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Southwater Parish Council (SPC) submitted a formal complaint to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS)  on 3 rd  October 2025 regarding the Inspector’s decision to uphold the appeal for up to 800 dwellings at Horsham Golf & Fitness. Residents will recall that we published an update on 29 August 2025 setting out our position following the appeal decision, which can be read here: Southwater Parish Council Update – Horsham Golf Club Appeal . Our complaint focuses on the fact that the Inspector re-examined whether the “made” Neighbourhood Plan (approved by referendum in 2021) had allocated enough housing using today’s figures and methodologies (Current National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)). This was not within their remit: the Plan had already been properly examined and adopted under the requirements of the time. By taking this approach, the Inspector wrongly concluded that the Plan was “out of date”, something that risks undermining the confidence both the public and Parish/Town Councils placed in the process and setting a damaging precedent for neighbourhood plans everywhere. In the complaint, SPC has asked PINS to: Acknowledge that this treatment of the Neighbourhood Plan went beyond the Inspector’s remit and was not required by national policy or law; Recognise the impact this has had on public confidence and the precedent it creates; and Confirm that Inspectors will not re-assess made neighbourhood plans against later housing figures in future. You can read the full text of SPC’s complaint here: Download Complaint Letter (PDF) . SPC will continue to keep residents updated via its Planning Committee and website as we await a formal response from the Planning Inspectorate and as Horsham District Council’s Judicial Review progresses.

