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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 February 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!

Our Neighbourhood Wardens , Bettina and Dom held another support group session last week. The Journey group session in January 2025 What is this group about? Are you a parent or carer of a child with autism or special educational needs? Navigating the challenges and joys of raising a child with additional needs can feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our friendly and welcoming support group in Southwater  is here to offer you a space to connect with others who truly understand your journey. Held monthly at Beeson House , this informal gathering is a great opportunity to share experiences, seek advice, or simply enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee in the company of like-minded parents and carers. There’s no pressure and no diagnosis required—just a chance to meet people who get what you're going through and an opportunity to learn from each other.

The Horsham Community Fridge is a local initiative aimed at reducing food waste and fostering community spirit by redistributing surplus food to residents. Operated by Fare Divide, the fridge collects excess food from local businesses, allotments, and households, making it available to anyone in the community. In 2024 they collected and redistributed almost 42 tonnes of food to their customers- not only did this help some customers make meals that they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to - it also saved approximately 27 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere by stopping the food going to landfill. Well Done Everyone! Location and Opening Hours: Address: London Road Methodist Church, London Road, Horsham, RH12 1AN. Opening Times: Tuesdays: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Occasional Saturday "Pop-Up" sessions at various community locations. How It Works: The Community Fridge operates on a trust basis and is open to all, without any means testing. Individuals can donate surplus food or collect items they need, promoting a culture of sharing and reducing food waste within the community. Everyone can take up to 5 items plus bread.   Volunteering Opportunities: The initiative relies on volunteers for various roles, including surplus food collection and assisting during open sessions. For instance, surplus food collectors typically operate on weekday evenings between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Volunteers can choose their availability on a monthly rota.   Contact and Social Media: Facebook: Horsham Community Fridge Twitter: @HorshamFridge Email:  volunteers@faredivide.org.uk .   Relation to Southwater The Horsham Community Fridge operates pop-up sessions in Southwater to reduce food waste and support the local community. Location: Southwater: The Church Rooms, Church Lane, Southwater, RH13 9BT. Opening Times: First Saturday of the Month:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund is now open for applications from community-based projects in West Sussex to encourage people to repair and reuse items instead of throwing them away. The fund is a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council and Biffa to help local groups deliver innovative projects which reduce household waste by encouraging repair, reuse and waste prevention. Community groups, residents' associations, charities, community interest companies (CICs) and social enterprises in West Sussex with new ideas for relevant initiatives can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that: Reduce waste at its source by encouraging practices that minimise the production of household waste. Support projects that facilitate the reuse or repair of items to extend their lifespan. Reduce household food waste in alignment with existing surplus food rescue services and education campaigns. Engage the community by empowering residents to take part in waste prevention activities and promote a culture of sustainability. Please click here to apply and to get more information.

