Important Neighbourhood Plan Update – December 2024

Horsham District Council’s Regulation 16 Consultation has now closed for comments. We await further updates from HDC as the process moves forward.

FREE ‘Cuppa & Chat’ at The Village Hall

The much anticipated ‘Cuppa and a Chat’ sessions in The Village Hall began on 25th February will run on the last Tuesday of every month, from 10:30 – 12:30 for the rest of this year. Each session will offer a range of social and wellbeing activities as well as some light exercise.  Hot drinks and cake are provided and everything is FREE!! There’s no need to book; come along and try something new, or just relax with a drink in good company. For full details click Cuppa & Chat

West Chiltington Road WSCC Riparian Drainage Team’s Report

West Sussex County Council’s Riparian Drainage Project Officers have investigated the flooding concerns affecting West Chiltington Road, specifically with regard to factors which may be attributed to breaches of Riparian responsibilities Their report is a summary of the initial investigation and covers contributing factors including flood status and landowner responsibility. The Parish Council is unable to answer any questions on this Report. Requests for further information should be directed to WSCC

South Downs National Park Management Plan Review

The National Park Authority was set up to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; and to promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities. It also seeks to foster the social and economic wellbeing of communities within the National Park. It works with everyone who has an interest in the South Downs to make sure the purposes are delivered. To do this it produces a statutory management plan every 5 years which is now being reviewed. The SDNPA will be holding real time and virtual meetings to collate community feedback and has launched a survey which it invites everyone to complete. For information on how you can participate click details

Councillor Vacancy

Following the resignation of Councillor  Fulbrook, there is now a vacancy on The Parish Council. If you are interested in applying, please contact The Parish Clerk via email: clerk@wcpc.org.uk.

Hedges & Verges

Overgrown hedges and boundary planting can impact on highway site lines and potentially present a danger to motorists and pedestrians. We would ask residents to be mindful of this and ensure their planting doesn’t encroach onto the highway. Remember, it isn’t always obvious from a homeowner’s perspective, so regular sight checks would be very much appreciated.

Road Closure – Smock Alley – 2nd – 4th April

Smock Alley will be closed between the junction with Lordings Lane and Roundabout Lane from 00:00 on 2nd April – 00:00 on 4th April for Southern Water to carry out works

Road Closure – East Street – 7th – 11th April

East Street will be closed between the junctions with Sinnocks and Church Street from 00:00 on 7th April until 00:00 on 11th April, 24 hours a day, for customer connection works to be carried out by Network Power

Road Closure – Broadford Bridge Road – 29th April

Broadford Bridge Road will be closed between the junctions with East Street and West Chiltington Golf Club from 09:30 – 16:00 on 29th April for tree removal work

Road Closure – Fryern Road – 20th May

Fryern Road will be closed between the junction with Melton Drive and the junction with Greenhurst Lane between 09:30 and 15:30 on 20th May for tree maintenance work

Road Closure – The Hollows – 29th May

The Hollow will be closed from the junctions with Church Grove and Stream Lane between 09:30 and 16:00 for tree maintenance work

Antisocial Behaviour Survey

Sussex Police and Horsham District Council’s Community Safety Partnership are conducting a survey on localised antisocial behaviour. The purpose is to identify the nature of antisocial behaviour in our area and whether residents are likely to report it, and if not what would prevent them from doing so. The survey link is: https://forms.office.com/e/C9M9JW9F9W and it will be live until the 20th April 2025.

County Councillor Report

West Sussex County Councillor Charlotte Kenyon’s monthly report can be read by clicking report

Neighbourhood Plan Update

Following a long delay due to Natural England’s position statement on Water Neutrality, Horsham District Council has now formulated a policy to address the issue and included it in its Regulation 19 Draft Local Plan whose consultation begins on Friday 19th January 2024. We are therefore anticipating that we should be able to incorporate this policy and progress our Draft Neighbourhood Plan in the next few weeks. All updates will be posted here as and when we have them. April 2023 Following the most recent meeting with Horsham District Council, The Parish Council is disappointed not to be able to progress our Neighbourhood Plan. HDC’s document dated April 2023 explains their position Please see the Draft NP as at 28th March 2022 Letter from HDC – 7th February 2022 Letter from HDC – 28th February 2022 Letter from HDC – 26th April 2022 Letter from Natural England – 23rd March 2022 (Please follow the link to a page showing the Regualtion 14 survey results and consultation responses which are held on a separate website). Update on Smock Alley Site – HDC 20/05/2024

A Village with a Past & a Future

Nestling near the foot of the South Downs between Storrington and Pulborough, just over 50 miles from London, the picturesque village of West Chiltington is home to a 12th century church, a beautifully restored windmill and has a colourful history dating back to Norman times. Covering an area of just over 6.69 sq miles, with a population of approx. 3,500, the parish encompasses a variety of land usage from residential and agricultural, to small businesses and leisure facilities.

Your Council

The Council is the first tier of local government for West Chiltington comprising 13 Councillors who are elected or co-opted for up to four years.   The Parish Council meets on the second Tuesday of every month and is always keen to ensure that it reflects the wishes of the electorate and as such, all meetings are open to the public and include a session for public comments. Councillors work in partnership with local organisations, West Sussex County Council and Horsham District Council to preserve the essence of the area, and to protect the identity and character of the parish for the enjoyment of parishioners, visitors and future generations. The Parish Council has statutory duties and powers to provide services for the Parish of West Chiltington. Within these powers, we provide allotments, community buildings, dog and litter bins, community facilities, and we own and maintain many areas of public open space within the village on behalf of the community. Parish Council Office The Parish Council Office is open on a Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 10:00am-1:00pm. In an emergency, The Parish Clerk can be contacted on 07483 114836 outside these hours

Defibrillator Locations:

    • In the phone box opposite The Queens Head Pub – The Hollow
    • In the phone box opposite NISA Stores – Haglands Lane
    • The Village Hall