When the Billingshurst bypass was built, the village became a new place. It lost much of its traffic and gained many new inhabitants. The Parish Council knew that it had to find out what the community wanted for its larger village and so what had to be done to meet that need. The Village Appraisal in 2001 provided guidance on the community’s priorities and the Council secured, with Horsham District Council’s help, some £3million from the developers to help to make things happen.

What has been done?

A more pedestrian friendly village

Less traffic in the village unfortunately meant faster traffic, so the first objective was to make Billingshurst a safer place. The school bus lay-by in Stane Street, removed one of the hazards in Station Road but there remained many other areas of concern. Traffic calming measures were proposed and discussed at public meetings. It was clear that some way had to be found that provided more safety, but did not stop the business life of the village. The Council decided, in consultation with HDC, on a three-phase approach giving the opportunity to change plans after each phase if it was proving unsatisfactory. Almost two phases have now been completed, only the crossing in West Street remaining to be done. These measures are designed to slow traffic and provide a safer environment for pedestrians. The third phase is the enhancement of the village centre. Two exhibitions have shown some of the proposals. However the Council was against going ahead with this until the flooding problems in the High Street had been solved. Following pressure and suggestions for preventative measures from the Parish Council, HDC and Southern Water hope to have this problem under control shortly, clearing the way for further public consultation before the implementation of a final plan.

Providing for a larger Community

The Council also wanted to help new residents coming to the village and provide facilities to meet their needs. Part of the money from the by-pass was used to provide new playing fields in conjunction with the cricket and football clubs. These are now in place but a pavilion, which was the subject of two failed Lottery applications, has yet to be built and the area developed as a wider recreation area. To do this further funds are required.

The Village Hall was not going to be big enough for the larger parish and so an Annex was designed and built. This is now in full operation and is available for hire in full or part by anyone in the Parish or for other individuals or organizations when not in local use. Throughout the Parish new housing meant a need for new children’s play areas with suitable safe equipment. Over the last few years old equipment has been replaced and new sites built. There are now nine areas in use requiring constant attention, regrettably too frequently due to damage by vandals. In addition the Skateboard Park has been developed which has been welcomed by many children but not by all the community. The Council has sought to find a solution to this problem which would meet the needs of all but, so far, in spite of many public meetings, this is still unresolved. Although a swimming pool was wanted by many and a place for it with a car park was identified, the £1,000,000 from the developers was not enough. More money is still needed. Providing a welcome for newcomers and visitors was something the Council felt would help develop the whole community. A grant was obtained for a ‘Managing Growth’ project which in conjunction with other bodies in Billingshurst provided Welcome Packs for newcomers and visitors. The project organizers also held a Christmas event in Jengers Mead in 2001 which also marked the start of the Farmers Market.

What is proposed for the future?

The Council is now starting to produce a so-called Design and Planning Statement which is a document designed to be used as supplementary planning guidance. It sets out how the community of Billingshurst views their Parish and how they would like to have a say in the development of the village and hamlets in the future. This document will help to see that Billingshurst’s wishes are considered when planning applications go before the Development Control (South) committee at HDC. It is also hoped that the Parish Council can become a Quality Council. As well as showing professionalism in the council, the qualification will give it a greater status in the eyes of central government. However, the Council knows that many people want to see more improvements happen in the area, and to this end the council initiated the Community Partnership with other bodies in Billingshurst. This Partnership has devised a number of actions to make Billingshurst and its surrounding hamlets and countryside into a better place for all. It is helping to take existing projects forward and to run new projects to take other ideas forward. The Council hopes that you will welcome these initiatives and will give your assistance in whatever way you can.

Is the Parish Council doing anything else?

Maintenance of all the Council’s property and grounds throughout the parish has to be done. It tries to make the Parish a pleasant place to visit and live in which means looking after its trees, keeping open areas free from rubbish and grounds neat, pleasant and safe to visit. Through its Planning Committee it tries to see that plans for new and expanded houses are in keeping with and not detrimental to their surrounds. Through its Finance Committee it looks after all its finances as efficiently as it can keeping Parish precept down to a reasonable level which, this year, will be less than the cost of living increase.

The work to create the Billingshurst community action plan commenced in 2002 when the Parish Council, in conjunction with a number of community groups, commenced a Healthcheck process under the guidance of the Countryside Agency. This process, which involved the collection of data and a number of public consultations, has been underway ever since.

The cumulative output from the work so far is this action plan and the 7 key projects, which were identified during the process. Some of the Projects have already been worked upon to an advanced stage by the Parish Council and appointed Committees, but are included to permit a full overview of the aims and aspirations of our community. As you read through the plan you will see a number of common areas identified and these cross over into the various projects we have now initiated.

The plan has been adopted by the Parish Council as a framework for action through the specific projects identified. Any views or comments on the contents of the plan are welcome. Please pass them in writing, to “The Chairman Partnership Group” via the Parish Office.

Vision for Billingshurst

The aim of this plan is to develop and maintain an inclusive society at ease with itself as we manage a changing and growing community and environment. The principal objectives are:

· Develop an inclusive safe and secure community at ease with itself and its surroundings.

· Protect the green spaces whilst allowing for the housing needs of its residents, present and future, to be met.

· Provide support for employers who can offer a wide range of career opportunities.

· Enable tourists and visitors to get the most from the countryside and heritage in and around the community.

Provide a pleasant accessible centre for shopping, leisure, medical and educational services which are the first choice for residents and the surrounding villages