Q1. What is Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation? Devolution is when powers and funding are transferred from central government to local government. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)  means replacing county, district and borough councils with one or more new unitary authorities . For West Sussex, this will mean Horsham District Council ceasing to exist in April 2028, with responsibilities moving to a new county-wide unitary authority . Please read more here.   Q2. What happens to assets (parks, open spaces, facilities) as part of this process? At present, there are community spaces in Southwater which are owned and managed by Horsham District Council (HDC).  Hence, Southwater Parish Council (SPC) is seeking feedback   and views on some of these areas as part of the survey . When HDC is abolished, responsibility will pass to the new Unitary Authority unless assets are transferred to Southwater Parish Council (SPC) under HDC’s Community Asset Transfer Polic y . Q3. How do assets get transferred, and will SPC have to pay HDC? Under HDC’s policy, SPC (or another eligible community body) must submit an application with a business case showing how the asset will be managed for community benefit. Transfers are normally done at nil or nominal value  where there is clear community benefit, but with legal safeguards for HDC such as: Use restrictions  (community purposes only), Clawback clauses  (if sold or misused), Reversion rights  (asset can return to HDC or new Unitary Authority). SPC would therefore not usually pay HDC for the land itself but would eventually take on the full cost of maintenance and management going forward. Initially, as the areas we are seeking feedback for are covered under long term (5-year) grounds maintenance and grass cutting contracts with an undertaking to HDC, ownership can pass to SPC on the basis that maintenance continues to be undertaken as part of that contract where it would be novated from HDC to the Unitary Authority. After which, SPC would be responsible for arranging its own grounds maintenance and grass cutting contract for the area.   Q4. What would happen if SPC didn’t take on these assets? They would remain with the new Unitary Authority. The level of maintenance is uncertain, and experience shows that larger authorities facing budget pressures often reduce local service standards.   Q5. Will these assets be sold off? If SPC owns them : they will not and cannot be sold for private/commercial gain. The legal transfer from HDC will include restrictions, and many of the sites listed in the survey are already protected in the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan (under policies SNP5 and SNP6) which prevent them being developed. If SPC does not own them and they are transferred to the Unitary Authority : decisions will rest with the new Unitary Authority, and SPC cannot give guarantees about future intentions. However, the protections of the Neighbourhood Plan would still apply (if that specific area is designated under Policy SNP5 or SNP6). In addition, it is worth noting: The new Unitary Authority will face major financial pressures during and after reorganisation. Evidence from the Shaping West Sussex Business Case shows that “capital receipts” (selling land or assets) may be used to help fund the transition and future budgets. WSCC has already sold small parcels of land and open spaces in recent years. Therefore, there is a risk that the Unitary Authority could look to sell assets to raise funds. Unlike HDC, the new Unitary Authority will not be bound by HDC’s current Asset Transfer Policy. Its priorities may change, and decisions will be made on a county-wide (or the area it covers) basis, not necessarily with a focus of Southwater’s interests in mind.   Q6. If SPC takes over these assets, what guarantees are there that they will remain accessible to the public? The various sites listed in the survey are safeguarded under the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan . HDC’s transfer terms include covenants and reversion clauses to ensure community benefit. SPC’s own adopted policies would apply once ownership is transferred (see Q10).   Q7. How would taking on new assets affect Council Tax rates? Maintenance costs would be covered by the Parish precept . The exact increase depends on which assets are transferred, and the level of service residents expect. Unlike at county level, all money raised locally by SPC is spent only in Southwater .   Q8. Would these areas be better looked after by SPC or the new Unitary Authority? A larger Unitary Authority/Authorities would be accountable to the whole area of the authority i.e. West Sussex would focus on statutory services and may reduce investment in parishes, smaller towns or villages prioritising focus on key economic centres. SPC is accountable only to Southwater residents and can prioritise higher maintenance standards if that is what the community wants.   Q9. What guarantees do residents have that the new Unitary Authority will maintain the same level maintenance and funding as HDC on these areas? There are no guarantees. Service levels after 2028 will depend on the priorities and budget decisions of the new authority.   Q10. If SPC takes on these areas, would they be included in SPC’s adopted policies on Biodiversity and Climate Action? Yes. Once transferred, all assets would be managed under SPC’s existing commitments to biodiversity, climate action and sustainability.   Q11. Will the decision regarding the transfer of these assets be based on the residents’ responses to the survey? The survey is very important, but it is one part of the decision-making process. 1. How SPC will use your responses Southwater Parish Council (SPC) launched this survey to inform residents about the pending changes and to place residents’ views at the centre of the discussion. Your feedback will be considered when SPC weighs up the benefits and risks of taking on (or not taking on) new assets: Benefits include local control, retained or improved standards of care, and protection of valued spaces. Risks include the long-term financial costs of maintenance, management, and staffing, which would fall on the Parish precept. SPC will take a pragmatic approach: survey results will be considered alongside financial planning, continuity of service provided by HDC, and the long-term importance of each site to the community. 2. The role of Horsham District Council (HDC) Even if SPC and residents are supportive, the final decision lies with HDC . Under HDC’s Community Asset Transfer Policy , the District Council must assess applications against specific criteria, including: The community benefit and sustainability of the proposal, The financial and governance capacity of SPC, Whether the asset is surplus to HDC’s strategic requirements, and The terms of transfer (e.g. use restrictions, covenants, reversion clauses). HDC’s Cabinet or relevant Cabinet Member will then decide whether to approve a transfer. 3. The Outcome Resident responses will shape SPC’s position and whether the Parish Council puts forward applications to HDC. However, a transfer will only happen if HDC approves the application.   Q12. What role does the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan play in protecting these areas? Many of the identified assets are protected under Policy SNP5 (Local Green Space)  and Policy SNP6 (Local Community Space) . This means development is highly restricted regardless of ownership, and the protection remains in force under the planning system.     Disclaimer This FAQ has been prepared with reference to the survey issued by SPC and to help residents understand the current position regarding Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation, and potential Asset Transfers. The situation is evolving, with ongoing discussions between West Sussex County Council, District/Borough Councils, and Central Government. Different councils may hold differing preferences, and final decisions rest with Central Government. The information in this FAQ is accurate to the best of Southwater Parish Council’s understanding and interpretation as at 2nd October 2025  but may be subject to change as the process develops. Please click here for HDC's Policy.

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

Agendas and Minutes from the past few years' Planning Committee meetings of Southwater Parish Council. Planning Committee Agenda & Minutes Minutes to meetings are considered draft until approved. If you require minutes prior to the dates below, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk YouTube Live Streams of Council Meetings Available here. If you wish to speak at a meeting, please click here to read our Public Question Time Guidance Document. 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021

Read the Southwater Parish Council Neighbourhood Warden Monthly Reports 2025 Neighbourhood Warden Monthly Reports

Welcome to the Southwater Parish Council website. Here you will find information about the Parish Council, news & updates, services we provide for you, along with businesses and the community. Southwater Parish Council Welcome to the Southwater Parish Council website. Here you will find information about the Parish Council, news & updates, services we provide for you, along with businesses and the community. News Agendas & Minutes Finance & Transparency The Council To view the Next Council Meeting, click below: Follow us on Social Media Forthcoming Meetings Download the meeting agendas Defibrillators Latest Roadworks Other Helpful Contacts Newsletters Community Planning Facilities & Recreation Contact Us Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Weekend: Closed Social Media Address: Southwater Parish Council, Beeson House, 26 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9LA 01403 733202 enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Accessibility Statement Privacy Notice