Henfield News

Henfield Parish Council are looking forward to having two new storage containers for the works team located on the Kings Field. Work has already begun to clear the area alongside the Eric Holder pavilion.

We have also been looking at ways to extend the life of the Toad in the Hole carving near the tennis club. Unfortunately it is beginning to rot down and would be too unstable to move but we are hoping to be able to save the toad on the top. 

The recent campaign to prosecute people parking on the zig zag lines has been a great success. It was interesting to note that14 out of 15 offenders were Henfield residents, not those just passing through the village. There has been a generally positive response on Facebook and the area has seemed to be much clearer since.

Horsham District Council News 

Council's judicial review challenge to Planning Inspectorate rejected

Horsham District Council launched a judicial review on 15 August 2025 of the Planning Inspectorate’s decision in July 2025 to grant outline planning permission for 800 homes at the Horsham Golf and Fitness site near Southwater, West Sussex. The High Court has refused permission for the challenge to proceed to a full hearing. While the Court agreed with the Council that the Planning Inspector had erred in law by failing to properly consider the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, it concluded that this error would not have altered the Inspector’s ultimate decision, given his assessment of the planning balance in favour of the development.

Bramber Brooks Nature Reserve - key enhancements completed

An area of Bramber Brooks Nature Reserve has now been re-opened after habitat re-creation works have been completed by the Environment Agency working in collaboration with Horsham District Council. The work has created a number of wetland ponds and shallow pools to provide varied wetland habitat for birds such as snipe and green sandpiper, as well as dragonflies and fish.

Business Case submitted for local government reorganisation

West Sussex councils have submitted a joint Business Case and individual preference letters to central government, proposing their preferred models for local government reorganisation in the county. The proposals respond to the Government’s ambition to develop alternative options to the current two-tier council system.

Horsham District Council, along with the other six district and borough councils, is stating its preference for a two unitary council model for West Sussex which would see the creation of a new Unitary Authority combining Horsham District Council, Crawley District Council and Mid Sussex District Council areas.

Leader of Horsham District Council, Cllr Martin Boffey, is now writing to the Government to ask ministers to consider the Council’s preferred option.

West Sussex County Council News

Reducing roadworks reaps real rewards

Disruption caused by roadworks in West Sussex has been reduced by almost a third, thanks to a scheme which encourages utility companies and contractors to plan their works more effectively.

We’re one of only four local authorities in the country to operate a Government-endorsed lane rental scheme, which allows us to charge up to £2,500 a day for works on our busiest roads.

Not only is the scheme helping to keep traffic moving and reduce inconvenience to residents and road users, it is also generating much needed income we can reinvest in road repairs and community highways projects that we would not otherwise be able to support.

Organisations can apply to the Lane Rental Surplus Fund for projects that benefit West Sussex highways.  

Lights, camera, action! Road safety shows return to Sussex schools

Road safety is taking centre stage in Sussex secondary schools this autumn with the return of Theatre-in-Education performances.

These engaging shows use drama, humour and audience participation to help students learn about road traffic dangers in a memorable way.

• Year 7 students (ages 11–12) will see Look Up, a show focused on pedestrian safety and responsibility, which is particularly important for those who may be walking to school without their parents for the first time.
• Year 11 students (ages 15–16) will watch Take a Second, which explores the impact of choices made as passengers and future drivers as they reach their final year of secondary school.

The programme is supported by the county council, and neighbouring authorities in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, reflecting a shared commitment to road safety education.