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Southwater Parish Council has now submitted its response to Horsham District Council's Local Plan Regulation 19. This can be viewed here. The Horsham District Local Plan sets out the proposed strategy and planning policies for considering new development proposals within the District, excluding the South Downs National Park, for the plan period 2023 - 2040. The Regulation 19 Local Plan had been published for a six week period of representation running from 9am Friday 19 January until 5pm Friday 1 March 2024.  During this time you were all invited by HDC to make written comments as to whether the Local Plan complies with the necessary legislation, and also complies with national planning policy (known as the Test of Soundness). Hence Southwater Parish Council had submitted a response accordingly. For more information on the HDC Local Plan visit here: Horsham District Local Plan 2023 - 2040 (Regulation 19) - Horsham Planning Policy Consultations

The next Southwater Parish Councillor Surgery is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 2nd March 2024 from 10:00-11:00am in the Parish Chamber, Beeson House, 26 Lintot Square, Southwater. You will need to enter the code 8118 to get through the door on the ground floor to access the stairs to the Parish Chamber. Alternatively, please use the lift. This is an opportunity for residents to speak with their councillors (Southwater Parish, District and County) and raise any concerns/queries they have, so please come along. Climate Change Working Party - Following the announcement in the November and February Newsletters, the working party are seeking the views of residents and local business owners and how they can contribute. Members of the working party will be in attendance at the Councillor Surgery to hear your views. For more details, please see below:

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

There will be an annual tree works on the Downs Link carried out by contractors between February and March 2024. Contractors are carrying out essential tree works on the Downs Link between Shoreham and Rudgwick during February and March 2024. With possible timber extraction into April 2024. Enquires should be sent to countryside@westsussex.gov.uk WSCC apologise of any inconvenience caused.

Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Inspector invites the residents of Southwater to the ‘Local Policing for Local People’ Roadshow. Join them for a dedicated Q&A session with your local Police Inspector, meet your local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the local partners they work closely with. A family event and children welcome. Refreshments will be provided by Sussex Police. Friday, 1st March 2024 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Beeson House, 26 Lintot Square, Southwater, W. Sussex, RH13 9LA.

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

In a proactive move to address safety concerns and enhance open spaces, the Southwater Parish Council has undertaken a comprehensive fencing replacement project at Eversfield Pond. The decision was made following the identification of extensive decay and rot in various parts of the existing fencing, including multiple fallen posts, and missing cleft rails, presenting a clear potential health and safety hazard. The approved proposal involved the complete replacement of the triple cleft rail fence surrounding Eversfield Pond. For a total of 36 posts and replacement of 105 cleft rails and accompanied by 2 new 6x6 gate posts. As part of the project, a new wooden swing gate, measuring 1.5m x 1.2m, was installed, complete with a new latch, lock, and hinges. This addition not only enhances the overall security of the area but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of Eversfield Pond. The Southwater Parish Council is committed to the well-being and safety of its residents and visitors. This fencing replacement initiative demonstrates the council's dedication to maintaining and enhancing public spaces.

Every child needs a family. Do you have room in yours? You don’t need to be a superhero to be a foster carer! You simply need to have some experience of caring for children, a spare bedroom, and be kind and patient (a sense of humour also helps!). Every child deserves to have a safe and loving home, where they can experience all that life has to offer and fulfil their potential. While the children that West Sussex County Council cares for are all in safe accommodation, a number are living a significant distance from their school and friends. 65% of these young people are aged 11 to 17 and they are waiting to find a local foster family – someone like you – to guide them through this important time in their lives. There are many types of care, from respite (usually one weekend a month) to Supported Lodgings, where you can help a young person aged 16-21 learn the skills needed to live independently. Foster carers for WSCC receive comprehensive training, ongoing professional support and a competitive financial package of up to £30,393 per year, per child. One WSCC foster carer, James, stated, “To be the first person to give a child hope, or care, or love… is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life”. Could you open your heart and home to a local child? Contact the friendly team on 0330 222 7775, email fostering@westsussex.gov.uk or visit fosteringwestsussex.org.uk/info-sessions to book onto an online information session. Links to Socials https://www.facebook.com/wsccfostering/ https://twitter.com/fosterwscc https://www.instagram.com/fosterwestsussex/

SPC Budget, Precept and Band D for 2024-25 Southwater Parish Council approved the budget for financial year 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 at the Full Council Meeting of 17th January 2024. This represented a total precept requirement of £512,424, resulting in a Band D Council Tax of £105.81, signifying an increase of 3.97% from 2023/24. This equates to an increase of 34 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. For example, in 2022-23, a Band D property in Southwater would pay a total charge of £2,058.24. Of this amount £1,555.74 is due to West Sussex County Council, £224.91 goes to the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, £162.90 goes to Horsham District Council and the Parish Council retained £115.50.

