To view the Finance & General Purposes meeting agenda, please visit our website Finance & General Purposes | Southwater Parish (southwater-pc.gov.uk)   or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The July 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!

Following the resignation of Councillor Steven Lewis from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new Councillor vacancy. May we take the opportunity to thank Steve for his contribution to Southwater Parish Council. If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor for Southwater, please visit our Becoming a councillor page or contact us to discuss the position.

2025 is a special year for Southwater, as we celebrate a remarkable series of anniversaries that mark the village’s rich history and community spirit. Millennium Wood – 25 Years Planted in 2000 to mark the new millennium, Millennium Wood has grown into a thriving natural haven. Now 25 years old, its trees stand tall as a testament to Southwater’s commitment to preserving green spaces for future generations. The trees are located next to Ben's field skatepark. Tree Planting Day 2000, Photo Credit: Nancy Brock The trees today: Easteds Allotments – 25 Years The much-loved Easteds Allotments, also established in 2000, are celebrating their 25th anniversary. These allotments have been a source of pride, produce, and connection for many local gardeners. To mark the occasion, the allotment community is hosting an Open Day on Sunday 29th June 2025, from 11AM to 3PM. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration at: Easteds Allotments Easteds Lane, Southwater RH13 9XR (Located off Cedar Drive) Southwater Village Hall – 100 Years A cornerstone of village life, the Southwater Village Hall turns 100 this year. Since opening in 1925, it has hosted countless events, from dances to community meetings. To learn more about its centenary and events planned throughout the year, visit the Village Hall Centenary page. Photo Credit: Southwater Village Hall website Photo Credit: Southwater Village Hall website Southwater Parish Church – 175 Years This year also marks 175 years of worship and community at Southwater Parish Church. The church is commemorating this historic milestone with special services and a vibrant Flower Festival, celebrating both faith and local creativity. Southwater Country Park – 40 Years While not an anniversary per se, it’s worth remembering that the beloved Southwater Country Park opened in 1985, meaning it’s turning 40 this year. A place of recreation, wildlife, and watersports, it continues to be a favourite for residents and visitors alike. As Southwater reflects on these milestones, we celebrate the places, people, and projects that have helped shape our village over the years.

