244 new homes at Former Novartis Site, Horsham

The site and surroundings

The eastern part of the former Novartis site is a vacant brownfield area beside railway lines within Horsham’s built-up area.

“The site is located within the built-up area of Horsham Town to the south of Parsonage Road. The site is basically triangular in shape, bounded to the south and east by railway lines and rail sidings. The eastern site is approximately 4.7 hectares in size (the whole site has an area of 7.5 hectares) and was formerly used by Novartis Pharmaceuticals for offices and medical research. The site was in operation from the late 1930s and Novartis ceased operation in 2014.”

“To the west of the wider Novartis site there are existing houses and flats which face the site off North Heath Lane and Wimblehurst Road. Horsham (Richmond Road) Conservation Area lies west/southwest of this site, over the railway lines. The nearest listed building is a signal box located adjacent to the railway lines to the south of the site. To the east, over the railway lines, there are a number of commercial buildings off Foundry Lane.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three members of the public spoke against the application, two spoke in support, and the Holbrook West Ward Member addressed the committee.

What members debated

Members discussed crossing and access safety, pedestrian routes, the cycle route, road widths, density, gardens, green space, facilities and traffic impacts.

“Members discussed the safety of road crossings, site access and the need for safe pedestrian routes into the town. The proposed cycle route through the site was also considered. Concerns were raised about the proposed road widths and the potential impact on footways and the continuity and safety of pedestrian routes throughout the site.”

“Further concerns were raised about the density of the development and the small size of garden plots, with questions as to whether adequate provision would be made for green spaces, allotments, and other community facilities.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation, subject to a legal agreement, ecology reports and amended conditions.

“That DC/25/0415 be approved in accordance with officer recommendation subject to the completion of a s106 legal agreement within four months (unless agreed by the Director of Place) and submission of further ecology reports, and conditions 10 and 22 to be amended in line with committee addendum.”

Minutes