JUNE 2019 | Local interest
JOSH POTTS Conservative What’s your favourite place in Henfield?
The myriad of footpaths and bridleways that surround the village are a joy to explore, there’s interesting history around every corner. I do really appreciate the vast range of community groups, there are still many for me to discover. I have enjoyed visiting the Henfield Shed recently and seeing what they offer, the quality of their workmanship, and understanding how much they put back into the community, not to mention their sense of fun. I also like to visit many of the pubs when I can and enjoy meeting local people there for a chat.
Tell us a little about you!
I am a relative ‘newbie’ to Henfield having moved back from London to take up the reins at the family farm at Shiprods on the Wheatsheaf Road, working with sheep and alpacas. I spent several years in the wine trade and continue to import some wine from predominantly French independent producers. I have been an active member of LAMBS (Locals Against Mayfield Sprawl) and I am passionate about our local countryside.
What do you love about Henfield?
I am extremely proud to call Henfield home. It is a friendly and welcoming village with a great sense of community. Alongside good amenities and facilities, there is so much on offer with a plethora of clubs, groups and societies that cater for a wide variety of interests and hobbies. It’s fantastic. Above all, Henfield is a beautiful location steeped in history, situated amongst beautiful countryside with breathtaking views over the South Downs National Park.
Both Mike and Josh are here to serve their village and to serve you. They are also Henfield Parish Councillors so, if you’ve got any questions or issues for them then one of the Parish Council meetings is a great place for a face-to-face chat. Henfield Parish Council meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month in the Henfield Hall from 7pm-9pm and all are welcome. Alternatively, Mike is available on 01273 492134 or at mike.morgan@horsham.gov.uk and Josh
01273 494002
What do you feel are the biggest issues affecting Henfield, and how will you help address them at HDC?
There is no doubt that the ongoing threat of overdevelopment is one of Henfield’s greatest challenges, not least because this will exacerbate many of the other challenges facing the village. Whether this is in the form of add-on developments, a proposed new town on Henfield’s doorstep, or both; excessive housing will put an impossible burden on our already strained infrastructure. New homes are needed and, most importantly, affordable homes are needed. But this should be achieved through the neighbourhood planning process, not by the ‘say so’ of developers, so that Henfield can plan for the right number of houses in the right places whilst maintaining the rural community that is so special to so many people. There will be a public meeting about development threats to the village on Friday, 14th June at 7pm at St Peter’s Church in Henfield, with local MPs, Parish Councillors, Mike and myself attending. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Josh Potts
can be contacted on josh.potts@henfield.gov.uk or on 07834 196520. Good luck to both Mike and Josh. We’ll keep you updated on their news and progress in BN5.
Emma Osman
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