Squires Planning is supporting Southwater Parish Council and Shipley Parish Council as they move forward with a joint neighbourhood plan for their areas.

Horsham District Council is now consulting on the proposed designation of a joint neighbourhood plan area covering the whole of Southwater Parish and the whole of Shipley Parish. The consultation is due to run from Friday 19th June 2026 until 5:00pm on 7th August 2026.

Squires Planning previously supported Southwater Parish Council in the preparation of the current Southwater Neighbourhood Plan, and we are proud to continue that relationship as Southwater and Shipley look to plan collaboratively together for the future. Andrew Metcalfe, Managing Director of Squires Planning, said:

“Neighbourhood planning gives local communities a real opportunity to shape the future of the places they know best. In preparing their current plan, Southwater did exactly that and created a positive vision for development locally. As such, we are delighted to be working with Southwater Parish Council, and now Shipley Parish Council, as they take forward a joint plan for their areas.”

A joint neighbourhood plan offers clear benefits. Southwater and Shipley are separate parishes, but they are closely connected in planning terms. Southwater’s continued growth, particularly to the south, has an increasing relationship with land and communities within Shipley Parish.

By working together on the joint plan, it will allow both parishes to consider shared issues in a coordinated way, rather than separately on either side of the parish boundary. This results in the two Parish Councils being able to reduce duplication, share evidence, and prepare a plan that reflects the practical relationship between the two areas.

Squires Planning is pleased to be assisting both Parish Councils at this important early stage, and we look forward to helping them prepare a meaningful, effective, and locally grounded neighbourhood plan.

Watch this space for updates!