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The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 1st July 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council is continuing to make arrangements for the Parish Meeting, also known as a Meeting of Electors, to discuss matters relating to The Ghyll and 3G pitch as requested by eight electors. Please complete the attendance form To help the Council plan a safe, accessible and well-managed meeting, residents are asked to complete a short online form to register your interest in attending. Complete the form The form will help the Council estimate attendance, select a suitable venue, manage safe capacity, and support arrangements for local government electors who may wish to speak. Completing the form does not replace the public notice for the meeting and does not prevent eligible residents from attending, subject to venue capacity and safety arrangements. It is intended to help the Council plan responsibly and reduce avoidable delays on the night. Why are we asking for this information? The Council needs to understand expected attendance so that the final arrangements are proportionate and safe. The form will also help the Council plan separate arrangements, where practicable, for pre-registered electors, on-the-night verification and observers, helping to reduce entrance congestion and delays. Electors and observers A Parish Meeting is a meeting of local government electors. Only verified local government electors for Southwater Parish may speak and vote. Non-registered residents may also attend as observers, and the Council is determining how observers can be accommodated, subject to venue capacity. How your information will be used The Council will only collect information that is necessary to help plan and manage the meeting. This may include information needed for attendance planning, entry management and elector verification. The Council’s Data Protection Policy requires personal data to be processed lawfully, fairly and transparently, collected for specified purposes, limited to what is necessary, kept secure, and retained only for as long as needed. Personal data will not be published, and it will not be used for marketing purposes without explicit consent. Next steps The Council will publish the statutory notice for the Meeting of Electors confirming the date, time, venue and business to be transacted once arrangements have been finalised. In the meantime, please complete the attendance form so that the Council can plan appropriately. Complete the form Thank you for helping the Council make suitable arrangements for a safe, orderly and accessible Parish Meeting.

Parish Office arrangements – Wednesday 24 June to Friday 26 June Due to the Met Office red weather warning and forecast high temperatures, and in line with the Council’s health and safety arrangements, the Parish Office will be closed to public walk-ins on Wednesday 24 June, Thursday 25 June and Friday 26 June. Council staff will continue to work remotely and will monitor emails and telephone messages during normal working hours, subject to the weather conditions and staff welfare arrangements. Routine outdoor duties, including litter warden duties, will also be suspended during this period. For urgent matters, please contact the Parish Council in the usual way by email or telephone. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding.

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater in June and advance notice of works in July. Woodlands Way 29 June - 1 July Utility repair and maintenance work by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion. Cedar Drive 29 June - 1 July Utility repair and maintenance work by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion. College Road (road closure) 29 June - 09:00 - 15:30 only Outside nos 3-13 works to repair a part of the carriageway surface by cutting around the damaged area and replacing with new material. Diversion in operation. Worthing Road (near the Boars Head) 25 June - 29 June Utility repair and maintenance work by Openreach. Stop/go boards in operation. Pollards Hill Southbound 25 June Lane closure to allow for essential tree felling works. Blakes Farm Road 24 June - 26 June Utility repair and maintenance work by Openreach. Pollards Hill Northbound 24 June Lane closure to allow for essential tree felling works. Shipley Road 22 June - 23 June Treeworks at the junction with Foxfield Cottages. Multi-way signals in operation. College Road 19 June - 23 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion expected. Woodlands Way 19 June - 23 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion expected. Blakes Farm Road 19 June - 22 June New connection works by Openreach. No carriageway incursion expected. Horsham Bypass Southbound 18 June - 19 June - 20:00 - 05:00 only Overnight road closure from Robin Hood Roundabout to Hop Oast Roundabout for urgent carriageway repairs. Timber Mill 17 June 08:00 - 19 June 18:00 Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Stop/Go boards in operation. Cedar Drive 17 June - 19 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion expected. Worthing Road (at junction with Southwater Street) 17 June - 19 June Multiway signals to all Southern Water to carry out works. Hop Oast Roundabout 17 June - 19 June Lane closure on south side of roundabout to replace signage. Kerves Lane 15 June - 19 June Emergency closure due to car fire near Amiesmill House Two Mile Ash 15 June - 16 June Closure from Newlands to carry out urgent utility repair works. Christs Hospital Road 3 June - 16 June Construction of a new footway, highway verge, highway boundary and kerb to tie in with existing. Two-way signals in operation. Coolham Road 12 June - 09:00 - 15:30 only Daytime road closure required to allow WSCC to undertake carriageway patching works. Road will be closed from junction with Cowfold Road to junction with Two Mile Ash Road. Andrews Road 11 June - 15 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion. Cedar Drive 11 June - 15 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion. The Fieldings 11 June - 15 June Utility repair and maintenance works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion expected. A24 entry slip road southbound, Broadbridge Heath 9 June - 10 June - 20:00 - 05:00 only Evening slip road closure to allow for urgent carriageway pothole repairs from the junction with Farthings Hill Roundabout to Horsham Bypass Southbound. Worthing Road (A24)/Coolham Road junction 9 June - 09:30 - 15:30 only Daytime road closure at the Buck Barn junction slip road to allow Volker Highways to carry out urgent tree felling works to dead elm trees. Diversion route provided. Timber Mill 3 June 00:00 - 5 June 01:00 Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Stop/Go boards in operation. Bluecoat Pond 2 June 08:00 - 4 June 18:00 Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion. Millfield 1 June 09:00 - 3 June 01:00 Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Traffic control (give and take). ADVANCE NOTICE A24 Worthing Road (from Washington Roundabout northbound) 2 July - 7 July Northbound carriage way only Overnight closure from 20:00 until 05:00 to carry out carriageway patching works. Works expected to be completed in 2 days. Tower Hill 27 July - 31 July 24hr road closure for new water connection works. Works outside and opposite Stoneleigh/The Granary and 250m south of the junction with Salisbury Road for 50m.