Southwater Parish Council is aware of concerns and comments circulating about the recent clearance of vegetation at The Ghyll. We want to take this opportunity to be fully transparent on the matter and address any misinformation or misconceptions that may have arisen.   What Works Have Taken Place?   Vegetation clearance works were recently carried out at the overflow car park and around the southern perimeter of The Ghyll, along the path from the bridge by The Ghyll Play Area to the Public Right of Way (PROW) in the southeast corner.   These works form part of a scheduled maintenance task under the Council’s existing grounds maintenance contract that commenced on 1st April 2023. The path in question had become heavily overgrown as it had been overlooked prior to 2023 and suffered from years of neglect.  The path was no longer accessible or safe to use despite being marked as a path on HM Land Registry title plan (dashed line on image below)   ref WSX382981 . This is a copy of the title plan on 23 MAY 2025 at 11:42:39. The works being undertaken are necessary to restore access in accordance with the marked path which will also protect the fencing from further deterioration and ensure safety following concerns raised.   Who is Responsible for the Area? The land at The Ghyll is managed by Southwater Ghyll CIO, which has operational responsibility for all the land contained within the title plan for The Ghyll, and the Laurie Apted Building under a leisure management agreement. However, much of the ground maintenance   works   for the area are being fulfilled by Southwater Parish Council.   Specifically, the Council holds a Grounds Maintenance Contract which runs from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2026, includes scheduled upkeep of The Ghyll and surrounding pathways. This arrangement ensures continuity of care, health and safety compliance, and cost efficiencies through inclusion within the Council’s wider maintenance programme. As a local government body, the Parish Council was also required to publish the Invitation to Tender via the Gov.uk Contracts Finder website.   This agreement was made following the transfer of operational responsibilities to the CIO, and the Council’s financial grant to the CIO from 2023 onwards was adjusted accordingly to reflect the continued delivery of these services to the grounds by the Council’s contractor.   In essence: Southwater Ghyll CIO  manages and operates the land and building. Southwater Parish Council  currently delivers grounds maintenance through its contractor until 31 March 2026.   The recent clearance works were carried out by the Council as part of its contractual obligations and site inspections, and not Southwater Ghyll CIO.    Why Was the Work Carried Out Now? The Council recognises the importance of timing such works responsibly. Clearance works are scheduled only after contractor assessments confirm it is safe to do so. In this case, following concerns raised relating to public safety, a site inspection identified damage to fencing and unmanaged vegetation that was beginning to pose a risk to public safety and to the security of the playing field which required urgent maintenance.   Why Was This Area Not Maintained Previously?   We believe it is important to be transparent with our residents. The specific area in question, ‘ the overgrown path along the southern perimeter of the field’ , had unfortunately been overlooked in previous grounds maintenance schedules. This omission predates the formation of Southwater Ghyll CIO and the signing of the LMA.   Over time, this section of the site became significantly overgrown and inaccessible. Regrettably, due to the lack of clear reference in earlier contracts and handover documents, routine maintenance of this path had not taken place. The issue was only brought to the Council’s attention recently via correspondence from a resident, at which point it was promptly inspected by both Southwater Ghyll CIO and the Council.   While the Council acknowledges that this section should have been maintained sooner, we also wish to reassure residents that this was not due to negligence or disregard, but rather a legacy issue stemming from a changeover of staffing, management and the absence of handover, combined with historical ambiguity in maintenance documentation and definitions. Now that this has been brought to our attention and the matter has been clarified, we hope that we have been able to address the issue and ensure its continued rectification.   Moving forward, should Southwater Ghyll CIO request inclusion in the Council’s next grounds maintenance schedule/invitation to tender, the Council will ensure the area is clearly listed in the site specifications for any future grounds maintenance contracts.  An updated review will be planned ahead of the next contract term from April 2026.  We understand Southwater Ghyll CIO would likewise ensure the inclusion of this area and that it is not omitted if they choose to carry out their own grounds maintenance works without inclusion in the Council’s programme.     Nesting Season and Wildlife – Were Rules Followed? Yes. Southwater Parish Council takes its legal and ethical responsibilities towards wildlife seriously. The timing of works during nesting season (typically March–August) was carefully considered. The contractor engaged to carry out the works, follows a Wildlife Care Policy and carried out pre-works nesting assessments following best practice, accreditations, and guidance from the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000.   These assessments include: Visual inspections for active nests Monitoring bird activity for signs of disturbance Stopping work immediately in any area where a nest is identified   Wildlife Care It is important that before we undertake any work, we conduct an animal presence survey to enable us to comply with these codes. This enables us to inform our customers of any protected species which may be in the area and how their presence could restrict our work. Many of the animals and their habitats which we encounter are protected by law. All assessments are recorded by the contractors and, no active nests were found in the areas cleared. If a nest had been discovered, work would have been halted and the area left undisturbed.   You can read more about nesting birds in our previous News Post on Nesting Birds Season . Is This Work Connected to the Proposed 3G Pitch? Absolutely not. We wish to firmly clarify that these clearance works have no connection whatsoever to the proposed 3G pitch planning application submitted by Southwater Ghyll CIO.   The works carried out form part of the Council’s broader grounds maintenance responsibilities, which continue to include The Ghyll and the Laurie Apted Building as part of a service arrangement with Southwater Ghyll CIO.   Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency   We understand and respect the passion many residents have for our green spaces and the local environment. We also understand that trust is earned through openness. As such, we hope this explanation provides reassurance that no laws have been broken, no wildlife has been put at risk, and no connection exists to any planning application.   We aim to maintain safe, accessible and well-managed community spaces while balancing biodiversity and public use.   We encourage residents to contact the Parish Office directly if they have concerns, rather than relying on social media speculation, so that we can provide factual information.

