Public scepticism over plans for 'eyesore' South Downs cement works

The South Downs National Park Authority has earmarked the cement works site south of Upper Beeding as having development potential.

In its newly-published Local Plan, the authority has identified the 108-acre site as suitable for 400 new homes, business units and shops.

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

However, proposals for regeneration have been talked about for years – and, say residents, nothing has yet happened. Now many have taken to social media expressing doubts about the new Local Plan.

Dan Broomwicks said: “I've lost count of the failed proposals for this site.” And Richard Smallridge said: “They’ve been talking about building on this for decades.” Gary Sim added simply: “Won't happen.”

Others have expressed concerns over asbestos on the site and fears for wildlife, should development go ahead.

However, many residents are in favour of the housing proposals. Tristan Gillard said: “Rather this re-using of an industrial site instead of filling in every single bit of green space along the coastal strip between Brighton and Bognor.”

And Rob Fryatt described the site as “the biggest eyesore within the South Downs. Anything would be an improvement on the status quo and allows the South Downs National Park to take their fair share of housing development without damaging its environment. Hopefully it will stop a few other green fields being lost to development!”

Tom Mursell agreed: “What a brilliant use of this eyesore that just sits there. Subject to all the industrial waste being correctly removed it could become a ‘Quarry Village’ without traffic flowing through the main street.”

Clive Longhurst also agreed. “It's about time something was done with it. A complete eyesore. Better housing than another industrial property.”

Adrian Owen urged: “People have been talking about this site for years and nothing has happened because of the NIMBYs in the area. The UK need houses and this site is an eyesore. Get on with its development!”

Meanwhile, others have suggested alternative uses for the site. Morwenna Marshall said: “I would rather they built an Eden project like the one in Cornwall. It has been very successful, great for education, and also hosts events.”

Scott Davies said: “Zipwire and mountain bike trail site, parking and cafe could generate income in the short term. I’d like to see a housing and leisure scheme, and an indoor ski centre with accommodation would do well.”

Johanna Caroline Ranson suggested: “This would make an amazing location for Zip World and would provide loads of employment opportunities locally, as well as being great for local tourism.”

Meanwhile, Nicolas Browne called for “an indoor snow dome and activity centre.” And Steven Sid asked: “Why don’t they have loads and loads of soil from other sites tipped there and make it farmland again?”

A public consultation on the proposals is currently being carried out by the South Downs National Park Authority and people have until June 23 to take part. See https://southdowns-consult.objective.co.uk