Windows of Southwater
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The Parish Council & Planning Authority
The Parish Council The Parish Council came into being during the late 1987 upon the demise of Horsham Rural District Council, due to Local Government re-organisation. There are currently fifteen members of Council whose ages range from 40 - 70 years, thirteen of which were returned to office in May 2003. There are 11 male members and 4 female members all of whom are voluntary together with a further co-opted member who presides as Chairman of the Southwater Youth Steering Group. The Parish Council currently operates not only its offices and chamber, but also Southwater Leisure Centre and Gym, Easteds Barn, Easteds Allotments but also vast areas of public open space including four play areas, football area etc. Apart from staffing the above buildings, they also employ a team of Litter Wardens currently five, ably assisted by two volunteers who cover the northern part of the village. The Parish Council are also responsible for many of the village litter and dog bins, grass cutting of parish council owned land and public open space, together with nearly 60 street lights.
The Parish Council are also "Custodian Trustees" of the Village Hall in Church Lane, which is currently run by a Charitable Management Committee.
The Planning Authority
Horsham District Council is the principle planning authority and over the years there has existed an uneasy relationship. This is due in the main to the vast amount of development which the village has taken over the last 50 years and more importantly in the last 20 years, mainly dictated by consecutive Governments and imposed on County and District Councils in the South East where there is continued economic growth.
Such has been the scale of development that it is hoped that the commitment shown by Horsham District Council in redeveloping the village centre these works commencing in September 2004, this will provide a pivotal centre for the community. Four major exhibitions have taken place and it is now thought that the approved scheme will provide the facilities much needed for the future. The newly completed medical centre housing both doctors and dentist practices, being the first element in the project which it is hoped will be completed by the end of 2006.
This redevelopment will include not only shopping, a one-stop community centre housing the parish council, library service, business resource, police and others, but also one and two bedroom private and affordable homes. The sell off of Council houses during the 80?s has left little or no housing stock available for young people wishing to continue living within the village, but who cannot afford the escalating house prices asked by the developers.
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