Steyning & Ashurst - Horsham District Councillors

07/09/2026

Just in case you missed it!!! 😲

NEWS RELEASE

07 September 2026

LGR Update Statement

Joint Response – Government Pauses LGR Programme

Today the Government has announced that it is pausing the LGR programme whilst it reviews if decisions already taken, and those to be made, are the right ones. No timeline has been given to local authorities as to when the review is to be carried out or when it will be concluded.

West Sussex councils have reacted to the latest development with disappointment, that a process that has been ongoing for over 18 months has yet to be decided upon.

In a statement they said: “We are frustrated by the latest news and will be meeting with ministers to understand what is behind this decision and what the timetable is for going forward. Our concern now is to ensure our residents, communities and businesses are kept fully aware and that our staff and members are kept up to date with the latest details in what continues to be an unsettling time for them.

“In the meantime, it is business as usual, we will continue to provide all of our services and deliver our local priorities with the same level of commitment, to our communities. We will jointly urge the Government to finalise the details on the LGR programme so we can finally know when this will be happening and what the decision is for the future of local Government in West Sussex.”

07/09/2026

The Street, Bramber (Junction with By Pass and Hyde Lane)
Temp closure 28 Sept26 day time (09:00-15:00)
For drainage improvement works.

07/09/2026

**Newmans Gardens and access road**

I am really pleased after a considerable time we are almost there!! 😊

In summary:
— contract has been awarded
— notices went up last Friday to update residents/users of carpark
— some properties likely to be most affected had hand delivered notes
— notices will continue to be placed on vehicles parked within the car park over the coming week to maximise awareness of the planned works and temporary closure
— works are commencing 14 Sept
— project is expected to take 4 weeks
— carpark expected to be closed for about 1 week from 05 Oct
— during the closure, resurfacing of the access road will be undertaken under a nighttime road closure

Hope this is helpful.

Steyning Town Council

04/09/2026

Emergency road closure for safety due to burst water main - from 04/Sept/26 Hyde Street, Upper Beeding

02/09/2026

A283/junction with Water Lane 15-17 Sept

02/09/2026

Only received this today, so you probably already aware. I am reporting the signs that are lying on the High Street (following my visit)

Charlton Street - Emergency Closure 2 Sept

29/08/2026

Glebe Fields - Vistry Meeting 26 Aug
I thought it would be good give you an update following the meeting this week.

**Abbey Road issues**
We discussed the concerns regarding the loss of privacy and increased noise for residents following the removal of vegetation (I provided photos).
Vistry advised that the final ramp design remains under consideration with WSCC (reinforced concrete and steel options). Vistry prefer the steel option as less excavation and constructed in ~7 weeks compared to ~13 weeks for the concrete option.
Vistry agreed to investigate temporary privacy screening and consider the more permanent screening once the final design has been agreed.
I have also reported the privacy issue to HDC Planning Compliance.

Future landscaping around the ramp was discussed too.

Vistry confirmed that they have visited a couple of residents on Abbey Road regarding the vibration concerns. The resurfacing has been completed so this should no longer be an issue.
I informed Vistry that there had been a complaint about the noise during the overnight works.
I asked about their offer to clean windows of the most affected properties on Abbey Road - they will get back to me clarifying the progress on this.

*A283 Roundabout/crossing**
The new roundabout will remain predominantly grassed - there could be visibility issues with larger planting.

Toucan crossing timing depends on the ramp design. However, it may be possible for the crossing and Abbey Road steps to reopen before he ramp completion. Vistry to confirm the timing of the Toucan crossing.

**Sustainability (PV/air heat source pumps)**
This has recently been a discussion point at the Climate Cafe.
Vistry advised that PV tiles (recessed) are expected on some plots and were a requirement following 2028 regulations. I asked for clarification on this as per previous meetings with Vistry and as per Reserved Matters committee report "at least 50%" had been discussed with Vistry Planners.
All individual properties will have air source heat pumps, and flats will have an equivalent internal system.

**Glebe Farm fires**
I notified Vistry that the recent burning has been investigated by HDC Environmental Health and reported to the EA. All agreed it was nothing to do with Vistry development.

**Drain Survey next to #37 KBL**
For the resident with the party wall next to #37 KBL, I raised the issue of a post demolition CCTV drain inspection (not just pre). Vistry agreed. I have notified the resident but Vistry should also be contacting resident directly.

**KBL boundary vegetation**
Following concerns about the sudden southern boundary hedge/bramble removal, Vistry paused the cutting/removal. I reminded them of the illustrations in Reserved Matters. Vistry showed plans and associated difficulties with retaining a 1.5-2m buffer (swales, tree protection areas, easement to services, Glebe Field plot proximity). I again stated this is why site visits and discussions with individuals on KBL is essential. Residents just want to know and understand where the fencing will go (with the previous illustrations in mind). Some residents may be happy for the removal an no buffer, others wish to retain.
I agreed to notify Vistry where residents have reported all the hedge has been removed. Please update me if this is the case.
A drone boundary survey will be conducted to see the extent of the hedge removal.

Vistry will look at possible dates for a site visit. I will keep you posted about this.

**Electrical Sub Station - Southern side**
I provided Vistry with a previous diagram that showed that vegetation screening would be surrounding this substation.

**Pedestrian/cycle/emergency entrance at #37 KBL**
Vistry confirmed removable/retractable bollards (or equivalent design) would be used to ensure only emergency vehicles could use this route into the site.

If you have got though all this, well done - any questions let me know.

27/08/2026

If you are a first timer or have watched before - it is very informative and provokes discussion.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19JZ7tiQYW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We're pleased to see another local showing of the People's Emergency Briefing coming soon:
📍 Beeding and Bramber Village Hall
📅 23rd Sept
🎟 Tickets are free but they'll run out fast!

Described as “The most important film you’ll see all year” screenings of this film in community groups up and down the country are providing important opportunites for people to come together, listen to the facts, and think about what the climate and nature crisis may mean for their own community.

Thank you to Upper Beeding Parish Council (as part of the Joint Parishes Climate Action Group) for hosting this second viewing.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.com/greening-steyning/t-rzjzadk

Upper Beeding Parish Council
Beeding & Bramber Village Hall
Bramber Parish Council

26/08/2026

Temporary Traffic Regulation received for The Street, Bramber (junction with Steyning bypass and junction with Hyde Lane)

28 Sept 09:00-15:00 - for drainage improvement works. (This is subject to change).

24/08/2026

Advance Public Notice:
Bramber: Temporary Closure of Castle Lane from 15 Oct 26 (off peak only)