session  at COOP,  Lintot Square on Sat 15 March between 1530 and 1630 hrs. They would welcome the opportunity to talk to residents about any concerns or issues they are experiencing and together find solutions or identify additional support services.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from the date specified below, West Sussex County Council has temporarily closed to all traffic, Two Mile Ash, Southwater CP, in the Horsham District under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, on Two Mile Ash for a distance approx. 63 metres. The temporary closure is scheduled to commence on 17th March 2025 for up to 5 days (it is estimated to be completed on 17th March 2025) and is required for the safety of the public and workforce while West Sussex County Council undertakes a daytime road closure between the junctions with Rye Farm Lane and Marlpost Road for drainage cleaning works. The restriction will be in place day-time only from 09:30 until 15:30. An alternative route will be signed on site but please visit: https://one.network/?tm=141121443 for more details. Access maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians. For information regarding this closure please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105 who will able to assist with scope of these works. Report a problem with a road or pavement Email: ttro@westsussex.gov.uk or raise a highways related enquiry

As part of Volunteers’ Week in 2025, we want to celebrate the amazing volunteers that work in and around Horsham District. Volunteers are the backbone of vibrant communities, dedicating their time and skills to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Their commitment not only supports existing initiatives but also drives the creation of new projects that address emerging challenges. Recognising these invaluable contributions, events like the Horsham District Volunteer Awards celebrate individuals and teams who selflessly serve, such as those honored in categories like the "Biggest Heart Award" and the "Dream Team Award." Nominate someone for an award! Horsham District Volunteer Awards 2025: Follow the link below to see the categories, eligibility and more information on Horsham District Council's website.

The main breeding season for nesting birds usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent, and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to check carefully for active nests prior to cutting. Nearly all nesting birds are protected by law as it is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs. Hence, during this period all reasonable precautions must be taken not to disturb nesting birds, this includes completed nests and nests that are in the process of being built. Old nests from previous years or nests from which the young birds have left this year are not protected. Legally vegetation cut be cut any time of year (except for some mature hedgerows protected by law), however, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which Southwater Parish Council works towards ensuring advice is sought from RSPB where required. In circumstances where works are required during nesting season Southwater Parish Council ensures nesting assessments are carried out by a contractor prior to carrying out the works ensuring they also operate a Wildlife Policy. This includes visual checks of the area to be cut are carried out and identifying if there is the presence of birds acting in an agitated or disturbed manner. Birds constantly flying back and forth to the same area and giving ‘distress calls’ could indicate the presence of a nest. If during cutting, a nest is uncovered, works are immediately ceased in that area and to ensure the nest site is not left uncovered. Southwater Parish Council will not knowingly start work where birds or animals are nesting or roosting unless the works are considered necessary to public safety. If very large areas of scrub or bramble require clearance the work to these areas is carried after the nesting bird season and cleared during the September to February period when nesting bird activity is much lower. It is the responsibility of the Police to enforce the legislation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you become aware of someone cutting a hedge during this period, you may want to consider speaking to them and politely highlight the risk to birds’ nests, and the laws protecting nests. If they were to proceed knowing there is evidently an active nest at risk, please contact the Police on 101, and ask for a reference number. Should you have any further queries please contact Southwater Parish Council or RSPB Wildlife Enquiries on 01767 693690.

Southwater Parish Council is pleased to share an update on the Community Highways Scheme (CHS) application regarding much-needed footway improvements at the junction of Nutham Lane and Cedar Drive. West Sussex County Council has now approved this proposal for inclusion in their works programme, with feasibility and design set to take place across the financial year 2025/26. The scheme aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility by installing a formalised footway on the grass verge between the junction of Nutham Lane and Cedar Drive and the nearby bus stop on Cedar Drive. This improvement will provide a safer walking route for residents and visitors and help ensuring better connectivity in the area.  A consultation letter went out to residents in the surrounding areas and 121 responses were received of which there was 100% support. This was a helpful and vital part of the Community Highways Application, the evidence of wider community support improved the weight of the proposal in the assessment process.   With the scheme now transitioning into the feasibility and design phase, responsibility for its development has been assigned to the Highways Improvements team. While the scheme has been approved for feasibility and design, its construction is subject to future funding availability. Due to current budgetary pressures faced by West Sussex County Council, inclusion in the construction programme for 2026/27 is not guaranteed and remains dependent on the governance process and annual budget approvals. The current aim for this project by WSCC is to complete the feasibility and design process through 2025/26, and then to propose the scheme for delivery as part of the construction programme 2026/27, subject to the governance process outlined above. Southwater Parish Council remains committed to advocating for the successful completion of this project and will continue working closely with West Sussex County Council to monitor the progress. Updates will be shared with the community as the project advances. This scheme represents a positive step towards improving local infrastructure and enhancing pedestrian safety in Southwater. The Parish Council appreciates the community’s support and patience as efforts continue towards making this vital improvement a reality.