Notice of Vacancy provided by Horsham District Council. This was displayed on the noticeboard of Beeson House on 9th February 2024.

The January Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

The works are in regard to a refurbishment of an existing signalised junction at Worthing Road and Fairbank Road in Southwater which will update equipment due to the existing equipment reaching end of life. Your questions Answered: Q. Why does this work have to take place? A. The junction equipment has reached end of life and needs replacing. Q. What work has to be done? A. New poles, signal heads and detectors will be installed, and the tactile paving areas will also be replaced for new. Surfacing works to follow after completion of signals refurbishment. Q. What will the benefits be once it is finished? A. The junction will utilise updated equipment and configurations and be more energy efficient. Q. Will any roads have to be closed during the works? A. No roads will be closed but there will be lane closures and the traffic will be run under temporary traffic lights for the duration of the scheme. Q. What time of day will the work take place? A. The works will generally be undertaken during the hours of 07:30 and 17:30 but the temporary traffic lights will remain in place. Q. The road is still closed but there is no work being carried out? A. N/A Q. What disruption can residents expect? A. There will be noise made during the working hours and delays are expected to the traffic which may queue outside residents’ property. Access will be maintained at all times, however. Q. What disruption can motorists or bus passengers expect? A. Delays are expected to vehicular journey times due to the necessary traffic management. Q. I am expecting a delivery during the works. What will happen? A. Access will be maintained at all times so if the delivery is directly onto a property or driveway this will not be affected. If the delivery is to be on street, then the driver will not be able to park in the barriered works area but will otherwise be able to deliver any portable packages direct to the property. Q. What disruption can pedestrians expect? A. The works area will be barriered off to keep pedestrians safe. When crossing the road extra care will need to be taken due to queuing cars and the use of traffic management. During work hours the operatives on site will be happy to assist anyone crossing the road should the pedestrian wish. Q. I have off-street parking, will I still be able to use it? A. N/A Q. Will any diversion routes for traffic have to be put in place? A. N/A Q. Could weather impact the proposed works? A. Severe weather could have an impact in progress or in setting times but is unlikely to affect the overall extent of the scheme. Q. How do I report a fault or problem on the highway? A. The most effective way to report a fault or problem on the highway is to use our online reporting application with multiple options. For further information, please visit - Make an enquiry or report a problem with a road or pavement via the West Sussex Council website. For the latest information follow us on Twitter/ X @WSHighways

Councillor Surgery Will Not Operate in February 2024 Due to a Public meeting at the Lardner Hall Regarding the HDC Local Plan Reg 19 Consultation For more information please read below: Southwater Parish Council (SPC) invites its residents to attend a meeting at 10am, Saturday 3rd February 2024, in Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Pevensey Road, Southwater, RH13 9XZ to discuss Horsham District Council’s (HDC) Draft Local Plan Regulation 19 document for 2023-2040. This is a great opportunity to meet with HDC’s Councillors for Southwater, where they will be on hand to answer your questions and hear your views on the recently published Regulation 19 Document which sets out its strategic planning strategy. This shows how it aims to meet the social, economic and environmental needs of the District. QUESTIONS - We are requesting residents submit their questions in advance to enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk  or deliver written questions to SPC’s office in Beeson House, Lintot Square. Please note the cut-off date for questions will be Wednesday 24th January 2024. The Government requires all local planning authorities to review the Local Plan every five years. It has set a target for the District of at least 911 new homes each year. However, this is likely to change in the Spring of 2024 due to a Government update to the calculation relating to housing affordability. The Horsham District Draft Local Plan 2023-2040 sets out how the District will deliver these developments in a sustainable way, looking at new sites to try to minimise the effect on the environment and landscape. It is also developing policies to address the causes and potential impacts of climate change. HDC Local Plan Consultation Period - This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say on the submission draft of the Local Plan (Regulation 19). The consultation period is open from Friday 19 January to Friday 1 March 2024. This is part of the statutory process to allow representation to be made on the Local Plan before it is submitted to the Secretary of State. BE INFORMED – To read the Horsham District Council Draft Local Plan 2023 (Regulation 19) go to: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/post/horsham-district-council-draft-local-plan-2023-regulation-19  and click the link to Appendix 1 You can also find further information on all matters concerning the Local Plan at https://www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/localplan

Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Dominic and Bettina, will be holding their Warden Drop-in Session on Saturday 20 January 2024 from 2:00-3:00pm at The Coop, Lintot Square, Southwater 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.

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

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 Two Mile Ash, Horsham from junction with Marlpost Road to junction with Christ’s Hospital Road is temporarily prohibited from 11/01/24. The restriction will be in place 24hrs This emergency closure is necessary to allow Balfour Beatty to do urgent drainage works. It is anticipated the works will be completed by 11/01/24. Emergency vehicle, Residential and Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. 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 Dated 11 January 2024

Southwater Parish Council (SPC) invites its residents to attend a meeting at 10am, Saturday 3rd February 2024, in Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Pevensey Road, Southwater, RH13 9XZ to discuss Horsham District Council’s (HDC) Draft Local Plan Regulation 19 document for 2023-2040.   This is a great opportunity to meet with HDC’s Councillors for Southwater, where they will be on hand to answer your questions and hear your views on the recently published Regulation 19 Document which sets out its strategic planning strategy. This shows how it aims to meet the social, economic and environmental needs of the District.   QUESTIONS - We are requesting residents submit their questions in advance to enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk or deliver written questions to SPC’s office in Beeson House, Lintot Square. Please note the cut-off date for questions will be Wednesday 24th January 2024.   The Government requires all local planning authorities to review the Local Plan every five years. It has set a target for the District of at least 911 new homes each year. However, this is likely to change in the Spring of 2024 due to a Government update to the calculation relating to housing affordability.   The Horsham District Draft Local Plan 2023-2040 sets out how the District will deliver these developments in a sustainable way, looking at new sites to try to minimise the effect on the environment and landscape. It is also developing policies to address the causes and potential impacts of climate change.   HDC Local Plan Consultation Period - This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say on the submission draft of the Local Plan (Regulation 19). The consultation period is open from Friday 19 January to Friday 1 March 2024. This is part of the statutory process to allow representation to be made on the Local Plan before it is submitted to the Secretary of State.   BE INFORMED – To read the Horsham District Council Draft Local Plan 2023 (Regulation 19) go to: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/post/horsham-district-council-draft-local-plan-2023-regulation-19  and click the link to Appendix 1   You can also find further information on all matters concerning the Local Plan at https://www.horsham.gov.uk/planning/localplan

The monthly Newsletter is now available view: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/newsletters

Job Vacancy and Employment Opportunity with Southwater Parish Council. We are recruiting for the new position of Community Engagement Officer, focused on media, communications and community engagement. For more information on how to apply please visit our Job Vacancies section of the website.

The next Southwater Parish Councillor Surgery is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6th January 2024 from 10:00-11:00am in the Parish Chamber, Beeson House, 26 Lintot Square, Southwater. You will need to enter the code 8118 to get through the door on the ground floor to access the stairs to the Parish Chamber. Alternatively, please use the lift. This is an opportunity for residents to speak with their councillors (Southwater Parish, District and County) and raise any concerns/queries they have, so please come along. For more details, please see below:

The December Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/news/categories/neighbourhood-warden-reports

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL SOUTHWATER RESIDENTS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎅🎄🎉 The Parish Office will be closed from Thursday 21st December 2023 and will reopen and staff will return to the office on Wednesday 4th January 2024. In the case of urgent matters , please call the office number 01403 733202 or send an email to enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk (with URGENT in subject heading) which will be monitored on a regular basis. If the query is of an urgent nature or an emergency a staff member will respond or return your call when possible. All other non-emergency matters will be dealt with when the office re-opens on 4th January 2024.

