400 new homes, shops and offices earmarked for South Downs

The former Shoreham Cement Works south of Upper Beeding – the largest brownfield site in the south of England – has been identified as having development potential by the South Downs National Park Authority.

The authority has earmarked the site for around 400 homes along with neighbourhood facilities in its latest Local Plan for the area and is currently seeking views from the public.

The 108-acre site includes an inactive chalk quarry and semi-derelict works, currently accommodating around 20 businesses including a recycling operation.

A site allocation document for the plan states: “Despite being an important part of the social and industrial heritage of the area, the site has a significant negative visual impact on the National Park, particularly from public rights of way and wider viewpoints, including the South Downs Way and the Downs Link.”

The National Park Authority wants to see a comprehensive redevelopment of the whole site. But, it says, if any planning applications come forward separately, they would have to ‘clearly demonstrate how the proposals would accord with the authority’s vision.’

It adds: “Shoreham Cement Works provides an exceptional opportunity to create an inspiring and regenerative development that showcases how to further the statutory purposes of this National Park.

“The decades of quarrying activities have produced a dramatic landscape of chalk plateaus, terraces and cliffs, with pioneer wildlife restoring nature where it can.

“The site remains a landmark, with its chimney visible for miles around, whilst the quarry’s impressive topography displays views of the geology

layers that underlie the Downs.

“The site needs a new role that makes best use of its unique characteristics and relates to the National Park’s purposes – to be regenerated as a place that is truly special and embodies values that will be both relevant and sustainable for a new era.

“The site’s location, topography and scale could enable a variety of uses and activities incorporating innovative landscape, architecture and engineering design and enhanced public access.”

The cement works first opened at the end of the 19th century on the western part of the site next to the River Adur with the current buildings being completed in 1950.

Chalk extraction was first granted in 1946 before being extended in 1950 and 1969. The works ceased operating in 1991.

People can respond to the Local Plan at https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk Views can also be emailed to [email protected] before the public consultation closes on June 23.