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To view the Planning Committee Meeting Agenda, please visit our website here: Planning Committee Meeting  or view the agenda on the noticeboard situated outside Beeson House.

West Sussex County Council will be undertaking planned drainage repair works on Mill Straight, Southwater  between Andrews Road and The Fieldings  from Monday 1st September (9:30 AM)  until Friday 5th September (3:00 PM) . The project involves localised repairs to surface water drainage , including relining existing pipework and root cutting to improve long-term drainage efficiency. During this time, multi-way traffic signals will be in operation , and delays are possible . While the works may cause some disruption, they are essential to maintaining the road and preventing future drainage issues. Residents are advised to allow extra time for travel and follow signage in place. For more information, please contact the contractor directly or sign up for updates via one.network .

Update on Southwater Playing Fields Nomination Earlier this summer SPC has submitted a Asset of Community Value (ACV) nomination   for Southwater Playing Fields  (also known as Phillips Field). This was an important step in our efforts to help preserve valuable green spaces for community use, particularly for sports and recreation. We have now received the decision from Horsham District Council ( Assets of Community Value Register:Case Details ) . Unfortunately, the application to list the Playing Fields as an Asset of Community Value has been rejected . The decision acknowledged the historic value of the Playing Fields to our community, especially through their long-standing use by Southwater Football Club  and as a gathering place for families. However, the council concluded that since the Football Club’s licence ended in April 2025 and the current landowner has indicated no intention to continue renting the land to be used for sport activities to anyone, there was uncertainty about whether the land could continue to fulfill its role in serving the community  this way. While we are disappointed with this outcome, we want to reassure residents that: This rejection does not prevent future applications for other areas where applicable. Southwater’s community spaces continue to provide access to green areas that support recreation, sport, and wellbeing. Options to protect facilities for current and future generations will continue to be considered. For more details, you can view Horsham District Council’s Decision Notice  here: Decision Notice CA25/04 – Southwater Playing Fields (Horsham District Council ).

If you’re planning to use the Downs Link in Henfield this autumn, be aware that a section will be temporarily closed for essential surface improvement works. From 1st September 2025  for approximately five weeks , Bridleway No. 3513  between Stretham Bridge  and Sandy Lane  in Henfield will be closed on weekdays between 7:30am and 4:30pm . The path will remain open on weekends . Unfortunately, there is no alternative route  during the closure period, so plan your journeys accordingly. The closure aims to improve the bridleway surface for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, ensuring safer and more enjoyable use in the future. The affected section is marked in red on the West Sussex County Council map. For updates and further information, visit the West Sussex County Council website or email countryside@westsussex.gov.uk .

Millais School will accept both boys and girls from September 2026, following a decision made by the Leader of West Sussex County Council. Councillor Paul Marshall said making Millais School co-educational will address the issue of falling pupil numbers at the school and help relieve some of the pressure for additional secondary school places across Horsham as well as removing the inequality of choice available for boys and girls in the town. Cllr Marshall said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views on the proposal to make Millais a school for girls and boys. I considered with great interest all of the responses we received, including those opposed to the change as well as those in favour. I was particularly keen to see and consider the views of the school’s leadership and of pupils at the school, as well as those of parents and young people across the area. “I strongly believe that making Millais co-educational is the right decision. Not only will it provide much needed secondary school places for pupils in the Horsham area, but it will make Millais School, which is a very good school but one that has been undersubscribed for the past four years, more sustainable. “This decision demonstrates our commitment to providing children with school places close to their local area where possible, and to giving all children and young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I look forward to seeing girls and boys thrive for many years to come at Millais School.” The first intake of Year 7 girls and boys at the school is due in September 2026. Existing year groups of girls will continue to receive their education at the school until they leave at the age of 16. A full consultation on proposals, for the school to accept boys and girls in Year 7 from September 2026 and each year thereafter, was held from 19 June until 18 July. All responses and representations to this consultation and the earlier informal consultation were taken into consideration. The county council will now work closely with school staff to ensure the move to become co-educational is as seamless as possible. The full decision, along with a summary of the statutory consultation responses, is available on the council’s website . It is subject to the council’s seven-day call-in period.

