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Friday 09.08.2019 thedistrictpost.co.uk
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Horsham’s Novartis site redevelopment delayed martin read
Reporter
At Horsham District Council’s planning meeting on Tuesday the decision on whether to proceed with the proposed development of Horsham’s Novartis site was dramatically delayed. The meeting came to an abrupt halt when concerns resurfaced regarding road safety issues because of the impact that traffic congestion exacerbated by the scheme would introduce into the already busy area. West Sussex County Council’s proposals centre on retention of the large 1930s art deco/ arts and craft former HQ of the pharmaceutical company as a local landmark, turning it into apartments, and developing business space and an innovation hub for start up businesses - over approximately two thirds of the site along with around 300 new homes (35% of which would be classed as “affordable”), including family housing and new apartments. If the
present proposals proceed additional facilities would be provided, including a café, a crèche and nursery and a convenience store. However, at the meeting a number of councillors expressed frustration and concern. After Novartis, a major Horsham employer, vacated five years ago, forward looking plans were announced with the intention of developing the extensive site into a university campus or a “world renowned” science park, but when that failed to materialise, WSCC purchased the site for £16million after receiving a £3.66million contribution from the Coast to Capital Local Growth Fund. But, Councillors described the demise of the educational redevelopment proposal as “a missed opportunity”, resulting in “a total pig’s ear”. And, the meeting was unceremoniously ended when, following lively discussion, Ruth Fletcher, newly elected Lib Dem Councillor for the Denne Ward, suggested that the application be rejected, whereupon Barbara Childs, the Council’s Director of Place, terminated proceedings, saying that, because the committee “was minded to make a decision in which there are likely
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to be significant cost implications for the council”, the matter should be referred to the full council for discussion. Members were told this was in line with the council’s
constitution. The draft masterplan for the Novartis site featured retention of the iconic cedar avenue, landscaping, and improved pedestrian, cycle
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and public transport links into and through the site, connecting it to the wider area with improved layouts and “people friendly streets” with restricted vehicular access.
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