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

The main breeding season for nesting birds usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent, and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to check carefully for active nests prior to cutting. Nearly all nesting birds are protected by law as it is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage, or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs. Hence, during this period all reasonable precautions must be taken not to disturb nesting birds, this includes completed nests and nests that are in the process of being built. Old nests from previous years or nests from which the young birds have left this year are not protected. Legally vegetation cut be cut any time of year (except for some mature hedgerows protected by law), however, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) recommend avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which Southwater Parish Council works towards ensuring advice is sought from RSPB where required. In circumstances where works are required during nesting season Southwater Parish Council ensures nesting assessments are carried out by a contractor prior to carrying out the works ensuring they also operate a Wildlife Policy. This includes visual checks of the area to be cut are carried out and identifying if there is the presence of birds acting in an agitated or disturbed manner. Birds constantly flying back and forth to the same area and giving ‘distress calls’ could indicate the presence of a nest. If during cutting, a nest is uncovered, works are immediately ceased in that area and to ensure the nest site is not left uncovered. Southwater Parish Council will not knowingly start work where birds or animals are nesting or roosting unless the works are considered necessary to public safety. If very large areas of scrub or bramble require clearance the work to these areas is carried after the nesting bird season and cleared during the September to February period when nesting bird activity is much lower. It is the responsibility of the Police to enforce the legislation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you become aware of someone cutting a hedge during this period, you may want to consider speaking to them and politely highlight the risk to birds’ nests, and the laws protecting nests. If they were to proceed knowing there is evidently an active nest at risk, please contact the Police on 101, and ask for a reference number. Should you have any further queries please contact Southwater Parish Council or RSPB Wildlife Enquiries on 01767 693690.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from the date specified below, West Sussex County Council has temporarily closed to all traffic, Two Mile Ash, Southwater CP, in the Horsham District under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, on Two Mile Ash for a distance approx. 63 metres. The temporary closure is scheduled to commence on 17th March 2025 for up to 5 days (it is estimated to be completed on 17th March 2025) and is required for the safety of the public and workforce while West Sussex County Council undertakes a daytime road closure between the junctions with Rye Farm Lane and Marlpost Road for drainage cleaning works. The restriction will be in place day-time only from 09:30 until 15:30. An alternative route will be signed on site but please visit: https://one.network/?tm=141121443 for more details. Access maintained for emergency services, residents and pedestrians. For information regarding this closure please contact West Sussex County Council on 01243 642105 who will able to assist with scope of these works. Report a problem with a road or pavement Email: ttro@westsussex.gov.uk or raise a highways related enquiry

To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting| Southwater Parish Council ( southwater-pc.gov.uk )  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 1st March 2025 at 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!

Southwater Parish Council has published the Invitation to Tender for Stage 2 of the Tree Survey 2024 Identified Works to the Government Contracts Finder Service Website, where the Notice can be found: Southwater Tree Survey (Nov 2024) Identified Works - Tranche 2 - Contracts Finder All the required information for a prospective tender is available via the link above, i.e. specification of work, tendering policies and requirements.   The works identified have been split into two separate tender notices/sets of work : Stage 1 were the trees requiring works within 3-months Stage 2 are those with a time frame to be completed within 12 months of the tree survey carried out in 2024.   Deadline for submission of tenders for Stage 2 works is 9:00am 25th March 2025.