West Sussex County Council has issued a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) for Coltstaple Lane, Southwater. The closure will take place on Friday 22nd August 2025 , between 08:00 and 18:00 , while Openreach carries out essential overhead cabling works . The road will be closed to all traffic between the junction with Kerves Lane  and the junction with Reeds Lane . The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and the workforce. An alternative signed route  will be in place during the works. Access will be maintained  for residents, pedestrians, and emergency services. The works are expected to be completed within the day, though the TTRO allows for a maximum of 5 days if required . For further details, please visit one.network . If you have queries regarding the closure, you can contact Kelly Traffic Management (on behalf of Openreach)  on 02476 642814 . We thank residents and road users for their patience during these essential works.  West Sussex County Council: Report a problem with a road or pavement here ,  or raise a highways related enquiry Follow them at @WSHighways on X, or Email: ttro@westsussex.gov.uk .

Southwater’s Neighbourhood Wardens, Bettina and Dom were recently invited to visit a local resident who is receiving end-of-life care at home. It was a genuine honour to spend time with them and their partner, sharing stories and learning about their varied life. During the visit, the wardens heard about the resident’s fascinating career in the motor racing industry and their antics as a young person, alongside some hilarious anecdotes. There were plenty of laughs too, as they shared amusing stories from their younger years, including tales of delivering motorbikes across Europe and even crashing a gyrocopter. The visit stands as a reminder of the value of spending time together, listening, and making space to recognise people’s contributions and life experiences. It’s something the Neighbourhood Wardens are proud to support in the community. They look forward to visiting the resident again soon and would like to thank them and their partner for their kind hospitality. If you would like to contact the wardens, please visit their page here. Photo from WIX

The August - September 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!

Join the Southwater Youth Project Team SYP are looking for a Sessional Youth Support Worker  to help make a difference in the lives of local young people in Southwater. Please note, this is a paid opportunity, not a volunteer role. Details: Required Hours: 6 hours per week (including Friday nights) What they are looking for: ✔ Experience working with children and young people ✔ A positive role model with great communication skills ✔ Willingness to help deliver sessions, plan activities, and support volunteers ✔ Ability to run and engage young people in a variety of fun, inspiring activities ✔ Confidence in talking to young people about the issues that matter to them To apply or find out more, please email: Angie - southwateryouthworker@hotmail.co.uk or Iain Jones - iainjonesy@tiscali.co.uk SYP CIO Job Advert

From Easter adventures under the stars to messy art projects, padel ball matches, and keep-fit sessions that changed minds about the gym, this term has been full of energy, creativity, and connection at Southwater Youth Project. Their latest Engagement Report shares the highlights of April-July 2025, from holiday trips and garden projects to safe spaces where young people can open up about friendships, fears, and the future. They have celebrated growing clubs, welcomed new young leaders, and supported students in schools, all while strengthening trust and confidence within the community. As they look ahead to a more relaxed, but still an activity-filled summer, they remind everyone that these moments, big and small, are where positive changes take root. Read their full report here.

Southwater Parish Council is working hard to make our village safer for everyon and we need your input. We’re currently supporting a proposal to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on two key sections of Worthing Road, at the northern and southern entrances to the village. Reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph on Worthing Road could lead to reduced pollution, cleaner air, quieter streets, and safer conditions for all road users. Red mark to show areas for the proposed speed limit change To move forward, we must submit a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to West Sussex County Council, and your voice matters in making that happen. Please take a moment to complete our short survey and share your views: Click here to take the survey We have also distributed a hard copy of the survey to the nearby households, if you prefer using that version, please return a copy to the Parish Office during opening hours, or use our letter box at the left side of Beeson House. Deadline: Monday, 26th August 2025 Your support could help bring about a safer, calmer Southwater and we thank you for taking the time to get involved in this important local matter.

Notice is hereby given by West Sussex County Council that Reeds Lane, Southwater, will be temporarily closed to all traffic from 12th August 2025 for a distance of approximately 377 metres. The closure is anticipated to last for up to five days, but the works are estimated to be completed on 13th August 2025. This closure, in accordance with Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended), is required for the safety of the public and workforce while FM Conway, on behalf of the Council, undertakes essential works commencing at Jackrell’s Lane. The restriction will be enforced during daytime hours only, between 09:30 and 15:00. Access will be maintained for emergency services, local residents, and pedestrians. A signed alternative route will be provided on site. Further details can be found at https://one.network/?tm=144154425 . For enquiries, please contact FM Conway on behalf of West Sussex County Council at 01243 642105. West Sussex County Council thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during these essential works.