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

On the 15/11/23 at the SPC Full Council meeting, a climate emergency was declared. What is declaring a Climate Emergency? By declaring a Climate Emergency SPC have acknowledged that the Council needs to act on the causes and impacts of climate change. This therefore means as a council we are committed to enhancing positive steps towards reducing the possible contribution to climate change. What we are already doing:   Southwater Parish Council has undertaken various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. These measures include designating Local Green Spaces and Community Spaces to protect important green areas through the Neighbourhood Plan, exploring solar and green energy options for council buildings, commencing work on a Climate Action Plan, investigating funding opportunities, considering Air Source Heat Pumps, upgrading streetlights to LED for energy efficiency, and engaging with stakeholders to provide EV charging points in Southwater. Additionally, the council adheres to No Mow May in its grounds maintenance contract to enhance biodiversity. We are looking for support from local Groups with support on this project.   How you can get involved: If you have any questions or suggestions, please email us on: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk

Merry Christmas Southwater! In collaboration with Santa and Southwater Parish Council, your Neighbourhood Wardens Bettina and Dom have organised the special delivery of some surprise gifts for some very deserving children from Southwater Junior & Infant Academies and Castlewood Primary School with our very best wishes. Their particular thanks go to Southwater Parish Council and the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund which assisted in providing the funding for this project. The Neighbourhood Wardens hope this will bring an extra and unexpected sparkle to a child’s Christmas this December 2023. We thank the Neighbourhood Wardens for leading the initiative to bring some extra Christmas Cheer to children in Southwater.

Dear Residents, The draft Horsham District Local Plan 2023 – 2040 will be considered by the District Council on 11 December. The agenda is now available online where the various documents can also be found: https://horsham.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=188&MId=2536 The draft Horsham District Local Plan 2023 – 2040 is available here: Appendix 1 - Horsham District Local Plan Regulation 19 Dec 2023.pdf (moderngov.co.uk) Southwater Parish Council has registered a slot to speak, where the Chairman (Councillor Derek Moore) will be making representation. The question submitted to Horsham District Council in advance of their meeting was as follows: 'The Local Plan designates Southwater as a village/small town suitable for development and a Strategic Site. The plan states that development up to 2040 will be an extra 285 homes (plus 450 homes in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan), 735 homes plus the build out of the existing Berkeley site (of Broadacres) circa 300 in total over the plan period to 1,035 homes and another 265 for the period beyond 2040 at a build out rate of 50 per year will take the development period to 2045. Also noting the impact of the peripheral sites of Rascals Farm and Woodfords of just under 200 additional units right on the boundary of Southwater. The Local Plan will effectively turn Southwater into a building site for the next 22 years. Is this fair to the residents of Southwater and is it sustainable?' It is worth noting that the Draft Regulation 19 Local Plan was only released late on Friday 1 December 2023, yet Horsham District Council required questions to be submitted by midday on Wednesday 6 December 2023. Southwater Parish Council will be making a more informed response to the draft Horsham District Local Plan in accordance with the Regulation 19 timelines. Southwater Parish Council will also be holding a public meeting early in 2024 to listen to residents’ views. There is no fixed date yet, but we will give notice of it in due course. We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Southwater Parish Council

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

Many of the streetlights in Southwater are owned by West Sussex County Council, however Southwater Parish Council historically gained a number of streetlights of which we are responsible for, and their power consumption. These streetlights are dotted around the village but are mainly in the College Road/surrounding roads area. The lights use the old-fashioned sodium lighting system and typically not energy efficient compared to the LED alternative. Southwater Parish Council are always looking at ways to reduce costs and provide savings for the community. In this respect, a thorough survey and review of each Southwater Parish Council streetlight was carried out to ascertain condition and consideration towards an upgrade to LED. The general advantages of LED include: • Longer lifespan relative to other lighting technology (four times longer). • Significantly more energy efficient relative to other commercially available lighting technology and the current sodium lamps. • High light quality (in terms of lumens). • Lower maintenance costs due to longer lifespans. The review established that by upgrading the lights to LED, the outcome would be an energy efficient solution, a vast reduction in energy consumption and costs, improved quality of lighting and reduced maintenance, pollution, and carbon emissions. Funding for this project will come from the Streetlight earmarked reserve and CIL funding. In addition, a Community Climate Fund application was made to Horsham District Council, which was successful to the value of £5,000. This grant funding will provide Southwater Parish Council with additional financial support to complete the Street Lights Upgrade to LED project. The works will be undertaken by Enerveo and we anticipate they’ll be progressed over the next 3-months.