Plans submitted for 160 homes at former Horsham Novartis site

Linden Homes are proposing to build the units on the northern part of the site previously occupied by the pharmaceutical giant off Parsonage Road and have sent in plans to Horsham District Council.

The company announced in November 2013 it was planing to close its Horsham site with operations ceasing earlier this summer.

While no decision has yet been made on the future of land south of Parsonage Road, redevelopment is currently proposed for the northern site, which currently comprises the staff car park, social club, tennis courts and football pitch.

Of the 160 homes, 64, or 40 per cent, of the total would be affordable.

A new access point on to Parsonage Road would include a ghost island right turn lane to avoid any queuing traffic extending to the level crossing.

The existing signal crossing would be retained, with two ‘refuge island’ crossings provided.

The application’s design and access statement concludes: “By following the processes and assessments set out in the preceding pages of this statement, the proposals set out in this application have created a well thought through sequence of spaces.

“Key benefits include: A range of much needed dwellings, ranging from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom family houses will be provided.

“A development that is primarily outward facing allowing for active frontages facing key areas of the public realm thus helping local integration and providing safe spaces.

“A generous provision of car parking provided via garaging, surface spaces and visitor spaces designed to accord with the lifestyles of modern families and residents.

“A development with a strong sense of identity and a distinctive character which has been informed by the design and appearance of historical and contemporary buildings found in the local area.”

Linden Homes held a public exhibition in May to inform residents about its proposals before submitting formal plans to HDC.

Meanwhile Novartis announced in April this year it was exploring options to create a science or business park on the southern site.