Southwater Ghyll CIO are holding an event at 12:00pm to 2:00pm, Saturday 1st February 2025 at the Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Pevensey Road, Southwater, RH13 9XZ, where questions can be asked and discussed with the charity’s trustees. Drop-In Session at The Ghyll Southwater Parish Council has received various enquiries in relation to Southwater Ghyll CIO’s all-weather pitch project at The Ghyll and the planning application they have submitted .  Hence, we thought it would be helpful to provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) it has either received or observed.   Picture from S&C Slatter's Proposed Plan shared with their permission. FAQs 1.      Is Southwater Parish Council leading this project? No, Southwater Ghyll Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is leading this project where they have a licence for The Ghyll inclusive of the football pitches, play area, car parks, ancillary land and buildings (formerly known as Southwater Leisure Centre).   2.      Where would the funding come from for this project? Subject to the Planning Application being approved by Horsham District Council, a section 106 application would also need to be submitted to Horsham District Council where Section 106 would be the funding source for the proposed development. For more information on Section 106 funding, please follow the links below:   https://www.horsham.gov.uk/community/grants-for-community-projects/section-106-funding https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/section-106   3.      How would the cost of the future maintenance be covered? The income generated from the booking of the proposed football pitch will cover the future maintenance costs.   4.      What about the noise pollution this project would bring?   The Noise Impact Assessment indicates that noise from the pitch is expected to be noticeable but not intrusive. Measures such as a 3.5m acoustic barrier are planned to mitigate noise levels. The predicted noise levels at nearby residential properties are below the threshold for moderate community annoyance set by the WHO guidelines. Noise Impact Assessment PDF   5.      Have flood risks been assessed? The planning application includes a flood risk assessment and surface water drainage statement where more information can be found via the Planning Application on the Planning Portal​. Application Form PDF   6.      What impact of this project would have on the environment? Due to the proximity to the site, negative impacts to the protected sites may be incurred as a result of the development. Mitigation to prevent impacts to protected sites is therefore outlined in Section 5 of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. (Available to view on the Planning Portal.) Where the measures recommended are implemented and observed throughout construction, it is considered by the applicant that the development will not negatively impact protected sites. The proposal includes features to conserve and enhance biodiversity​.   Horsham District Council’s Environment Officer will review the planning application and proposed development as part of the Local Planning Authority planning process. Preliminary Ecological Appraisal PDF 7.       What about the light pollution? The Lighting Impact Report states that the proposed floodlights are designed to comply with ILP Guidance for reducing obtrusive light, with measures taken to minimize spill light and glare. The area is classified as Environmental Zone E2 (rural with low district brightness), and appropriate lighting controls have been implemented​. Lighting Impact Report PDF The Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) at The Ghyll has floodlighting which has planning restrictions limiting use past 9:00pm, it is probable that Horsham District Council as the Local Planning Authority would apply similar restrictions if the planning application is permitted. 8.      Would the new pitch be available for public use as well? How would it work? The pitch will be available to the public and the bookings would need to be made through The Ghyll , as per other facilities they manage.   9.      What are the covenant requirements for the land?   The key points regarding the covenants, as outlined in the 1986 Conveyance, are as follows:   1.      Permitted Use:     The land may only be used for community purposes and for a community centre with ancillary car parking. 2.      Building Restrictions:  Buildings on the property must be ancillary to the permitted use described above. 3.      Transfer Restrictions:  If the Parish Council were to sell or otherwise dispose of the property, it would first need to offer it back to the original vendor.   Following a review of the legal advice we have received; it has been determined that the proposed 3G pitch development does not breach these covenants . Key points from the advice are: ·         The words “Community Centre” were to be construed in a general sense and could include a whole range of community activities or any one of them and more than one community facility can be constructed on the land. ·         The installation of the 3G pitch aligns with the covenant requirements as it promotes recreational and community purposes. ·         Although the pitch will be enclosed to protect the specialist surface, it will be used by football clubs, schools, and community groups, benefiting a broad range of users, including local residents. ·         Space will still remain available for informal recreation, such as picnics and casual play, ensuring that public access to the remaining areas is preserved.   It is important to note that approval of the planning application for the 3G pitch falls under planning law and is subject to the Local Planning Authority's process for determining planning applications. Approval is not guaranteed and will depend on whether the proposal meets the necessary planning criteria.   Separately, compliance with any covenants is a legal matter relating to the Piper Trust named in the conveyancing documents. While the legal advice SPC have obtained suggests there is no breach of the covenants , this is distinct from the planning process.   10.  Are residents able to submit comments regarding this planning application after Southwater Ghyll CIO’s drop-in session on 1st February 2025?   The Neighbour Consultation expiry date is the 30th of January 2025, but Horsham District Council will still consider comments being submitted after the consultation deadline. Comments submitted up to the Determination Deadline, which is the 8th February 2025 will still be considered. Please use the Planning Portal on Horsham District Council’s website to provide your comments regarding this Planning Application. Link to the Planning Portal for this specific application: https://public-access.horsham.gov.uk/public-access/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=SOYEF4IJHCX00 Please note, all information shared in this article are taken from the documents provided on the above linked Planning Portal and more information and documents can be found there.

