Homes planned for cider factory site

David Wilson Homes of Guildford is seeking planning permission to demolish Merrydown Cider plant at Little London Road, Horam.

It proposes to build six business units for use by light industry or as offices or for research. There would be 91 homes, of which 27 would be 'affordable' and managed by a registered social housing landlord.

The company has told the planning authority, Wealden District Council: 'The ambition is to create a scheme that balances the existing road and development against an open green space that is perceived as the new village heart and where the car does not dominate.'

The cider factory closed in 2004 when Merrydown shifted production and ended a connection with the village that had started in 1946.

Founded by Jack Ward and Ian Howie, the company began from a garage in Rotherfield before the fledgling firm bought Horam Manor with its seven acres of land.