Decision details

Southwater and Shipley parishes are located in Horsham district. The boundary between the parishes lies immediately to the south of Southwater village. A new housing development is being built immediately to the south of Southwater and the Parish Council has asked the District Council to undertake a Community Governance Review to change the boundary so that the new development will be located within Southwater Parish, rather than Shipley.

The existing boundary between the parishes of Southwater and Shipley is also the boundary between the county divisions of Billingshurst and Southwater & Nuthurst.

The District Council has invited comments on this Community Governance Review. The terms of reference for the review and a map are included as appendices to show the potential impact of the proposal.

The local members, Mr and Mrs Jupp, have been consulted. Both would like local residents of the new development to be consulted before any change is made to boundaries.

The Electoral Review Panel, chaired by Mr Acraman, was consulted electronically. All responses received from the Panel were in agreement that the local members’ view should be expressed, but in the event that a change to the boundary goes ahead, the county division boundary should be changed at the same time.

The Chairman of the Governance Committee, Mr Barnard, has agreed with the recommendation and the use of the urgent action procedure.

The Director of Law and Assurance has therefore taken the decision in accordance with Standing Order 3.45(d).

That a response be made to Horsham District Council that no changes should be made to the boundary between Shipley and Southwater parishes until the development is complete and the new residents have given their view, but if the parish boundary is changed, the county division boundary should be moved with it.

None.