The Ghyll Southwater  will be holding a Drop-In session regarding the planning application to Horsham District Council for the development of a 3G Artificial Turf Pitch (3G ATP). The event is a great opportunity for everyone to ask questions and discuss the planning application for the all weather pitch proposal with the Southwater Ghyll CIO Trustees. Details of the Drop-In session: When? Saturday,   1st February 2025 What time? 12PM - 2PM Where? Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Pin to access Lardner Hall door for the event: 0102

In response to the growing climate crisis, Southwater Parish Council has taken a bold step by declaring a Climate Emergency and launching its Climate Action Plan (2024–2050) . This initiative aligns with the UK’s national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to transform Southwater into a more environmentally sustainable and resilient community. Key Objectives and Actions The Climate Action Plan sets out a series of ambitious but practical goals to reduce the parish's carbon footprint. These include: Reducing Energy Consumption : Upgrading public buildings and streetlights to energy-efficient alternatives. Promoting Sustainable Transport : Encouraging cycling, walking, and the possible installation of electric vehicle charging points. Enhancing Green Spaces : Protecting local biodiversity through tree planting, green space preservation, and initiatives like "No Mow May." Engaging with the Community : Working with schools, businesses, and residents to promote climate awareness and sustainable practices. Waste Reduction : Supporting recycling initiatives, community composting, and encouraging waste reduction at both individual and organisational levels. A Collaborative Effort The plan emphasizes a partnership approach , working closely with Horsham District Council, Sussex Green Living, and other local climate groups . The council also intends to lobby policymakers  to push for broader environmental changes that will benefit the entire Parish. Looking Ahead Southwater Parish Council is committed to reviewing and updating the Climate Action Plan annually to ensure it remains effective and responsive to emerging climate challenges. By taking proactive steps today, the parish aims to secure a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for generations to come. For more details, visit the Climate Change section of our website.

Help Shape the Future of Road Safety in West Sussex Your opinion matters! West Sussex County Council is committed to creating safer roads for everyone, and now is your chance to help. By taking the Road Safety Strategy Survey , you can share your views and help shape a safer, more accessible future for all road users. Whether you're a driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or public transport user, your feedback is important. The council is seeking input on ways to reduce accidents, improve road infrastructure, and ensure that everyone can travel with confidence and security. This is your opportunity to make a real impact in your community. The survey is quick and easy to complete, taking just a few minutes of your time. By participating, you'll be playing a vital role in: Enhancing road safety measures in your area. Identifying priority areas for improvement. Supporting initiatives that save lives. Let your voice be heard and join the movement for safer roads in West Sussex. Visit the survey now at yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/road-safety-strategy .

Southwater Ghyll CIO has submitted a planning application to Horsham District Council for the development of a 3G Artificial Turf Pitch (3G ATP) at The Ghyll on Pevensey Road, Southwater ( planning reference: DC/24/1997 ). The proposal includes the construction of: A 3G artificial turf football pitch, Fencing and floodlighting to support extended usage, Hard and soft landscaping, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), Additional infrastructure to support the facility. The development going forward is subject to the planning application going through the normal planning process at the Local Planning Authority (Horsham District Council) . Detailed plans, including CGI visuals and technical specifications, are available on the HDC's planning portal. Subject to planning permission being granted, the project/development would be funded by Section 106 contributions/commuted sums which are held by Horsham District Council . Members of the public are invited to review the application and submit their feedback via the portal. Comments can be made in support or objection to the proposal, contributing to the decision-making process. To view the application or provide comments, visit Horsham District Council's planning portal and search for reference DC/24/1997 .

New Job Vacancy and Employment Opportunity with Southwater Parish Council. Join Our Lovely Team! We are recruiting for the new position of Assistant/Deputy Executive Officer, presenting an exciting opportunity for those eager to progress a career in business administration and local government. For more information on how to apply please visit our Job Vacancies  section of the website.

