UPDATE 20th MAY 2025
Following ongoing discussions with West Sussex County Council about the technical details of the proposal, we have made some necessary changes and are now reapplying for planning permission.
What is being proposed?
We are proposing to create 18 new linear parking spaces on Bowers Place, alongside the Village Green. These spaces will be available for all public parking and will not be subject to parking restrictions.
The parking spaces will be created by converting the existing verge and path into parking spaces, enabling vehicles to park off the highway and providing a clear carriageway through to the Health Centre.
A short length of path running parallel to the playground will then be constructed to provide pedestrian access to the southeast corner of the Green. This new path will be on current Worth Parish Council land and it is intended that it will be adopted by WSCC Highways.
A new drop kerb pavement crossing will be installed north of the proposed works. WSCC have also requested that the severely damaged section of kerb and verge to the south of the proposed footpath alongside the playground, be replaced with a new kerb and tarmac area complete with bollards, to prevent parking which currently restricts pedestrian sight lines at the pedestrian crossing over Bowers Place which people use to access the playground.
Why is this being proposed?
The village is often busy with traffic which at times can become overwhelming. This is leading to illegal and inconsiderate parking, which impacts the flow of traffic through the village and has caused delays to bus services and difficulties for the emergency services, drug delivery vehicles and patients accessing the Health Centre via Bowers Place, as well as other road users. It is also causing safety issues for pedestrians and other road users, particularly where parking is impeding sight lines.
However, this is not just about parking. It is thought that this work will:
- Give better and safer access to the Health Centre
- Provide a safer route to school
- Enable better access routes for pushchairs and mobility aids
- Make way for the rejuvenation of the Village Green
How can you find out more and have your say?
If you support the scheme, or want to raise concerns, you can share your views with us. Please email us on enquiries@worth-pc.gov.uk by 30th May. You can also write to us or call us.
What happens next?
We will consider all feedback received and consider how we can mitigate any concerns before we apply for planning permission. Once we have submitted the application, we will publish the application reference so that you can view the detailed plans.
PREVIOUS INFORMATION
As part of our vision to 'ensure a true village feel and that Crawley Down is a safe, attractive and enjoyable place' we are excited to deliver the Bowers Place Parking Solution
We had planning permission (reference DM/22/0269) to create 18 additional parking spaces along Bowers Place.
But this is much more than just about creating parking spaces!
This solution will:
GIVE better and safer access to the Health Centre
PROVIDE a safer route to school
ENABLE better access routes for pushchairs and mobility aids
MAKE WAY for the rejuvenation of the village green
Following changes in legislation in 2024, it has proved necessary to carry out a Biodiversity Assessment of the site, as part of the planning application process. This work has now been completed; however, negotiations are ongoing to reach a mutually acceptable means of complying with the findings of the Assessment. We are hoping to have all the required approvals in place by early 2025, by which time we will be able to go out to tender for the construction work.
Find out more:
Mid Sussex District Council Planning (reference DM/22/0269)
Bowers Place Parking Solution Site Plan