The Agenda for the F&GP Committee Meeting on 17 June is now available to view on our website or via the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council has received eight requests from residents asking for a Parish Meeting, also known as a Meeting of Electors, to discuss matters relating to The Ghyll. Subject to validation that the requests have been made by local government electors for Southwater parish, this appears to meet the statutory threshold for a Parish Meeting. The Council recognises the statutory process and is working to make the necessary arrangements as soon as reasonably practicable. By way of context, the Annual Parish Meeting was held recently on 28 May 2026 at The Ghyll. Information relating to Annual Parish Meetings remains available on the Council’s website: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/annual-parish-meetings https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/post/southwater-annual-parish-meeting-gets-a-fresh-new-format The Annual Parish Meeting provided an opportunity for residents to attend, hear updates, ask questions and engage with local community groups. The Council understands, however, that residents have now requested a further Parish Meeting under the statutory process, and the Council will respond to that request in accordance with the relevant requirements. A Parish Meeting is a meeting of electors. It is not a council meeting. At least seven clear days’ public notice must be given, and the notice must specify the time, place and business to be transacted. A Parish Meeting cannot start earlier than 6pm. The Council is currently checking the practical arrangements required. These include venue suitability and availability, Chairman/councillor availability, keyholder arrangements, officer and staffing availability for an evening meeting outside normal office hours and normal working arrangements, safety arrangements, and appropriate arrangements for chairing and managing the meeting. The Council is currently short-staffed and is managing exceptional levels of correspondence, including formal information requests. This may affect how quickly arrangements can be finalised. However, the Council will arrange the meeting as soon as practically possible and in accordance with statutory requirements. The Council remains committed to open, respectful and constructive public engagement. Any meeting must be safe, orderly and properly managed. Note that a Parish Meeting cannot compel the Council to disclose legally privileged advice, confidential legal material, or third-party confidential information. The Council will confirm the date, time, venue and business to be transacted once arrangements have been finalised.

The May Report has been published and is now available to read on our website. Click here to view: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2026

Horsham District Council wants to know residents’ views on how it can work to improve air quality across the Horsham District. The Council is keen to know about your experience of air pollution. This consultation provides an opportunity for residents and community stakeholders to share their views on the air quality in Horsham District and the measures proposed to improve it. They want to know what issues matter most to you, where the Council should focus its efforts, and how we can continue improving air quality. Your feedback will directly help shape our actions. Please share your views in their consultation. The survey will run from Tuesday 26 May until Tuesday 20 July. Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr David Skipp said: “Whilst air quality across our District is generally good, we know that there are always improvements to be considered." "Creating a clean and healthy district for everyone who lives, works and visits our area is a key commitment." “Our forthcoming Air Quality Action Plan will set out how we will do this. We want to develop any future plans in partnership with our communities, so do please take the time to complete our survey.” Under the Government's Local Air Quality Management regime, all district and borough councils have to review and assess air quality in their areas. If monitoring shows air quality is above the air quality objectives, then the Council must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). Following this consultation, the Council will review all feedback and produce a revised Air Quality Action Plan, which will be valid for up to 5 years.

