Pulborough Parish Boundaries Remain Unchanged as District-Wide Review Proposes Adjustments Elsewhere

Pulborough Post 04 October 2026 20:26

Horsham District Council has published its draft recommendations following a major Community Governance Review, confirming that no changes are proposed to Pulborough Parish’s boundaries. While several parishes across the District may see adjustments designed to better reflect community identity and settlement patterns, Pulborough’s long‑established boundary remains intact.

A District-Wide Review — With Stability for Pulborough

The Community Governance Review examined existing parish boundaries and governance arrangements across Horsham District. The process included two six‑week public consultations held earlier this year — the first from May to June 2026, and the second from July to September 2026. Nearly 2,500 responses were received, helping shape the proposals now being put forward.

Following analysis of the feedback, the Council worked with an external advisor to develop recommendations intended to ensure parish councils reflect community identity and provide effective, convenient local government.

Pulborough Parish is not included in the list of proposed changes, reaffirming that its current boundary continues to serve residents well.

Key Proposals Across the District

Although Pulborough remains unchanged, several other parishes may see adjustments. The Council’s draft proposals include:

A single, self‑contained parish for Kilnwood Vale Reflecting its identity as a distinct and growing community, while protecting the historic identities of Colgate and Faygate.
Transfer of the whole of Small Dole into Upper Beeding Parish Aligns governance with community identity and settlement patterns; supported by both Upper Beeding and Henfield Parish Councils.
Transfer of Bramber Brooks entirely to Bramber Parish Aligns governance with land identity and geographic patterns; supported by Bramber Parish Council and Steyning Town Council.
Creation of a single unified Horsham Parish Council Replacing Horsham Town Council and North Horsham Parish Council, and incorporating the whole of the Mowbray development. The new parish would include six wards: Denne, Forest, Holbrook, Roffey, Trafalgar and Mowbray. Evidence from the consultation supports this unified structure as clearer, more effective governance — particularly in light of anticipated local government reorganisation.
Transfer of Lower Broadbridge Farm (currently in Slinfold Parish) to Broadbridge Heath Parish Ensures the planned 133 homes are represented by the parish most closely aligned with their community identity and daily service patterns.
Extension of Southwater Parish to include northern Shipley development areas These developments adjoin Southwater’s built‑up area and rely on its schools, shops, services and transport links. A further proposal would divide Southwater Parish into three wards: North, Central and South.
No changes to any other parish boundaries This includes Pulborough Parish, which remains unaffected.

Council Statement

Horsham District Council Chief Executive Jane Eaton thanked residents and organisations for their engagement. She said:

“It has been 13 years since the last review, and we recognise that many communities across the District have changed during that time.

“New housing developments, population growth and longstanding boundary anomalies can all affect whether current parish arrangements remain appropriate.

“We are confident the changes proposed will ensure parish boundaries and council structures better reflect local communities and work effectively for residents.”

What This Means for Pulborough

For Pulborough residents, the message is clear: no boundary changes are proposed.

Pulborough Parish Council will continue to serve the same geographic area, ensuring continuity in:

Local representation
Planning and development oversight
Community identity and heritage protection
Flood risk management and environmental stewardship
Delivery of local priorities and community facilities

This stability provides a strong foundation as Pulborough continues to grow and evolve, and as wider discussions about local government reorganisation continue across Sussex.

Next Steps

The findings of the Community Governance Review will be discussed at the Governance Committee meeting on 28 September, ahead of consideration at Full Council in October.

Pulborough Post will continue to monitor developments and report on any implications for local communities — but for Pulborough Parish, residents can be assured that no changes are on the table