Proposed Southwater and Shipley Neighbourhood Plan Area Designation

We asked

In June 2026 the Council invited views on the proposed Southwater and Shipley Neighbourhood Plan Area Designation. The new proposed neighbourhood plan area covers the entire administrative boundaries of both parishes. We encouraged as many residents as possible to share their views.

You said

The consultation ran for seven weeks from 19 June 2026 to 7 August 2026 and was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations, providing local residents, landowners, statutory consultees and other interested parties with the opportunity to comment on the proposed neighbourhood area designation. The responses received demonstrated a strong level of engagement with the process and helped inform the Council's consideration of the application.

We did

Having reviewed the application documents and consultation responses, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure has approved the designation of a new Southwater and Shipley Neighbourhood Area, covering the combined parish areas.

The designation creates a single neighbourhood planning area for Southwater and Shipley, providing an opportunity for the parish councils to work together on future neighbourhood planning matters that affect both communities.

The existing neighbourhood plans for Southwater and Shipley remain in force and are unaffected by this decision.

Following designation, the parish councils may choose to commence preparation of a joint neighbourhood plan or review for the newly designated area with assistance from Horsham Council.