Councillors at Horsham District Council have agreed to spend some £2.5million improving Billingshurst’s village centre, sports grounds, recreation grounds and public buildings. This investment is made up of a £1million contribution from the District Council and a £1.5 million developer contribution.
The proposed improvements have been made possible by new homes development in the village over recent years.
To find out what the people of Billingshurst would like to see, the Council began talks in the autumn of 2024 with a range of community groups including: Billingshurst Parish Council, Billingshurst Sports and Recreation Association, Billingshurst Community Partnership, local schools, Scout groups and churches. A further consultation with the wider Billingshurst community will now follow.
The shortlist of improvement projects being considered includes:
- Upgraded community meeting facilities
- Improved playing pitch surfaces
- Improvements to the built facilities at Jubilee Fields
- Active travel improvements
- Improved spaces for children and young people
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher said:
As a council we are committed to delivering projects which will create thriving communities and improve general wellbeing, especially in the places that accommodate the most new homes development.
The Council is pleased that Billingshurst District Councillors Mark Baynham, Samantha Bateman and John Trollope have been closely involved to ensure we understand and respond to the needs of their community.
Cllr Samantha Bateman commented:
The investments will help make up for the impact of housing development on Billingshurst’s community infrastructure.
Young people need new homes and those on lower salaries need access to affordable housing. But, Billingshurst’s facilities are becoming over stretched. The £2.5m investment will support community cohesion and enable Billingshurst to thrive.
Horsham District’s full Council will be asked to approve the spending on 24 February 2025.
We have more information about the new Billingshurst Community Fund and Investment Programme on our website here.
Image: Ward Members for Billingshurst Cllr John Trollope, Cllr Samantha Bateman and Cllr Mark Baynham with Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher (2nd left)