The former Novartis HQ site in Horsham was allocated for employment uses in the Local Plan but had been vacant for some time. Extensive marketing efforts showed that there was no viable market interest in the site for its allocated use.

We developed and delivered a planning strategy aimed at securing a consent for new homes at the sites. This involved persuading the Local Planning Authority and other stakeholders that the site was no longer suitable for employment use while advancing a high-quality, coordinated pair of schemes.

The proposals faced several planning challenges, including the site's employment allocation, the locally listed status of the main building, protected trees and ecological constraints, including roosting peregrine falcons.

We developed a balanced planning strategy that addressed both land use and technical considerations.

Our work resulted in two planning permissions for high-quality residential schemes that brought this vacant, well-located site back into use, whilst celebrating its heritage and ecological assets.