The July Report has been published and is now available to read on our website, please click here: Southwater Neighbourhood Warden's Monthly Reports 2025

We would like your feedback! Southwater Parish Council is reviewing how grass cutting and ground maintenance are managed in public areas belonging to the Parish Council. We’re asking for your views to help us better understand local priorities and identify areas where we may be able to make improvements. Please access the onlne survey here , click on the photo below, or pick up a hard copy from Beeson House and return it to the Parish Office and return it during our opening hours, or through our letter box at the side of the building. The closing date of the survey is 31st of August 2025.

The councillor surgery will not operate in August as is customary. We are looking forward to see you again in September, on the first Saturday of the month. Would you like to stay up to date with the latest news of Southwater? Subscribe to our newsletter on the bottom of the page.

The Downslink Play Area will be closed on Wednesday 30 th July to carry out essential maintenance works. The Spinner Bowl at this play area will be out of use from Wednesday the 30th July, due to essential maintenance works being carried out. We hope to have this piece of equipment ready for use again asap. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.   Spinner Bowl at Downslink Play area A reminder of the other play areas in Southwater for you to enjoy :   Larkspur Way Play Area Warren Drive Play Area Cornflower Way Play Area Roman Lane Play Area Nutham Lane Play Area Eversfield Play Area The Ghyll Play Area Southwater Country Park

West Sussex County Council has announced a temporary road closure of Shipley Road, Shipley CP, in the Horsham District, effective from 22nd July 2025. This closure, made under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, applies to the section of Shipley Road outside Mole Hole. The emergency closure will remain in place for a maximum of 21 days, with works expected to be completed by 25th July 2025. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and workforce while BT carries out excavation works to restore a loss of service. The restriction will operate 24 hours a day. An alternative route will be clearly signposted on site. Access will be maintained for emergency services, residents, and pedestrians within the affected area. For further information, please contact BT on 0800 023 2450. Dated: 22nd July 2025

We're thrilled to share that 11 local young people  have just been approved for financial assistance through our Duke of Edinburgh's Award Living Legacy Fund , helping them take on this new adventure. Through the Legacy Fund, at this round, SPC have supported: ✅ 6 Silver Award participants ✅ 5 Bronze Award participants. This funding helps cover vital costs like registration fees, campsite fees  or equipment for the expedition stage of the award. These successful applications came through our ongoing partnership with Southwater Youth Project CIO and their Youth Worker, Angie Choat , who continue to do incredible work as a DofE Centre supporting and inspiring local young people. We are still accepting applications for this funding. Find out more and contact us to apply . Let’s keep supporting our young people to develop confidence, resilience and new skills that will last a lifetime. #DukeofEdinburghAward #DoE #DofE #Southwater #TheLivingLegacyFund

We are grateful for the constructive input from residents on our bin survey earlier this year, the feedback we received is helping us to identify areas of the village where changes, improvements could be implemented regarding the bins. Also, in alignment with our Climate Change Action Plan , we now welcome a new general waste and mixed recycling bin by the bus stop at Cripplegate corner. General waste bins can also be used for the disposal of dog waste, so if you walk your dog in that area, please feel free to use the new general waste bin for that purpose. The recycling bin operates with the same rules as any other mixed recycling bin, but if you require some guidance on the rules, please visit HDC's website.

The One Day RPII Routine Inspectors Course, organised by our Senior Operations Officer, went ahead successfully on Tuesday 15 th  July. It was organised and attended by the Senior Operations Officer, our Litter Warden and Play Area Inspectors, together with persons from other Parish Councils and organisations in Sussex who have responsibilities for their respective play areas and facilities. Southwater Parish Council hosted the training so that costs could be shared and assist other Parish Councils.   The course was both theory and practical based and our Litter Warden and Play Area Inspectors also carried out the RPII Routine examination which means they are competent to carry out routine visual inspections of our play areas, knowing what to look for and report on, promoting safety above all. The course is for people who are responsible for the routine weekly inspections of play areas, covering the responsibilities and requirements. The Council recognises the importance of ‘play and recreation’ and we are fortunate to have eight playgrounds within our Parish Boundary. 7 of these play areas are managed by us and our team is working hard to make sure the children can enjoy these areas safely and for as long as possible. Check out our playgrounds here.

