Shoreham cement works earmarked for hundreds of homes

The Shoreham Cement Works site, near Upper Beeding, has been identified as having potential for a development of 400 homes in the latest proposed edition of the South Downs National Park local plan.

The plan is currently open for comment, with a public consultation due to be held until June 23. 

The vision for the 44-hectare site sets out an "exemplar regenerative mixed-use development" that would include 400 homes, 62,000 square metres of office and industrial space, and 4,000 square metres of retail, community, and neighbourhood facilities.

A site allocation document for the draft local plan states: "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."

It adds: "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 is considered to have a "significant negative visual impact" on the national park (Image: Google)

Located five kilometres north of Shoreham and two kilometres south of Upper Beeding, the cement works site has long been identified as having development potential.

The area includes an inactive chalk quarry and semi-derelict cement works that currently house around 20 businesses on the western side and a recycling operation to the east.

The history of the site being used as a quarry dates back to the 18th century, and the current cement works buildings were constructed in the 1940s.

However, production ceased in 1991, and the site has remained vacant since.

Potential for the site's redevelopment was previously identified in the National Park's 2019 local plan.

Despite its industrial heritage, the site is considered to have a "significant negative visual impact on the national park," particularly from public rights of way and high-profile routes such as the South Downs Way and the Downs Link.

An aerial view of the site, including the cement works buildings and the former quarry (Image: Google)

The proposals call for a landscape-led, environmentally sensitive scheme that restores natural ecosystems, conserves and enhances biodiversity, and celebrates the site's industrial history.

This would include public art, carefully considered building design, and the retention of key heritage features.

Any scheme for the site would require a "comprehensive site-wide masterplan" developed in consultation with the community and stakeholders.

Transport improvements to encourage sustainable travel and reduce car use would be critical to any proposals.

Plans must also consider the site's location within a mineral safeguarding area, with prior extraction considered as part of any scheme.

The National Park authority says that its preference is for a single, comprehensive development, and any separate applications will need to demonstrate how they meet the overall vision and objectives set out in the plan.

The public can view the full draft of the South Downs local plan, including the proposed redevelopment of the cement works, on the national park authority's website.