Following the Extraordinary Full Council Meeting held on 19th February 2025 , Southwater Parish Council would like to thank all residents who attended in person and expressed their views regarding Southwater Ghyll CIO's planning application for an all-weather 3G artificial turf pitch at The Ghyll (application number DC/24/1997). The meeting provided a platform for the Council to fully consider the concerns raised, review its legal position, and assess whether it had any authority to act upon the requests made in the Council's efforts to engage with residents. At the meeting, the Council considered the concerns and requests raised by residents following the Planning Committee Meeting of 5th February 2025 and subsequent email correspondence requesting that the Council compel Southwater Ghyll CIO to withdraw its planning application. Council’s Position After careful deliberation and having sought legal advice, the Parish Council resolved to maintain a neutral stance and allow Horsham District Council (HDC), as the Local Planning Authority, to determine the outcome of the application. Residents who wish to express their views, whether in support or objection, had been advised to do so through HDC’s planning portal and will also have the opportunity to make representations at HDC’s Planning Committee (North), where the application will be considered (date to be confirmed by HDC).   Why the Parish Council Cannot Compel Withdrawal of the Application Legal advice confirmed that the Parish Council does not have the authority to force Southwater Ghyll CIO to withdraw its planning application. Under the Leisure Management Agreement (LMA) between SPC and Southwater Ghyll CIO: The CIO is not required to seek SPC’s consent before submitting a planning application. SPC has no legal right to demand withdrawal of a submitted planning application. The LMA does not provide SPC with control over planning applications submitted by the CIO. The only mechanisms available to SPC to intervene would be: Termination by Notice  – SPC could serve 12 months’ notice to terminate the LMA. However, this would require the Council to take full operational and financial responsibility for The Ghyll and the Laurie Apted Building, including assuming staffing costs, operational liabilities, and compensation payments to Southwater Ghyll CIO. Termination for Default  – SPC could attempt to terminate the LMA if the CIO were in breach of its obligations. However, legal advice confirms that Southwater Ghyll CIO is acting within its remit under the LMA, which encourages planning for increased facilities. Therefore, establishing a breach of contract would be legally difficult and highly disputable. Given these significant legal, financial, and operational risks, the Council determined that termination of the LMA was not a viable or justifiable course of action.   Concerns Regarding Land Covenants Some residents raised concerns regarding land covenants on The Ghyll playing field. While land covenants are not a material planning consideration, SPC had sought legal advice on this matter and considered it separately. The Ghyll playing field remains owned by SPC and is subject to covenants from the 1986 conveyance, requiring its use for community purposes. Legal advice confirms that an all-weather pitch aligns with this purpose. Horsham District Council’s former Head of Legal Services (2002) and the Directorate of Economic Development have also previously confirmed that sports facilities qualify under the term "community centre." The land is not designated as public open space but was transferred to SPC under Section 124 of the Local Government Act 1972, which includes permitted uses for recreational and community facilities.   Next Steps for Residents While some residents may feel disappointed by the Council’s decision to maintain a neutral stance, there remain opportunities to engage in the planning process. Residents can: Submit their comments on the planning application via HDC’s planning portal up to the determination date. Make representations at HDC’s Planning Committee (North) when the application is considered (date to be announced by HDC). SPC remains committed to ensuring that residents’ voices are heard and encouraging open engagement with the Local Planning Authority, which is responsible for determining the outcome of the application. For updates on when HDC’s Planning Committee will consider the application, residents should monitor Horsham District Council’s website .

An Extraordinary Full Council Meeting has been called by the Chairman of the Council following the Planning Committee Meeting of 5th February 2025 to consider and address the concerns raised by some residents. The Extraordinary Full Council Agenda for 19th February 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

To view the F&GP Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Finance & General Purposes Meeting| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The March edition of the monthly Newsletter from Southwater Parish Council is now available to view, please click here . Would you like to be first one to receive our newsletter? Scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe!

SPC Budget, Precept and Band D for 2025-26 Southwater Parish Council approved the budget for financial year 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 at the Full Council Meeting of 15th January 2025. This represented a total precept requirement of £542,528, resulting in a Band D Council Tax of £111.37 signifying an increase of 5.25% from 2024/25. This equates to an increase of 46 pence per month to a Band D Household.   To view the approved budget please visit Annual Budget | Southwater Parish ( southwater-pc.gov.uk ) Who collects Council Tax and who does it go to? Council Tax is collected by the billing authority, Horsham District Council (HDC) who collects on behalf of West Sussex County Council (WSCC), itself (HDC), Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, and Parish (or Town) Councils. Unlike County and District Councils, Parish Councils do not typically receive any direct funding from Central Government and so the Council Tax precept forms the majority of a Parish (or Town) Council’s income, which is spent on a wide range of services in the community. The percentage of your Council Tax precept that the Parish Council receives is typically the smallest proportion of the Council Tax paid to (collected by) the District (or Borough) Authority with the County Council Tax comprising the largest proportion collected by the District (or Borough) Authority.

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 Wednesday 5th February 2025 and they are anticipated to last for 2 months. Sussex Tree Specialists (STS) 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.

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

An off peak road closure has been scheduled by West Sussex County Council, on Kerves Lane, which is required to allow Balfour Beatty to conduct works to replace a broken gully cover and frame. Road will be closed between the junction with Coltstaple Lane and the junction with Kentwyne Drive. The date of the closure is currently Feb 12, 2025 from 9:30 AM till 3:30 PM the same day. Click here for more information. Please see the map provided below for alternative route.

8th May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This significant day marks eight decades since the end of World War II in Europe, and our community is coming together to honor this historic moment. Southwater Parish Council is looking to take part in bringing this event closer to everyone, in collaboration with the Southwater Community Partnership. We will be raising the VE Day 80 flag and looking to light beacons, but are also investigating other ways to show the importance of this historic moment to the community. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the announcements closer to the event.

Worthing Road Bridge, Southwater – Bridge works West Sussex County Council needed to carry out works to repair the bridge on Worthing Road. The area under the Bridge will be open from this evening (31/01/2025)and it is safe again to use. The works included the removal of loose concrete from the entire underside of the bridge. The newly exposed concrete area, including the steel beams, will be protected with new coatings.