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 |
