ERF NEWSLETTER NO 28 September 2025
Editor: David Harris editor.theems@outlook.com
Town Council
Change is on its way—help shape Emsworth’s future!
Thank you to all our members and residents – over 700 yes votes so far. However we want to continue to collect votes, including no votes, so we are continuing with our petition into September.
Working with our local councillors, with Hayling Island councillors and residents association, we strongly believe that the only way to ensure our voices are heard is if we become a town council. The large unitary authority will be managing the complex issues such as social care and we residents will do what we do best. Listening to each other and building our community
We all care about Emsworth’s future— we don’t want to be just swept along by the big changes but have a clear way forward. So please continue to speak with neighbours, friends and family to ensure their voice is heard by voting.
We have written to Havant Borough Council and are waiting for confirmation of the next steps.
With thanks and anticipation
Dwynwen Stepien
Chair, Emsworth Residents Forum
To sign the petition go to: https://emsworthresidentsforum.org.uk/a-town-council-for-emsworth
Please note that you must be a resident of the Emsworth Ward of Havant BC to sign the petition. Please ask each adult in your household to sign separately.
Development
HBC refuses permission for pet shop to move into industrial premises
Application APP/25/00113 for change of use at Unit 1, Palmers Road, Emsworth from B2 to E retail for use as a store selling pet food and products with associated works including the installation of double glazed window and door to front elevation has been refused This application was from Mary Puppins pet shop who have been trading from 20 High St since 2020. It is believed that the owner did not want to renew the lease on the High St site. Unit 1 Palmers Road had previously been used for motor cycle repairs.
The following significant planning application is still being considered:
APP/24/01010 Business Park at Interbridges East, New Brighton Road. There is a major gas pipeline going through this site which appears to be holding up this application.
Liftoff (formerly Launchpad) school gets approval
APP/25/00249 & 250 were submitted to Havant BC for the proposed conversion (and associated works) of 2.5 storey hotel (old doctors surgery) (Class C1) building to form a charitable educational facility (Class F1(a)). Construction of a two-storey 'Real World Learning' building (replacing currently permitted 2-storey café . Construction of single storey educational 'pods' (Class F1(a)).
Although Hampshire Highways recommended refusal of the application due to issues about vehicles delivering children to the proposed school the application was approved by HBC.
Local Government reform (Hampshire and West Sussex)
All councils must submit their proposals to government by 25 September 2025.
Devolution and mayoral elections
Mayoral elections are expected to be held in Hampshire and West Sussex on Thursday 7 May 2026. Elections are also expected to be held on this date for one third of HBC council seats, all Hampshire CC and West Sussex CC seats.
Emsworth Community Centre
Films
Monday 8 Sept. 3.30 pm & 7.30 pm Mr Burton
Monday 22 Sept 3.30 pm & 7.30 pm Black Bag
Music
Saturday 11 October 7.30 Jazz Night with Almost Big Band
Vacant business premises
Unit 24, Palmers Road industrial estate is being offered for sale at £420,000. This is a 2,534 sq ft workshop and yard which has previously been used for car repairs. (Holloway Iliffe)
7 High St (formerly PO10 gift shop) is being offered for rent at £10.000 pa. The 423 sq ft shop is marketed by Holloway Iliffe and is listed as “Under Offer”
57 High St (Old Pharmacy) which closed in April is not currently being marketed
6 Queen St (formerly Vin Wines) is for sale for £350,000. Borland & Borland are marketing this 634 sq ft, 2 bedroom property for residential use.
Youth
Silent disco is on its way
Planning is in progress for a Halloween silent disco to be held in the Community Centre on 31st October 2025. All young people in year 6 to 11 will be welcome. So put the date on your calendar and look out for more details in the October issue of The Ems.
For details on youth activities contact Ellie Turnbull youth.erf@gmail.com
Dates for your diary
Wemsfest 9th Beer, Cider & Wine Festival 19 -21 September
Despite damage to the roof of Emsworth Community Centre the 9th Emsworth Beer, Cider & Wine Festival, organised by WemsFest, will go ahead as planned from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September.
Wemsfest concerts
11 Oct : Gordon Giltrap & John Etheridge
19 Oct : John Fiddler from Medicine Head
23 Oct : Asere - 6-piece Cuban band playing honest roots music
24 Oct : Fairport Convention
31 Oct : The Emily Barden Band
3 Nov : El Pony Pisador - hugely entertaining 5-piece band from Spain
16 Nov : Wreckless Eric - one time Punk pioneer who never went away and has a new album to share
20 Nov : Ranagri - blending traditional Irish and British roots music cleverly together
26 Nov : Flook - Anglo-Irish quartet celebrating 30 years of performing great tunes
12 Dec : Maroon Town - London's finest mix of ska, reggae, rap, dub, breakbeat, jazz and fun
Havant
Borough Heritage Festival 2025 12th – 21 September 2025
Following last year’s successful Heritage Festival it is planned to run another this year, mostly focussed on the National Heritage Open Days theme of architecture, across the Borough, but with interesting additions. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Of particular interest to Emsworth Residents are:10 am 6 September. Prelaunch Event at The Spring Havant 10 am – 5 pm 12 - 21 September. Exhibition at Meridian Centre, Havant. Any questions please email: neil.spurgeon@bcs.org.uk
ERF NEWS
ERF Volunteers wanted
Use your skills to help shape the future of Emsworth by joining our team of volunteers.
Deliverers wanted (volunteers)
We are always looking for people to help deliver The Ems. Please contact jandgmil@btinternet.com if you can assist.
ERF Committee Member and Membership Secretary (volunteer post)
The ERF is looking for a new committee member to take over the role of Membership Secretary. You would be joining a team of enthusiastic people to help with the running of the ERF. Duties include:
Producing and implementing campaigns to increase membership
Attending ERF committee meetings which are held bi-monthly
Attending ERF quarterly public meetings
For more information contact; Dwynwen Stepien , ERF Chair Chair.erf@gmail.com
ERF Database administrator (volunteer post)
Duties include:
Maintaining a database of members which is connected to the payment system. This takes 1 -3 hours a month (see https://membermojo.co.uk/ )
To liaise with the Membership Secretary and Treasurer
You should have good IT skills, attention to detail and be able to work from home
If you are interested, please contact: ellie.turnbull10@gmail.com
THE EMS
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