To view the Finance & General Purpose Committee 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 monthly Newsletter is now available view: https://www.southwater-pc.gov.uk/newsletters

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 the route below is temporarily prohibited: SOUTHWATER: PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY NO.S 3568 & 1642 (Downs Link) as shown on the map below. The path closure is necessary to protect public safety whilst surface improvement works are undertaken, with effect from 11th June 2023. This notice enacts a further 21 day closure from the date given above and this may be followed by a further closure as the works are expected to take 6-8 weeks depending on the weather. The contractor is hopefully going to be able to leave the path safe to use at weekends. Contact telephone numbers: Public Rights of Way Team (WSCC) (01243) 777620

If you would like to speak to Dom or Bettina our Neighbourhood Wardens or would like to find out more about the role they carry out in our parish, why not make contact directly? Their phone numbers and email address can be found on the poster below.

An opportunity to chat and discuss matters with your Councillors. #councillorsurgery #southwater #southwaterparishcouncil

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 2nd June 2023, Commencing on 5 June 2023 and Ending on 14th July 2023) please click here. For more information regarding Accounts please click here.

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

Notice from West Sussex County Council 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 the route below is temporarily prohibited. SOUTHWATER: PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY NO.S 3568 & 1642 (Downs Link) as shown on the map above. The path closure is necessary to protect public safety whilst surface improvement works are undertaken, with effect from 22nd May 2023. This notice enacts a 21 day closure from the date given above and this will be followed by a further closure as the works are expected to take 6-8 weeks depending on the weather. The contractor is hopefully going to be able to leave the path safe to use at weekends. Contact telephone numbers: Public Rights of Way Team (WSCC) (01243) 777620

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

To view the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 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.

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

Southwater Women's Institute have kindly spruced up up the war memorial garden. This is to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. The Southwater WI was formally formed on Wednesday 31st January 2018. They promote the empowerment of women creating friendships that last a lifetime. They meet at the Southwater Village Hall on the last Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. For more information visit: https://www.southwaterwi.co.uk/

Due to Surface improvements works the Downs Link at Southwater: BRIDLEWAY NO.258 will have a CLOSURE between Southwater and Christ's Hospital from mid May 2023 for approximately 8 weeks. The area of work is highlighted in red on the map below. We apologise of any inconvenience caused. Enquiries should be sent to: countyside@westsussex.gov.uk

In view of the Elections and the Local Government Association Pre-Election Period guidance, the Councillor Surgeries will not be running on 1st April 2023 and 6th May 2023 and will resume on the first Saturday of June (Saturday 10:00am, 3rd June 2023) continuing thereafter as per normal (first Saturday of every month except August). Southwater Parish Council look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, should you have any queries, please contact us on enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk

Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Dominic and Bettina, will be holding their Warden Drop-in Session, Saturday 29 April 2023 at 12:30-14:30 hours at the Foyer of Beeson House, Lintot Square, Southwater. Please come and talk to us about any issues you are having and we will do our best to support you directly or signpost you to a service best placed to address your concerns.

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

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

NOTICE IS hereby given that in pursuance of the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, as amended, the use of Dragons Lane, Dragons Green from junction with A272 to Dragons Green Road is temporarily prohibited from 19/04/2023 The restriction will be in place 24hrs This emergency closure is necessary to allow BT to access underground structure to re-connect service It is anticipated the works will be completed by 19/04/2023 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 Any queries about the nature of works please contact Openreach on behalf of BT on 08001412004 Dated 19 April 2023 Matt Davey Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning

Open invite to all Southwater Community Groups and Residents: The meeting is held once a year and is an opportunity for residents to hear from local organisations and community groups about their activities over the past year. The meeting is not a council meeting, but for the benefit of the community. 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 hear about the work of local organizations. Residents are welcome to attend but must contact SPC by 4pm on 26 May 2023 if they wish to speak. All reports from Community groups must be submitted by 4pm 16 May 2023. Contact: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Date: 30 May 2023 Location: Lardner Hall, The Ghyll, Southwater Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm

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

To view the Finance & General Purpose Committee 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.

🚨 Attention all drivers! A24 Basing Hill Northbound in West Grinstead will be closed for overnight carriageway resurfacing from Monday, April 17th to Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, from 20:00 to 6:00, from Ashington Interchange (East Wolves) to Worthing Road, Dial Post. 🚧 An alternative route will be signposted on site. Please refer to the map below for the recommended diversion. Please note that these works are subject to change due to weather conditions, but we will keep you informed of any significant updates. 🌦️ This closure is under the 14.1 order issued on January 11th, 2022. #roadclosure #westgrinstead #trafficupdate

After receiving several complaints from residents and conducting their own inspections, Southwater Parish Council acknowledges the deteriorating state of the road surface and extensive potholes situated at Worthing Road/Fairbank Road (Lintot Sq.) Traffic Lights, Southwater. The Road is the responsibility of Highways (West Sussex County Council), SPC has made various reports and submitted a comprehensive condition survey to Highways to demonstrate the severity of the issue and the need for attention. Highways visited Worthing Road close to Lintot Square at the junction with Fairbank road and identified several areas that require substantial capital patching. These areas include Worthing Rd northbound, the bus stop areas, the entrance to Fairbank Road, and an area near Pipers Close. They are currently in the process of raising works for resurfacing large areas of the carriageway and will inform SPC of a definitive date for completion.