The Full Council Agenda for 15th Jan 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

West Sussex County Council COMMONS ACT 2006 – SECTION 15(1) Notice of an application for the registration of land as a Town or Village Green. To every reputed owner, lessee, tenant or occupier of any part of the land described below, and to all others whom it may concern. Application has been made to the West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RQ by Charles Fentiman of Nutham Lane, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9GG under section 15(1) of the Commons Act 2006 and in accordance with the Commons (Registration of Town or Village Greens) (Interim Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2007. The application seeks the inclusion in the register of town and village greens of the land described in the Schedule below which is claimed to have qualified for registration as a town or village green under section 15(2) through continuing use at the time of application ‘as of right’ for lawful sports and pastimes for 20 years or more by virtue of: “Use by local residents for the purpose of all kinds of open-air recreational use: children playing, informal sports, dog walking, picnics, and community events.” The application, which includes a plan of the land proposed for registration may be inspected at the following local authority offices of Horsham District Council, Parkside, Chart Way, West Sussex RH12 1BL and the offices of West Sussex County Council, West Street Chichester PO19 1RQ between the hours of 9.00am to 4.00pm on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) and by prior appointment (please contact the Council Clerk on enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk to arrange an appointment) with Southwater Parish Council, Beeson House, 26 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater RH13 9LA. If the registration authority is satisfied that the land described below qualifies for registration as a town or village green, it will so register the land. Any person wishing to object to the registration of the land as a town or village green should send a statement of the facts on which the objection is based to Legal Services (ref: CC803.16672.NT), West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1RQ or by email to legal.services@westsussex.gov.uk on or before 30 January 2025. Any representations that are to be taken into account by the Authority in reaching a decision on the application cannot be treated as confidential and will be copied to the applicant for comment and may be disclosed to other interested parties. Dated: 10 December 2024 Signed Tony Kershaw Director of Law and Assurance Schedule Description of land claimed to have qualified for registration as a town or village green: Open space adjacent to Nutham Lane and Cedar Drive, Southwater, Horsham

The February 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!

NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Coltstaple Lane, Horsham from junction with Reeds Lane to Sedgwick Lane is temporarily prohibited from 3rd January. The restriction will be in place 24 hours. This emergency closure is necessary for Balfour Beatty to clear ice on the carriageway It is anticipated the works will be completed by 10th January. Emergency vehicle, Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and the alternative route for traffic will be signed on site. This notice will be effective for a maximum of 21 days from the date given above. Any queries about the effect of the closure on traffic using the highway, please contact the West Sussex Contact Centre on 01243 642105. Any queries about the nature of works, please contact Balfour Beatty on 01243 642105 Dated 06 January 2025 Matt Davey Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning

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 4th January 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!

Merry Christmas Southwater!   In partnership with Santa and Southwater Parish Council, Neighbourhood Wardens Bettina and Dom have arranged a special delivery of surprise gifts for some well-deserving children from Southwater Junior & Infant Academies and Castlewood Primary School. These gifts come with their warmest holiday wishes. Special thanks are extended to Southwater Parish Council and the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund for their generous support in funding this heartwarming project. The Neighbourhood Wardens hope this initiative will add an extra touch of magic to these children's Christmas this December 2024. We sincerely thank the Neighbourhood Wardens for their leadership in spreading festive joy to the children of Southwater.

The Horsham District Local Plan, a comprehensive framework guiding development in the area through 2040, was undergoing its examination. The process encountered an unexpected development on December 12, 2024, when the Government-appointed Planning Inspector announced a pause in the examination hearings to consider additional information.   The Inspector issued a letter on December 16, 2024, expressing significant concerns about the plan's soundness and legal compliance. As a result, the further hearings scheduled for December 2024 and January 2025 have been cancelled.   In response, Horsham District Council has proactively drafted an open letter to the Inspector, seeking clarification and expressing a commitment to address any issues raised.   Horsham District Council remains dedicated to advancing the Local Plan, recognising its importance in managing development, providing affordable housing, ensuring energy-efficient homes, protecting green spaces, and delivering essential infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities.   District Councillor Ruth Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure, emphasised the Council's determination to meet the Government's objective of nationwide Local Plan coverage. She highlighted the benefits of an approved plan, including better control over development and enhanced protection for the environment. The Council plans to engage with the Parish Councils in the area to discuss the implications for Neighbourhood Plans and will continue to fulfil its responsibilities in processing planning applications during this period.   Horsham District Council encourages residents and stakeholders to stay informed by visiting the Local Plan webpage for updates and accessing the open letter to the Inspector. Despite the current pause, the Council remains optimistic and committed to collaborating with all parties to ensure the successful adoption of the Local Plan, which will guide sustainable and beneficial development in Horsham District for the following years.

