PEOPLE can have their say on controversial plans to build dozens of homes in the grounds of a hospital.

A two day exhibition about the site at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham starts on Friday and a high turnout is expected.

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust sold unused land and buildings at the hospital to developer Taylor Wimpey earlier this year after declaring the area surplus to requirements.

Adur District Council has already given planning permission in principle to build up to 60 houses and 46 flats on the site.

The outline plans include pulling down the main Harness block and surrounding buildings.

The rest of the hospital will stay open and the trust plans further investment including outpatient and day care treatment and a new centre specifically for treating eye problems.

The decision to sell to developers angered residents who said the building should have been used for other health services.

The trust said it had tried to offer the Harness block to other public bodies to deliver health or social care but no “realistic prospect” had come forward.

Taylor Wimpey says the consultation event will give residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties the chance to find out more and discuss the plans with the company.

It says comments will help shape the development proposals before a more detailed planning application is sent to the council.

Assistant land manager Stephen Boateng said: “As a considerate, responsible developer we want to give people the chance to have their say on development plans in their area.

“We are confident that this scheme will provide an attractive and sustainable development of high-quality homes to meet a range of requirements – including affordable properties for local people in housing need – in accordance with Adur council’s aspirations for the site.”

The exhibition is being held at the Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham, on Friday from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday between 10am and 2pm.

People who can’t get to the exhibition can get more information at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/southlands-hospital from Friday onwards.

background
THE Harness Block and surrounding buildings at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham were declared surplus to requirements by Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust in April 2013.
Other public bodies were invited to express an interest in the site to see if it could be used for health or social care use but no viable proposal emerged.
Adur District Council gave permission in principle to build up to 106 homes on the site in January this year and in March the site was sold to developer Taylor Wimpey.