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 Cripplegate Lane, Southwater from junction with Millfield to junction with Pollards Way to Cripplegate Lane is temporarily prohibited from 6/04/23. The restriction will be in place 24hrs This emergency closure is necessary to allow Southern Water to repair leak. It is anticipated the works will be completed by 12/04/23. 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 Any queries about the nature of works please contact Southern Water on 01273 663591 Dated 06 April 2023 Matt Davey Assistant Director of Highways, Transport and Planning

There will be full District and Parish elections on Thursday 4 May 2023. Voter ID May 2023 will be the first time that voter identification will be required to be shown by all voters at a polling station. This has been introduced under the Elections Act 2022. Voters need to show an approved form of photo identity before voting in a polling station, the ID does not have to be current, provided the likeness is still true. The document must be an original document. The most commonly used ID include: • Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country • Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional) • European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card • UK Biometric Residence Permit • An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)* • A Blue Badge • A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (For example West Sussex County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card.) See full list of photo ID accepted at GOV.UK If you do not have photo ID Anyone without suitable photo identification, such as a passport or driving license, can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate If you are not able to apply online you can download a paper application form. The VAC will be posted directly to the voter. More information on the application process is available on the Electoral Commission's website. More information: https://www.horsham.gov.uk/council-democracy-and-elections/elections/upcoming-elections

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has published information on council tax levels set by councils in England for the financial year 2023/24. Critical data specific to local (parish and town) councils include: The average Band D precept charged by local precepting bodies (including local councils) for 2023/24 will be £78.79, an increase of £3.98 or 5.3% in 2023/24. Parish precepts in 2023/24 will total £708 million, which is £53 million higher than in 2022/3 and 1.8% of overall council tax. The statistical release also shows: The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England (including local councils) for 2023/24 is £2,065, an increase of £99 or 5.1% on the 2022/23 figure of £1,966. The council tax requirement is £38.7 billion, £2.4 billion higher than in 2022/23. The total tax base for setting council tax for 2023/24 was 18.7 million Band D equivalent dwellings and 18.5 million in 2022/23. Southwater Parish Council approved the budget for financial year 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 at the Full Council Meeting of 18th January 2023. This represented a total precept requirement of £485,772, resulting in a Band D Council Tax of £101.77, signifying a decrease of 11.9% from 2022/23. To view the approved budget please visit Annual Budget | Southwater Parish (southwater-pc.gov.uk) 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 retains £115.50.

Residents of Southwater, please note that we have received confirmation via the Local Planning Authority that the following application numbers will be going to Horsham District Council's Planning Committee (North) for consideration on Tuesday, 4th April 2023: DC/22/0302 Sony DADC UK Limited, Southwater Business Park, Worthing Road, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9YT Demolition of existing warehouse buildings and redevelopment to provide employment units for a flexible range of employment uses (Use Classes E, B2 and/or B8) erection of ancillary offices, together with the provision of yard areas, parking, landscaping and associated works. DC/22/0096 Roundstone Park, Worthing Road, Southwater, West Sussex Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 36 Retirement Living Apartments and 6 Retirement Cottages, including a Lodge Manager's office, communal facilities, a guest suite, parking and landscaping. DC/21/2180 (related to DC/20/2564) Woodfords, Shipley Road, Shipley, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9BQ Outline application for the erection of up to 73 new dwellings (C3 use) and retention of existing farmhouse building, associated public open space, landscaping, drainage and highway infrastructure works, including vehicular access from Shipley Road, with all matters reserved except for access (re-consultation in relation to Water Neutrality Report). As you may be aware, these planning applications and proposed developments are of a significant size and will directly impact Southwater where they are located within the Parish boundary or directly adjacent to the Southwater Parish boundary as with DC/21/2180. Hence, Southwater Parish Council will be making representation at the HDC Planning Committee (North) to provide statement in relation to the previous recommendations submitted to each planning application. For more information, please visit the Horsham District Council Planning Portal and search each Planning Application using the search function. Note that Planning Application DC/22/2077 - RSPCA Headquarters, Oakhurst Business Park, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS [Demolition of existing building and the erection of 3no buildings to provide flexible industrial and storage and distribution floorspace (Use Class B2/B8) and ancillary office floorspace, with associated hard and soft landscaping, car and cycle parking, supporting infrastructure and retention of existing attenuation pond] will not be considered at the HDC Planning Committee (North) on 4th April 2023 but Southwater Parish Council will be monitoring the progress of this application accordingly.

Elections are to be held for District Councillors and Parish Councillors. As you may be aware, Horsham District Council have published the notice of election and are taking nominations from 10am – 4pm Monday-Friday until the deadline on 4 April 2023 at 4:00pm. To view the Notice of Election documents published by the Returning Officer (Jane Eaton) at Horsham District Council please see below: Election of District Councillors Notice Election of Parish Councillors Notice For more information on the elections, please visit: Elections: Upcoming elections | Horsham District Council #Elections #HorshamDistrictCouncil #ParishCouncils #Councillors