Do you have a question, concern or idea about Southwater? Would you like to speak to someone about local issues, upcoming events, or anything affecting you and your community? Come along to our next Councillors’ Surgery and have a face-to-face chat with your Parish, District and County Councillors. The surgery will now take place on Saturday 13th June 2026 from 10.00am in the Parish Chamber at Beeson House. This is a great opportunity to raise any queries, share your views, discuss local matters, or simply find out more about what is happening in Southwater. We look forward to seeing you at 10.00am on Saturday.

Southwater Parish Council has taken the decision to postpone the Councillor Surgery scheduled to take place on Saturday 6 June 2026. This follows a review of the practical arrangements for the session, including councillor availability, keyholder cover, staffing arrangements, and wider safety considerations. The surgery will therefore not take place on Saturday 6 June 2026. Alternative arrangements will be confirmed as soon as possible. Residents may continue to contact the Council in writing by email at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk

West Sussex County Council has issued a temporary closure for Downs Link, to allow for surface improvement works. The closure is being carried out under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. Date: from 8 June 2026 Duration: Up to 21 days. The contractor hopes to leave the path safe for public use during the evenings and weekends. Closed Section: Between Southwater Sports Club and the Bax Castle Works: Surface improvement works. Please note: There is no alternative route available using the Rights of Way network. Whilst the contractor hopes to leave the path safe for public use during evenings and weekends, there may be times when this is not possible. For enquiries about the works, please contact West Sussex County Council.

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 3rd June 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Traditional analogue landlines across the UK are being replaced with digital phone services, with the old network due to be switched off by January 2027. Instead of using the old copper telephone network, landline calls will be made through broadband internet technology, often called “Digital Voice” or VoIP. For many people, the change will be small and existing phone numbers can usually be kept. However, phones may need to plug into a broadband router rather than the wall socket. Residents should be aware that: digital landlines may not work during a power cut, some telecare alarms or older devices may need upgrading, and vulnerable residents may require additional support. Anyone using care alarms, monitoring equipment, or similar devices is encouraged to check compatibility with their provider before being switched over. Visit BT's website for more information on how landlines are being replaced and why. Preparing for the Switchover You don’t need to do anything until your provider tells you your telephone service is changing, or until you decide to change your telephone service.

Following the resignation of Councillor Ian Stannard from Southwater Parish Council, there is now a new Councillor vacancy. May we take the opportunity to thank Ian 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.

Southwater Parish Council has received the resignation of Councillor Ian Stannard following his recent period of service on the Council. Ian Stannard was reappointed to the Parish Council in 2024 after serving as District Councillor for Southwater and Shipley. A resident of the area for over 30 years, he has dedicated much of his career to education, initially working as a teacher and now serving as House Parent at Christ's Hospital. He has also been a Governor at Southwater Infants School. During his time in local government, Cllr Stannard developed a strong interest in education, public law and planning matters. While serving on Horsham District Council, he was a member of the Planning Committee, Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Vice Chair of the Council. He was also involved in campaigns to protect the local environment, including opposing development proposals at Buck Barn due to concerns around infrastructure and environmental impact. Southwater Parish Council would like to thank Cllr Stannard for his contribution and service to the community and wishes him well for the future.

The Annual Meeting of The Council Agenda for 20th May 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

A consultation on the Community Governance Review (CGR) for the whole district is now open and residents are encouraged to take part. This review looks at how local communities are represented and whether changes should be made to parish boundaries, governance arrangements, or local representation. This is an important opportunity for everyone to have a say in how their local area is structured and represented. What is the Community Governance Review? A Community Governance Review is a process led by Horsham District Council to consider whether existing parish arrangements still reflect local communities effectively. It can result in recommendations such as: Changes to parish boundaries Creation or merging of parish areas Adjustments to how communities are represented locally View the Information and Map You can explore the areas under review using an interactive map here: Interactive CGR Map This map allows you to view proposed areas and understand how the review may relate to your local community. How to Have Your Say Residents can respond directly to the consultation online here: Resident Consultation Survey Your feedback will help inform the final recommendations made as part of the review. Need a Paper Copy? If you would prefer to respond on paper, copies of the survey can be obtained by: Calling 01403 215100 Visiting the Horsham District Council offices Contacting your local parish office Consultation Deadline The consultation is open now and will close on 22 June 2026. All responses will be reviewed and included in the formal consideration process. This is your opportunity to help shape how your local area is represented in the future, so please take a few minutes to share your views.

