26th MAY 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Appeal decision green-lights improved sports facilities for Southwater

Squires Planning has helped to obtain planning permission on appeal for the construction of a 3G football pitch at The Ghyll in Southwater, West Sussex.

In May, the Planning Inspectorate overturned Horsham District Council’s refusal of Southwater Ghyll’s CIO’s application to create a 3G artificial turf pitch with fencing, floodlighting, associated landscaping works, sustainable drainage systems and supporting infrastructure.

Despite receiving recommendation for approval, the original application was refused by the Council’s Planning Committee in July 2025.

The site forms part of an existing sports and recreation facility at The Ghyll, which is owned by Southwater Parish Council and operated by Southwater Ghyll Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Facilities currently include a playing field for sports and community activities, a multi-use games area, bowling green, children’s play area and indoor leisure facilities.

The Planning Inspector found that the proposed 3G pitch development would not cause unacceptable harm to the living conditions of nearby residents in terms of noise and disturbance.

Our Planning Director, Alban Henderson, said, “We welcome the Inspector’s decision to allow the appeal and grant planning permission for the new 3G pitch at Southwater Ghyll.

“The decision is in line with national planning policy objectives supporting access to sport, physical activity and community infrastructure. It also confirms that the proposals would not result in unacceptable impacts on nearby residents in terms of noise and disturbance and recognises the role the development will play in addressing the identified shortfall in 3G pitch provision across the district.”

Chair of Trustees at Southwater Ghyll CIO, Graham Watkins, said, “We’re very pleased that this appeal has been successful and that The Ghyll can now proceed with creating enhanced leisure facilities for the people of Southwater and beyond.”

The Inspector concluded that the provision of the 3G pitch would deliver significant community benefits and contribute to meeting the wider demand for sports facilities.

Additional conditions require the submission of a Travel Plan, ecological mitigation measures, biodiversity enhancements and a management and maintenance scheme to support the ongoing operation of the facility.

Work on-site is expected to commence in the coming months.

For more information about this project, or to speak to our planning team about similar applications or appeals, please get in touch.

Image copyright S&C Slatter