Southwater Parish Council is aware of several inaccurate and misleading comments that have circulated on social media following the Planning Committee meeting of 4th June 2025. We appreciate the community’s engagement in local matters, particularly where they concern youth provision and public open space. However, the Council has a duty to address several false claims, personal accusations, and misinterpretations that have been shared publicly. On the Decision to Object to DC/25/0638 The Planning Committee’s decision to object to planning application DC/25/0638 was based on planning law and independent advice, not personal bias or favouritism. The proposed site lies outside the ‘Built-Up Area Boundary’ and is therefore non-compliant with the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) a planning document prepared by the local community and approved at referendum by 2,440 residents, with approximately 83% voting in favour. The SNP currently carries full planning weight, especially given that Horsham District Council’s emerging Local Plan has been declared legally unsound. Independent planning advice obtained by the Council confirmed: The site is a landscape of Local Value, identified as having no capacity for development (Southwater Landscape Sensitivity & Capacity Study – Reg 15 document). The scheme would introduce urbanising features into an undeveloped rural setting. The inclusion of a car park and absence of sustainable transport measures or EV provision conflict with SNP15. While the Council is wholly supportive of the need for sports pitches, this particular proposal does not comply with planning policy, and to have supported it regardless would have been a dereliction of responsibility to uphold the Neighbourhood Plan. On Pre-Application Engagement with Southwater Football Club Southwater Parish Council’s Pre-Application Panel met with the Chairman of Southwater Football Club prior to the Planning Committee meeting. At that meeting, the Panel was broadly supportive in principle of improved football provision in the parish. However, it was clearly explained that the proposed site was not compliant with the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, which limits development to within the Built-Up Area Boundary. The Council recognises that the need for new facilities arises from the landowner’s decision not to renew Southwater Football Club’s lease of Phillips Fields (as advised by the Chairman of SFC), which has placed the club in a difficult position. We shared in the frustration that this has necessitated a change-of-use application for agricultural land and regret that a more policy-compliant alternative has not been secured. Importantly, the Council has supported Southwater Football Club, and this support was reflected in the inclusion of Phillips Playing Fields (used by the club for over 40 years) in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan under Policy SNP7, which designates it for formal and informal sports. Both the Council and SFC share its frustration that the lease was not renewed. On Allegations of Conflict of Interest Claims that Councillors Derek Moore and Graham Watkins acted in breach of the code of conduct or failed to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest are entirely false. Neither councillor has any financial or personal interest in Southwater Football Club or the land subject to application DC/25/0638. Both have acted within the rules, as per the Local Government Association guidance on the Councillor Code of Conduct. Interests must arise from specific business before the Council, not from perceived connections or unrelated trustee roles. Any assertion to the contrary is misleading and speculative. On Comparisons to The Ghyll and their 3G Pitch Proposal It is not appropriate to compare the Council’s planning response to DC/25/0638 with any other application, such as the 3G pitch proposal at The Ghyll. Applications must be considered on their own merits and within the relevant planning framework. On the Use of Section 106 Funding S106 contributions are not controlled by the Parish Council. They are governed by legally binding agreements and administered by Horsham District Council. The idea that the Council is attempting to monopolise or withhold funding is completely unfounded and speculative. On Transparency and Respectful Engagement All Planning Committee meetings are live-streamed and publicly accessible to ensure full transparency. The meeting on 4th June followed proper procedure and allowed registered speakers the opportunity to make their statements. The Council welcomes public scrutiny and encourages respectful debate. However, the tone and nature of recent social media comments ranging from personal attacks to unsubstantiated conspiracy theories do not foster constructive dialogue and risk deterring good people from serving the community.

The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures. ​ Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council. ​ The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination. For more information regarding the AGAR and Notice of Public Rights (date of announcement 31st May 2025), please click here. For more information regarding Accounts please click here.

The May 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 7th June 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!

Please be advised that a temporary daytime road closure is planned for Timber Mill, Southwater, between property numbers 49 and 76. This closure is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 , from 09:30 to 15:30 , to allow for new customer connection works. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians throughout the works. The closure has been requested by Sunbelt Rentals on behalf of BT Openreach . For further information and updates, please click here . Notice of Road Closure from WSCC

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites everyone across the UK to plant trees. Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, and the wishes of His Majesty The King, the initiative will be extended to the end of March 2023 to give people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam to honour The Queen. In this respect, Southwater Parish Council are taking part in this initiative in partnership with Horsham District Council and will be carrying out the tree planting ceremony on Monday 14th November at 3:00pm. Her Majesty The Queen

