The Story So Far
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 |