Worthing Road Bridge, Southwater – Bridge works West Sussex County Council needs to carry out works to repair the bridge on Worthing Road. What they are doing: The works include the removal of loose concrete from the entire underside of the bridge. The newly exposed concrete area, including the steel beams, will then be protected with new coatings.   The works will be undertaken in two Stages:   Stage 1 – Removal of loose concrete from the underside of the bridge using high pressure water jetting. Preparation of steelwork, application of primer coat. Re-open the public bridleway.   Stage 2 – Application of a protective coating to the concrete, complete the painting of the steelwork. The public bridleway will remain open.   When this will take place: Initially, the work will start on 06/01/25 for a period of approximately three weeks. Our hours of work will generally be between 08.30 am and 16.30pm.

The next F&GP meeting will be held on the 18th December 2024. 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.

Essential tree maintenance will take place along the Downs Link, spanning from Shoreham to Rudgwick, between January and March 2025. These works are crucial to ensure the safety and health of the area’s trees. During this period, visitors to the Downs Link are urged to: Be extra vigilant while using the route. Follow all instructions provided on signage. Adhere to directions given by on-site contractors. For further information or inquiries, please contact : countryside@westsussex.gov.uk . West Sussex County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your cooperation in maintaining the safety of this beloved route.

We are excited to announce that there is now 1,550 sqft of available space  at Beeson House following the relocation of Southwater Youth Project to The Ghyll. This versatile area is ideal for local organisations looking for a shared-use space. We are looking for expressions of interest and would be open to considering offers/proposals for the use of the area. The cost ranges from £5,000 to £21,000 ex VAT per year , depending on the number of organisations sharing the space. The cost of the area is to cover the rent SPC pays to Horsham District Council for the area, Business Rates and Service Charges payable for Beeson House also to Horsham District Council. We’re currently exploring interest in the space on a shared-use basis . If your organisation is interested, we’d love to hear from you! Please share: Your budget  for using the space. How frequently  you plan to use it (days/times). Want to view the space or learn more? Let us know, and we’d be happy to provide further details. Contact us today  or share with organisations that might benefit from this opportunity.

Residents and visitors in Southwater may have noticed a freshened-up look to the village’s iconic signs. Recently, all five Southwater Village signs received some much-needed maintenance to ensure they remain welcoming and in great shape for years to come. The maintenance work, expertly carried out by Delwood, included clearing vegetation around the signs, sanding down each post, and applying two coats of wood preservative. This care not only restores their appearance but also helps to protect the wood, ensuring the signs remain a sturdy and attractive feature of the village. The signs are located at key points across Southwater: Hangman’s Hill Southwater Street Shipley Road Worthing Road/Mulberry Fields Church Lane These works not only highlight the pride Southwater takes in maintaining its landmarks but also contribute to the charm and character of the village. If you’re passing by, take a moment to admire the refreshed signs—now ready to stand the test of time! Southwater Village Signs Shine After Recent Maintenance

Join our 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: Wednesday 18th December 2024, 11AM till 12:30AM 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. Are you scam savvy? Click here to book your FREE seat

The November Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2024

The yearly Christmas Festival was held on the 30th of November in Lintot square and again was a huge success. We would like to thank Southwater Community Partnership and everyone involved for their hard work to make this event happen again this year. Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Bettina and Dom and Councillor Derek Moore kindly sent us a lot of photos, please browse through the gallery from the event below. Another busy Christmas Festival in Southwater:

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 7th December 2024 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!