The Extraordinary Full Council Meeting Agenda for 4th June 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

The Holy Innocents Church at Southwater is celebrating its 175th year in June 2025. The community is marking the event with a free entry flower festival at the church, with refreshments and lunch. Dates: 6th and 7th June 2025 from 10AM - 4PM 8th June 2025 from 2PM - 4PM Address: Holy Innocents, Southwater Parish Church Church Lane Southwater RH13 9BT Photo of The Curch by Paul Keys

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 Recycling and Waste Team at West Sussex County Council is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with food rescue charity UKHarvest until April 2026. Over the past two and a half years, the initiative has hosted seven Community Food Hubs, running monthly in every district and borough across West Sussex. These child-friendly hubs are open to all residents and are designed to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food. For a small voluntary donation, visitors can bring their own bags and collect a wide variety of food items that would otherwise go to waste. In addition to food distribution, each hub offers recipe ideas and hosts information stands on topics including waste prevention, wellbeing, and support from Citizens Advice . To learn more, please visit: www.westsussex.gov.uk/UKHarvest

Are you passionate about improving healthcare services? Do you want to have a say in how your GP surgery is run? Join the Patient Participation Group (PPG) and help shape the future of our practice! What is the PPG? A group of patients working together with the surgery to improve services and patient experience. Why Join? ✔ Share feedback & ideas ✔ Help improve patient care ✔ Meet like-minded people ✔ Stay informed about health services Who Can Join? Anyone registered with the GP surgery, patients of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! How to Get Involved? Ask at reception or email sxicb-wsx.village-southwater@nhs.net for more details. Together, we can make a difference!

West Sussex County Council has announced a temporary road closure on Polecat Lane in Copsale for urgent carriageway repairs. The closure, carried out by Volker Highways on behalf of the Council, will take place on Tuesday 27th May 2025 , during off-peak hours from 9:30am to 3:30pm . The works are expected to last for one day , although the legal order permits closure for up to five days if necessary. Access will be maintained  at all times for residents, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted on site. For more information, contact West Sussex County Council or Volker Highways on 01243 642105 .

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks 8 May 1945, when Germany  surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. Southwater had an event by the War Memorial on the day to remember those who lost their lives during the war. Thank you for the WI for decorating the War Memorial, prior to the event and for the delicious cakes they handed out after the event. Thank you for everyone who participated and attended as well. Please see our photo gallery from the event below.

We held a very successful Annual Parish Meeting last week, with many of the local community groups, organisations and schools attending and introducing themselves through their short presentations and yearly reports. There are a large number of amazing groups operating in and around Southwater and they are all here to make this village a better place to live for everyone. Their reports are uploaded to our website and can be accessed here. Thank you to everyone who attended and a very special thanks to those who came to represent the amazing work they do: Neighbourhood Wardens Southwater Youth Project The Ghyll, Southwater Southwater Community Partnership Southwater Art Club Southwater Neighbour Network The Southwater Infant Academy Southwater Junior Academy PTFA WI Southwater Football Club 4sight Vision Support Horsham Community Fridge (also in Southwater) Re-Engage - Tea Parties for the Elderly (contact Emma on 07930533913) Sussex Green Living Sustainable Southwater Conversation Starter Project Jubilee Scouts and Guides Girlguiding (Rainbows, Brownies and Guides ) Southwater Local History Group Southwater News Southwater Village Hall Southwater Welcome Club Annual Parish Meeting 2025 Photo Gallery:

The Chairman's Report and other written reports we have received from various Community Organisations within the Parish, are available to view here . The Meeting Programme is also available to view here .  We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Parish Meeting tonight: Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025 Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater

The May 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!

