Plans for 90 homes at Thakeham Tiles' Storrington site submitted

If the development is approved on land south of Rock Road the business would relocate to an ‘alternative premises’, according to an outline application lodged with Horsham District Council.

The applicants are Thakeham Concrete Products Ltd and Thakeham Trust.

A planning statement submitted with the plans says: “Thakeham Tiles is a long established business and due to their expansion over the years, the site is no longer suitable for their operations and modern requirements for this industrial process.

“As such, the company is seeking new premises, which will make the current site vacant and available for redevelopment.”

Thakeham Tiles, which has operated at the site since 1933, manufactures a range of concrete products including decorative walling, block paving, paving and building blocks.

The application argues the constraints of the site and ageing infrastructure have stifled the company’s ambition for growth, facilitating the need to find a different home.

It suggests the revenue raised from the sale of the land for residential development will cover the costs of the move, including acquiring land, constructing buildings and buying new machinery.

The statement adds: “The proposals include the development of 90 new dwellings with access improvements to Rock Road, the retention and improvement to the central public right of way and the inclusion of significant amounts of on-site open space.”

To comment on the application visit www.horsham.gov.uk/planning using code DC/18/2095.