Improvements for Billingshurst’s village centre, sport grounds, recreation areas and community buildings move a step closer as Horsham District Council now asks local people to share their views on the ‘Better Billingshurst’ Community Fund and Investment Programme.
The Council has been working closely with Billingshurst Parish Council and a range of local community groups to get their feedback and create a list of potential improvements. It is now time for local people to share their views in a community-wide consultation which will open on 23 June and close on 21 July.
The shortlist of projects includes:
- Improved community meeting facilities
- Improved playing pitch surfaces
- Better facilities at Jubilee Fields such as a new pavilion and changing facilities
- Sustainable travel improvements for pedestrians and cyclists
- New and improved recreation and play spaces for children and young people.
Earlier this year councillors at Horsham District Council agreed to spend some £2.5million to deliver infrastructure enhancements for Billingshurst. This investment is made up of a £1million contribution from the District Council and £1.5 million in developer contributions as a result of new homes development in the Parish over recent years.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher commented: “We are committed to delivering improved facilities for Billingshurst which will help contribute to the quality of life and health and wellbeing of the local community.
It is crucial for us that local communities are closely involved with our plans. My thanks go out to the local community groups, local schools and the Parish Council for all their valuable input so far. Now it is time for those who live, work and visit Billingshurst to give us their feedback on the projects being considered.
“The list of projects is ambitious and we know that we can’t deliver all of them but do please take the time to let us have your views on the proposals in our public consultation so you can help us prioritise and shape the suggestions we have received so far.”
Cllr Paul Berry, Chairman of Billingshurst Parish Council added: “The Parish Council welcomes the realisation that Billingshurst’s infrastructure has not kept up with the significant number of houses that the parish has had to accommodate in recent times.
“ We look forward to continuing to work with the District Council and others on delivering some quality improvements to the parish’s facilities.”
More information, including links to the consultation from 23 June and the eligibility to participate is available on the Horsham District Council website.
Once the public consultation findings have been analysed, the recommendation for improvements will be considered by representatives from Horsham District Council, Billingshurst Parish Council and Billingshurst Community Partnership with a view to begin delivering projects from autumn 2025 into 2026 and 2027.