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

Open invite to all Southwater community groups and residents to join us at the Annual Parish Meeting tomorrow: The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations, and community and volunteer groups about their activities over the past year. Please note, it is not a council meeting, but for the benefit of the community, however, the meeting is usually chaired by the Parish Council Chairman. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform for the residents to express their views and get to know the local organisations. Residents are welcome to attend but must contact SPC by 4pm on 13th May 2025, if they wish to speak. To view the Annual Parish Meeting Programme/ Agenda, please visit our website here: Annual Parish Meeting 2025| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House. If you have any questions, please email us at: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Date: 14th May 2025 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm We look forward to seeing you there! Poster

Open invite to all Southwater community groups and residents to the Annual Parish Meeting: The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations, and community and volunteer groups about their activities over the past year. Please note, it is not a council meeting, but for the benefit of the community, however, the meeting is usually chaired by the Parish Council Chairman. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a platform for the residents to express their views and get to know the local organisations. Residents are welcome to attend but must contact SPC by 4pm on 13th May 2025, if they wish to speak. To view the Annual Parish Meeting Programme/ Agenda, please visit our website here: Annual Parish Meeting 2025| Southwater Parish Council (southwater-pc.gov.uk)  or view the agenda via the noticeboard outside Beeson House. If you have any questions, please email us at: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Date: 14th May 2025 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm We look forward to seeing you there!

Southwater Parish Council would like to commend the swift and proactive response of our Neighbourhood Wardens, who continue to play a vital role in keeping our community safe and informed. Just a few days ago, our Wardens responded to a call from a concerned relative regarding suspicious individuals cold calling vulnerable residents, asking to purchase jewellery and antiques. The team acted immediately, locating and engaging with the individuals in question. Following a calm discussion and multiple local complaints about their conduct, the individuals agreed to leave the village and only return if legitimate appointments were made in advance. In a similar incident last week, the Wardens intervened when a man was found encouraging elderly residents to sign up for a lottery without verifying his credentials. After challenging him and confirming his identity with the associated company, the Wardens advised them of the issue, and the individual also chose to leave the area. These incidents serve as a timely reminder of the risks associated with unsolicited doorstep callers. While some may be legitimate, others use inappropriate or aggressive sales tactics that put residents at risk. We urge everyone to remain cautious, check IDs, contact companies directly, and speak to trusted family or friends before making any commitments. Our Neighbourhood Wardens are here to support everyone in Southwater. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to contact them . Something you can put on your door too Southwater Neighbourhood Wardens

May is National Walking Month in the UK. A timely reminder of how something as simple as walking can do wonders for our wellbeing. Whether it’s a brisk morning stroll, a walk to the shops, or an afternoon wander through lovely Country park, taking time to move on foot can have a big impact on both physical and mental health. Walking is one of the most underrated ways to improve overall health. Here are five powerful benefits of walking: Boosts Mental Wellbeing Walking helps clear the mind, reduces anxiety, and can improve your mood, especially when done outdoors in green spaces. Improves Physical Health Regular walking strengthens the heart, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and supports weight management. Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue It may seem counterintuitive, but getting up and moving can actually make you feel more energised throughout the day. Supports Better Sleep Daily walks help regulate sleep patterns and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Encourages Social Connection Walking with friends, family, or community groups is a great way to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. This May, why not make walking a part of your everyday life? Explore new local routes, swap the car for your feet on short trips, or organize a walking group at work. 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. Fri 9 May and Fri 23rd May at 11:00am 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. Fancy just exploring? Please click below for a few local walking routes and maps. Southwater Southwater Heritage Trail Southwater South & Shipley Let's make May a month of movement and mindfulness. Every step you take is a step towards a healthier you!

Thank you to all the councillors and residents who came down to the triangular open space between The Avenue, King Edwards Road and Christ's Hospital, Southwater to witness and assist with The Queen's Green Canopy - The Platinum Jubilee 2022 Tree Planting Ceremony yesterday on Wednesday, 29th March 2023. Her Majesty The Queen

Southwater Parish Council maintains 7 play areas around the Parish, making sure they are all up to the safety standards and remain clean so everyone can enjoy them. The yearly pressure washing of the equipment and ground surfaces have started a couple weeks ago and most of our play areas have already been cleaned, ready to welcome the children, with only a couple of them waiting for their big yearly wash yet to take place. Here are a few photos of our play parks at Eversfield, Nutham Lane and Roman Lane being pressure washed. Our play areas are regularly checked by our Play area Inspectors, but please do not hesitate to contact us , if you come across something that doesn't look right.