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Our Neighbourhood wardens, Bettina and Dom are holding a drop-in session at Southwater Library, with Age UK. Come and say hello, ask any questions you may have, raise any of your concerns, or just get to know the friendly team who help so many people around the village. When? 16th September 2025 10AM - 12PM Where? Southwater Library, at Beeson House See you there!

The Full Council Meeting Agenda for 17th September 2025 is available to view on our website and on the noticeboard outside Beeson House.

Southwater Parish Council is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Gold Award under the   Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS)  - the highest level of accreditation a council can achieve from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) . This makes Southwater the first Town or Parish Council in both East and West Sussex to achieve Gold status . The Gold Award demonstrates that a council is “at the forefront of best practice and achieves excellence in governance, community leadership and council development” . In a letter confirming the award ( which can be viewed here ), Keith Stevens, the Chair of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) praised Southwater Parish Council, stating: “Receiving the Gold Award is an excellent achievement showing that your council achieves good practices in governance, community engagement and council improvement. Furthermore, this award shows that your council has gone above and beyond the legal obligations; you lead your community and continuously seek opportunities to improve and develop even further.” The Gold Award is not only recognition of high standards in governance and transparency but also of Southwater Parish Council’s leadership role in the community. It reflects years of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Executive Officer & Responsible Financial Officer, Justin Tyler, who led the application process, said: “This achievement has been a couple years in the making. Southwater Parish Council is incredibly fortunate to have such committed, skilled and capable officers who consistently go above and beyond. Their hard work often takes place behind the scenes, but it is their determination, and commitment to serving Southwater that has made this recognition possible. We are blessed to have such a strong and capable team, and I want to publicly thank them for everything they do. I also extend thanks to our Chairman and the Councillors for their support throughout the journey and West Sussex Association of Local Councils (WSALC) for their continued guidance” The Council acknowledges that while reaching Gold is a significant milestone, the work does not stop here. As NALC noted, the award recognises councils that “continuously seek opportunities to improve and develop even further”. Local Council Award Scheme - Gold Certificate Accreditation Derek Moore, Chairman of Southwater Parish Council has also said: “For Southwater to be the first Town or Parish Council in Sussex to achieve the Gold Award is a tremendous achievement. This recognition reflects the exceptional standards Southwater Parish Council upholds and the professionalism, skill, and dedication of our staff, supported by our councillors. It is a true team effort, and we are proud to serve a community that not only inspires us to keep raising the bar, but is involved in how we keep Southwater as a great place to live.” Southwater Parish Council remains committed to learning, growing, and raising standards to ensure the best outcomes for the community, which is ever more important with the pending changes of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

The Councillor Surgery is taking place face to face on Saturday 6th September 2025 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!

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

September is off to a very busy start regarding road works in Southwater, carried out by various different companies. Here is a quick list to help you plan your journey through the village during the next couple of weeks. Mill Straight - Andrews Road to The Fieldings 1 Sept 9:30AM - 5 Sept 3:00PM West Sussex County Council carrying out localised repairs to surface water drainage, including relining of existing pipe work and root cutting. Amberglade 1 Sept 8:00AM - 3 Sept 6:00PM Openreach carrying out Utility Asset Works. Timber Mill 2 Sept 12:00AM - 4 Sept 1:00AM Openreach carrying out Utility Asset Works. Includes sidewalk closure as well. The Fieldings 47 to 37 2 Sept - 4 Sept Southern Water carrying out utility repair and maintenance works. Blakes Farm Road 2 Sept - 4 Sept Southern Water carrying out utility repair and maintenance works. Shipley Road 3 Sept - 9 Sept Works going to be carried out by SGN. Ash Road 4 Sept 12:00AM - 8 Sept 1:00AM Openreach to carry out permanent reinstatement works.

Upcoming national test on 7 September 2025 The government will be carrying out a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system on 7 September 2025 at 3pm . The test alert will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and compatible tablets across the UK. The test is not intended to alert you to real danger and you will not need to take any further action. What will it look like? You’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and your phone or tablet will vibrate. If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have received the test. Please visit the UK Government's website for more information.

28 th  August 2025   In July, the Planning Inspectorate allowed an appeal to build up to 800 homes and associated facilities on the Horsham Golf Club site. Southwater Parish Council (SPC) published an initial news post at the time, which can be read here: Southwater faces planning uncertainty as appeal allows 800 homes at Horsham Golf Club . Following this decision, SPC sought independent legal advice from Cornerstone Barristers and planning consultants to consider whether there were grounds to challenge the decision by way of a Judicial Review (JR).   What SPC Did Commissioned a detailed legal opinion from Counsel on whether the Inspector had made errors of law. Held meetings with Counsel and planning consultants to review the feasibility of a challenge. Examined in detail the Inspector’s treatment of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan , particularly his decision to question its housing requirement and to find that Paragraph 14 of the NPPF was not engaged.   Why SPC Cannot Proceed with Judicial Review Our barrister advised that while there were arguable flaws in the Inspector’s reasoning, particularly around the Neighbourhood Plan, these were not considered material  to the outcome. The Inspector explicitly stated that even if Paragraph 14 applied, the housing land shortfall in Horsham District meant the appeal would still have been allowed. Because of this, the legal advice was clear: a Judicial Review would almost certainly fail and the courts would be unlikely even to grant permission for the case to be heard. SPC has published a public-facing legal note, prepared by Cornerstone Barristers, which explains this advice in more detail here .   Horsham District Council’s Action Since SPC received its legal advice, Horsham District Council has announced that it has initiated its own Judicial Review of the Inspector’s decision ( read HDC’s announcement here ). SPC welcomes this action by HDC. Their legal team may be focusing on slightly different aspects of the case, particularly relating to sustainable transport and national planning policy. While our own Counsel advised SPC could not realistically pursue JR on the grounds available to us, we support HDC’s decision to seek the Court’s scrutiny of this appeal outcome.   Next Steps for SPC SPC will submit a formal complaint to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the Inspector’s treatment of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan. We will continue to robustly defend the Neighbourhood Plan  in all future applications, arguing that Paragraph 14 of the NPPF still provides protection to neighbourhood plans less than five years old. SPC will keep residents informed as HDC’s Judicial Review progresses, and as further updates become available on our own complaint to the Inspectorate. SPC has done everything within its power to explore legal challenge. While we cannot bring our own JR, we welcome HDC’s action and remain committed to protecting Southwater’s Neighbourhood Plan and ensuring the community’s voice continues to be heard.

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.