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater. Timber Mill 27 May - 29 May Traffic control (stop/go boards) for utility repair/maintenance works Kerves Lane 27 May 9:30AM - 28 May 3:00PM Daytime road closure for drainage jetting works. Road closed between the junctions of Coltstaple Lane and 200m south of Bourne Hill Farm. Pollard Hill Northbound 26 May 11:30AM - 27 May 11:59PM Road closure Urgent carriageway pothole repair works next to lamp column 5 - just before Pollards Road Roundabout. Works will take 1-2 hours. The Fieldings 21 May - 26 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Shipley Road 20 May 9:00AM - 4:00PM Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by UK Power Network. Traffic control (two-way signals) will be in place. Colstaple Lane 18 May - 20 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion Timber Mill 11 May - 19 May Daytime only road closure required to allow UKPN to Install / Replace / Remove / Disconnect underground service cables. Road will be closed from junction with Cedar Drive and junction with Quarry Way. A diversion will be in place. Nyes Lane 15 May 9:30AM - 2:30PM Highway repairs organised by West Sussex County Council. Some carriageway incursion. Eames View 13 May - 15 May Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion expected. Ash Road 13 May - 15 May Utility repair and maintenance works by Openreach. Some carriageway incursion expected. Worthing Road 7 May - 15 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Millfield 12 May - 14 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Cedar Drive 12 May 12:00AM - 14 May 1:00AM Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Openreach. Larkspur Way 12 May - 14 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Cornflower Way 7 May - 11 May Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. College Road College Road to Oak Road 24 March - 11 May Scaffolding to be placed on side gable of house to allow brickwork to new extension.

The latest edition of Southwater Parish Council’s monthly newsletter for 2026 is now available to view in the Newsletter section of our website. Would you like to be among the first to receive updates on all things Southwater? Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe. It's free.

Did you know that we award small grants? Southwater Parish Council is pleased to continue supporting local organisations and initiatives through its Small Grants Scheme. At the latest round of funding, a number of projects were successfully awarded grants, reflecting the Council’s commitment to enhancing community life. Southwater Village Hall Preschool Charity has been awarded £500 towards waterproof sides for its outdoor play area shelter. This will allow children to use the space in all weather conditions, providing protection from rain and shade in the summer. Holy Innocents Church (Charity Number: 243134) has received £500 to repair and redecorate internal sanctuary walls. The work will use environmentally friendly limewash suited to listed buildings, helping to maintain the church’s historic fabric. Horsham Matters applied for funding to relocate and run a more accessible foodbank in Southwater. Councillors agreed to award a grant of £1,000 to support this work, helping improve access to food support for local residents. Continuing to Support the Community These grants highlight the Parish Council’s ongoing support for practical, locally driven projects that benefit Southwater residents. If your organisation has a project that could support the community, you are encouraged to apply for funding through the Grants Scheme.

The April Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2026

Southwater Parish Council is a Gold Award Council dedicated to serving our vibrant and growing community. We are committed to delivering high quality services and projects that enhance the lives of our residents. To support this, we are looking to expand our office team with the addition of an Apprentice Business Support Officer, providing valuable administrative support while developing their own skills and experience in local government. We are recruiting for a new Apprentice Business Support Officer based at Beeson House. This is a full-time apprenticeship role that combines practical work experience with study towards the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship standard. The apprenticeship is expected to run for approximately 18 months, including time for final assessment, with training delivered during paid working hours. The role is ideal for someone who is organised, willing to learn and interested in how a Parish Council operates. You will support the Executive Officer and the wider office team with a range of day-to-day tasks, including customer service, bookings administration, basic finance support, website updates and general office work. In return, you will gain a recognised qualification, structured training during paid working hours and a solid foundation for a future career in business administration and or local government. The Council’s intention is to retain and develop the successful apprentice where possible. Subject to satisfactory performance, funding and business need, the post is expected to convert to a permanent Business Support Officer role following successful completion of the apprenticeship and end point assessment. Final decisions would be confirmed nearer the completion date. For more details and to access the job description, specification and the application form, please visit the Job Listings & Vacancies section of our website, here.

