HOUSING , EMPLOYMENT, INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION

Executive Summary

This section draws heavily on the Parish Appraisal Report, The Heath Common VDS, The Sandgate Conservation Society’s Policy and local knowledge.

• There is little enthusiasm for yet more housing development in this area and any that might occur should be of modest proportions. The need for some affordable housing (rent and buy) was apparent. However, finding acceptable locations is problematic. There are three potential local brown field sites in the Parish.
• The RMC site (Hampers Lane/A283 junction). A significant part of this should be incorporated into the Sandgate Country Park. However, a part of the Old Engineering Site has future potential for some appropriate modest housing.
• Lucking’s Yard (Old London Road) has already been deemed unsuitable for large-scale housing development. However, a number of Appraisal respondents identified this site as potentially suitable for some small-scale affordable and/or rentable accommodation that could be incorporated into this light industrial area in the future.
• Washington Garage has more recently changed ownership, and the possibility of some small housing units being incorporated into the redevelopment of the site is currently under consideration (Spring 2004).
• Any significant housing development would have a severe impact on the already stretched infrastructure.
• Unemployment is very low in the Parish and most people travel elsewhere to work rather than work in the local businesses.
• Local education facilities, especially at Washington First School, were felt to be very good for all ages. Unfortunately, due to the current unsuitability of the Village Hall, the Washington Playgroup is still located in Ashington and is unlikely to return in the near future.

3. HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION

3.1 HOUSING

The majority of residents enjoy living in Washington Parish, as demonstrated by their response to the Parish Appraisal questionnaire. Almost a third of the respondents have lived here for more than 20 years. 90% of the respondents were owner-occupiers, with 65% of these living in detached properties.

The Appraisal Report showed that three-quarters of the respondents thought that Washington does not need, or will not need, any more housing. However, 50 respondents said that their existing accommodation was too large or too small. Of these, 16 had tried to find suitable alternative housing within the area, but had been unsuccessful.

From the Appraisal Report and local knowledge, it was concluded that there was only a limited need for new housing in the Parish. This should be mainly small properties for young or elderly couples or single people and it would need to be affordable for people on low incomes. 19 respondents commented on the need for starter homes for young people and there was a significant desire for rented modest accommodation, in addition to that provided by Wiston Estate. (When no longer needed by Estate tenants, these few properties will eventually become available for rent on the open market.)

However, because of the lack of local facilities, it was felt that elderly people, particularly the disabled, would find it very difficult to live in the Parish unless they had their own transport.

There was no need for large housing schemes such as those that been previously proposed for the Lucking’s site off the Old London Road or might be proposed for the RMC site at the A283 / Hampers Lane junction.

Ideally, both these sites would not be used for any future industry or housing projects. Realistically, however, it is probable that both these sites will be subject to some development proposals.

Proposals will of course be judged on their individual merit and it may be that a scheme that includes non-invasive light industry might be considered acceptable. Any housing should be limited in number and a mix of modest properties and include a provision for affordable housing for local people, if not provided elsewhere in the meantime (eg at Washington Garage).

Development of these sites may require improvements to the infrastructure of the Parish, including pedestrian and cycle crossings on the A283, cycle-ways to Washington, Ashington and Storrington, larger school capacity, road and public transport improvements.

a) Support an up-to-date Housing Needs Survey within the Parish
b) Support any appropriate development arising from the Housing Needs Survey
c) Carefully monitor development plans to ensure compliance with Parish aspirations

3.2 EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRY

The team looked at the situation in the Parish based on the results of the Parish Appraisal and the local knowledge of the team members.

It was concluded that there was not an employment problem as only 13 people i.e. 3% of those who responded said that they were unemployed. Notwithstanding this, 42% of respondents said they would like to see more employment locally. Horticulture was the main choice, followed by light industry.

The job situation was looked at in depth as follows:

Twelve businesses were visited including: Somerfields in Storrington, Thakeham Concrete Products, Rock Nurseries, Castle Kitchens, Washington Cars, The Garden Centre, Rupert Toovey, Kate’s Cakes and Trafalgar Bearings.

Kate’s Cakes had 20 vacancies, but had been unable to recruit locally. Castle Kitchens have never had an applicant from Washington.

This shows there is either no demand for this type of employment locally, or residents who might be interested have not been aware of the vacancies. A jobs notice-board located in the Parish was suggested.

North Farm has approximately 12 small businesses plus an outside sand-school, and it is envisaged that these will remain. In the proposed draft plan for this site, it may be possible that a farm shop, parking and a small restaurant / coffee shop may be incorporated.

Likewise, at Sandhills there are a few businesses, each employing 1 - 3 people.

a) Investigate the viability, location and maintenance of a Jobs’ Notice Board in the Parish
b) Consult with Wiston Estate in the proposed development of the North Farm site

3.3 EDUCATION

St Mary’s CE First School, Washington

There are two educational establishments in the Parish. These are St. Mary’s First School in the Village and Windlesham House School at the southern end of the Parish.

Windlesham House School is an IAPS coeducational boarding preparatory school for children aged 8 to 13. The school is set in 60 acres of downland and has over 40 resident staff. On the same site is Little Windlesham, which caters for pre-school children.

However, only 3 children from the Parish were identified as attending Windlesham House School.

Most young children attend Washington First School, with a small number of children attending First Schools outside the Parish.

The 2001 Ofsted Report on Washington First School was glowing and last year it was recognised as being a "particularly successful school" in the Ofsted Chief Inspector’s Annual Report.

It was felt the catchment area for this School needs to be altered to conform to the new Parish boundaries This will help to build community spirit between the two Wards of the Parish and in the School as 50% of the present intake comes from outside the catchment area.

On leaving Washington First School, pupils usually progress to Rydon Middle School and thereafter move to Steyning Grammar School, although a significant number go further afield for their education.

88% of Appraisal respondents said that they were happy with the local schools.

We are well served with a good range of Adult Education opportunities at Rydon School, Steyning and at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre in Storrington.

Unfortunately, the Washington Playgroup is held in Ashington, as the Washington Village Hall is not currently suitable. This is not an ideal situation.

To help ease the school traffic congestion morning and afternoon, some form of communal transport should be organised.

A speed limit of 20 miles per hour is needed in the Village on safety grounds.

a) Investigate the potential for redefining the Washington First School catchment area to correspond with the new Parish boundaries
b) Support appropriate refurbishment of the Village Hall to meet Playgroup standards
c) Determine the potential for communal transport to alleviate the morning and afternoon traffic congestion
d) Lobby for a 20mph speed limit within the Village (See 2. Roads and Transport)