Here are a few local, organised, group walks that you can join in Southwater: Wellbeing Walks in Southwater - As part of Horsham District Wellbeing program. Level 1, Distance: 2.6 miles Duration: 75 mins Walk 1009. Meet in the car park of the Country Park, (off Cripplegate Lane, RH13 9UN). Along bridleways and country lanes and return via the Downs Link. No stiles but can be muddy. Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. The café and toilets at the Park will be open. There is a parking charge at Southwater Country Park. Sorry, but no dogs are allowed on this walk. Contact Sue on 07751092103 for more information. Conversation Starter Project - Walk & Talk This friendly group meets every Friday by ‘Iggy’ the dinosaur in Lintot Square, at 12pm. These walks are FREE, there is no need to book in advance and are open to anyone over 18, registered assistance dogs are also welcome. Join Southwater WI Walking Group The walking Sub Committee is led by four WI members, Gillian Pinkard, Suzanne Lewis, Tricia Gardiner & Debbie Hallgren. Look out on the group's Facebook page  and emails for different walks, at various times of day/week and varying levels of walking ability.   Visit their website   for contact details and to see their other activities. Southwater Community Partnership - Walks Join their Facebook group  for more information. Men Walk & Talk They meet at end of the Causeway / entrance to St Mary's Church every other Saturday and the walks start at 10AM - 11AM. Check out their calendar here. Fancy just exploring? Please click the links below for details of a few local walking routes and maps to help you explore Southwater on foot. Southwater Southwater Heritage Trail Southwater South & Shipley Every step you take is a step towards a healthier you!

Children of all ages can combine reading with nature and the great outdoors at West Sussex libraries when taking part in Story Garden, the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. The annual initiative aims to encourage kids to keep reading over the school holidays with rewards available for completing the challenge, including a special medal and certificate.The challenge runs right across the summer and children aged 4 to 11 can join in anytime from Saturday 12 July to Saturday 13 September. It’s free to take part and you just need a library card, available from all West Sussex libraries. Meanwhile, little ones aged four and under can join the Story Garden Mini Challenge and collect stickers as they share library books over the summer , before receiving a special gold sticker and certificate when they finish.   Councillor Duncan Crow, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “The challenge is not only a fun activity for young people to take part in, but it also helps to improve their reading skills and confidence. This supports a key priority of Our Council Plan which is to help people fulfil their potential.  “Over 340,000 books were read by children and young people in West Sussex last summer and almost 10,000 children took part in the challenge. It’s fantastic to see a consistently high number of children getting involved each year. The challenge is free to join and I would urge all children and families to sign up and take part at their nearest library.” Some of the council’s libraries are appealing for volunteers aged 14 and over to support staff in promoting the challenge and in return develop their skills and gain valuable experience working with children and families. See West Sussex Libraries  for full details of how to sign up to the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, and how to volunteer.

When: Tuesday 5 th  August at 7.30pm Where: Southwater Village Hall Everyone is welcome to attend   Community Partnerships are run by the community, for the community.  They are not for profit, non-political/religious, non-lobbying organisations made up entirely of volunteers. The Southwater Community Partnership's aims to work together on issues and projects of interest and concern to Southwater and its surrounding communities, and to secure its long-term viability as a centre for social, business and cultural activities, and maintain the heritage associated with Southwater. If you would like to learn more, visit their website at www.southwatercp.org.uk or contact them at info@southwatercp.org.uk Southwater Community Partnership Logo

This survey was conducted to gather feedback from residents of Southwater Parish on how effectively the Parish Council communicates news, decisions, meetings, services and general information. The aim was to understand current perceptions, preferences, and barriers in accessing Council-related information, and to explore potential improvements in communication methods to better serve and engage the community. Whilst this survey was not as popular amongst residents as previous questionnaires, we still had a total of 64 responses that are important to consider. Thank you to everyone who participated in our latest survey, your opinion matters! Access the Communication Survey Results here.