April 2026: Joint Neighbourhood Plan Area with Shipley Parish Building on the commitment to continuous partnership working, Southwater Parish Council has formally applied to Horsham District Council for the designation of a joint Southwater & Shipley Neighbourhood Plan Area following a positive resolution with neighbouring Shipley Parish Council in April 2026. The proposed area covers both parishes entirely and reflects the increasingly close planning relationships between them, particularly where the outward growth of Southwater influences adjoining rural areas of Shipley and vice versa. The designation request sets out the clear planning reasons for the joint approach, including, but not limited to: shared issues relating to the ongoing protection of the landscape and the countryside, movement and connectivity the need for more coordinated infrastructure planning avoiding duplication and policy inconsistency across both parishes and around boundaries Both councils have independently concluded that a joint neighbourhood plan would provide the most logical, effective and locally supported basis for planning. Horsham District Council will now consider the designation request in line with the neighbourhood planning regulations. Why did we commit to a new Neighbourhood Plan? Please read our previous blog post here.

This year’s Southwater Annual Parish Meeting is set to feel a little different, in a good way. Taking place on Thursday 28th May 2026 at the Lardner Hall at The Ghyll, the event is now evolving into a more engaging, community-focused networking evening. Alongside the usual opportunity to hear updates about the last year, the event will now include stalls hosted by local groups, schools, volunteers and individuals delivering projects and helping the community in Southwater. It’s a chance for residents to see what’s happening locally, ask questions, and make new connections, all in one place. Refreshments will also be provided. Whether you’re new to the village, looking to get involved in upcoming projects and events, join a local group, or simply curious about what’s going on in your community, this event offers a relaxed and welcoming way to meet others and discover opportunities. Stallholders can set up from 5:00pm, with the meeting and networking running from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. View details of the Agenda and organisations attending here. (Please contact us if you would like to have a stall at the event.) Everyone is welcome, we hope to see you there.

Each spring, gardens across the UK begin to burst into life, but many well-meaning homeowners reach for the lawnmower just as nature needs a helping hand. That’s where No Mow May comes in. This nationwide campaign, started by the charity Plantlife, encourages people to put away the mower for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers and grasses to thrive. The goal? To support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects, which rely on native plants for food and habitat. When lawns are left uncut, species such as clover, daisies, and dandelions are able to bloom, providing vital nectar during a time when food sources are still scarce. Participating in No Mow May is a simple yet powerful act of conservation. It turns ordinary lawns into temporary wildflower meadows, helping to boost biodiversity and support struggling insect populations, which play a crucial role in ecosystems and food production. Southwater Parish Council has been participating in No Mow May for the past few years and will continue to do so. So this May, skip the trim and let your grass grow wild. Your local bees will thank you and so will the planet.

Have you got questions or concerns? Are you interested in any of the upcoming Southwater events? Or is there something else you wish to talk about? Why not come along to our next councillor surgery? It is taking place face to face on Saturday 2nd May 2026 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, or just to have a chat. See you at 10AM on Saturday!

Please read below for the current and upcoming roadworks in and around Southwater. Timber Mill 11 May - 15 May Daytime only road closure required to allow UKPN to Install / Replace / Remove / Disconnect underground service cables. Road will be closed from junction with Cedar Drive and junction with Quarry Way. A diversion will be in place. The Forge 5 May - 7 May Daytime only road closures to install new gully piping. Horsham Bypass (southbound) 30 April Lane closure approximately 400m north of Hop Oast Roundabout to allow for sign replacement. Mill Straight 29 April Two-way traffic controls to allow for utility repairs Sedgwick Lane 27 April - 1 May Road closure for new water connection works. Road closed between the junctions with Whytings Farm and Woodlands Park with works o/s The Reach Home Farm. Station Road 7 April - 14 April Works being carried out by SGN. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Worthing Road (near River Mead) 7 April - 14 May Multi-way signals. Refurbishment and upgrade of a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. Cripplegate Lane 7 April - 10 April Road will be closed for emergency roadworks carried out by Southern Water to repair damaged pipework. Cripplegate Lane/Millfield 13 April - 17 April Multiway traffic lights at the junction with Millfield for Southern Water repair work. Worthing Road 9 April 09:30 - 16:00 Works organised by West Sussex County Council to paint white lines on the carriageway. Traffic control with two-way signals will be in place. The Laurels to Mapledown Close 2 April - 8 April Utility Repair and Maintenance Works by Southern Water. Some carriageway incursion is expected. Charlock Way 7 April From 9:30AM Utility Asset Works by Virgon media. No carriageway incursion expected. College Road to Oak Road 24 March - 21 April Side of No. 25 to No. 27 Scaffolding to be placed on side gable of house to allow brickwork to new extension. No carriageway incursion is expected. Cedar Drive 2 February - 20 March Ongoing highway improvement roadworks to remove a layer of the footway surface and then creation of a layer of new material. Traffic control in place.

The Planning Committee Meeting Agenda for 6th May 2026 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.