Southwater residents are invited to a free, resident-led educational evening exploring the contributions of Black inventors and scientists during the Industrial Revolution. Date : Thursday 17 July 2025 Time : 6:00 – 9:00 pm Location : Lintot Pub, Lintot Square, Southwater, RH13 9LA This community event features a talk by local resident Paul Phoenix on historical figures Lewis Latimer and Elijah McCoy, as well as poetry readings and a special guest appearance by BBC broadcaster and author Paul Waters. The event supports the local Veterans Network and includes light a finger buffet. It is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Travel : Bus 23 or 98 from Horsham bus or train station, stops nearby. Further details and registration : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-heroes-of-the-industrial-revolution-tickets-1409518570989 This event is independently organised by a local resident and shared here for community interest.

News that has come to light today reveals that the Planning Inspectorate has allowed the appeal for the development of up to 800 homes and a sports and leisure hub at Horsham Golf Club. This decision , released on 11 July 2025, has significant implications for Southwater and the wider Horsham District - particularly in the absence of an up-to-date Local Plan. Why does this matter? The Inspector’s decision highlights the district’s lack of a five-year housing land supply, the outdated status of the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF) and lack of a new Local Plan for the Horsham District. As a result, the Inspector applied the "tilted balance" under Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF, which favours sustainable development unless the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. This means that speculative development, even outside settlement boundaries, can now be approved if it meets broader sustainability criteria under the NPPF. What does this mean for Southwater? The Inspector acknowledged that the development would cause moderate landscape harm and some loss of tranquillity between Horsham and Southwater. However, considered that these harms were outweighed by the substantial benefits they listed: Delivery of 800 homes, including 280 affordable homes A £750,000 contribution to improve local bus services New sports and leisure facilities A local centre with retail and co-working space A net biodiversity gain of over 10% The Inspector also noted that greenfield sites on the edge of settlements like Horsham and Southwater will be necessary to meet housing needs, given the District Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. The role - and limits - of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan The Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (SNP), adopted in June 2021, was designed to give our community a stronger voice in shaping local development. However, as this appeal decision makes clear, even the strongest Neighbourhood Plan cannot override national planning rules when the district’s Local Plan is out of date. Because Horsham District Council (HDC) has failed to adopt a new Local Plan and cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, the Inspector had to apply the “tilted balance” under national planning policy (Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF). This means that planning permission should be granted unless the harm clearly outweighs the benefits, a very high bar. What this means in practice is that Southwater’s Neighbourhood Plan while still material and carries weight, based on the Planning Inspectorate’s Decision, it appears it does not carry enough weight to resist speculative or large-scale development, especially on greenfield land at the edge of settlements. This is unfortunately a consequence of there being no up-to-date Local Plan for the District. Unless the SNP is formally reviewed and updated before June 2026, it will lose the protections it currently benefits from under Paragraph 14 of the NPPF. Without this, Southwater could be exposed to even more speculative development with fewer tools available to resist it. What is the Parish Council doing? Following this news, we will be urgently reviewing options and the position of our Neighbourhood Plan and will provide updates on what can be done to protect Southwater from further large-scale developments in view of there being no up-to-date HDC Local Plan. What can you do? We urge all residents to: Stay informed about the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan processes. Participate in future consultations and public meetings. Support the Parish Council's efforts to review the SNP and protect Southwater's character. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Your voice matters - together, we can help shape the future of Southwater.

It's no secret that there are amazing volunteers who work very hard to help the elderly in the village. Last week, one of these small group of lovely people, who run the Games Afternoon at the Village Hall, combined forces with Age UK to make the day a bit more special. AGE UK provided a delicious hot meal for everyone and the attendees could enjoy their usual games after they finished their lunch. Our Neighbourhood Wardens, Bettina and Dom are regularly present at these events to help out and this time our Community Engagement Officer also attended to give a pair of extra hands to help where needed. Everyone seemed to have a great time and new friendships were formed. Volunteers are always welcome at these events and if you have a couple hours a week to spare, and would like to put it to good use, please contact Teresa Longdon at 07957449701 or Chris Cribb at 07854826724. They will appreciate every little help.

The Full Council Agenda for 16th July 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.