What is the future of the Shoreham Cement Works? The former Shoreham Cement Works, located within the Sussex Downs AONB at its narrowest point, closed in 1991 and a distribution depot on the site ceased operating in 1997. There were no requirements for the owners of the Cement Works, Blue Circle, to restore the site or even to remove the buildings and other structures. The site, therefore, remains derelict, with that part of the site on the west side of the A283, in the valley of the Adur, being particularly prominent and an eyesore.

The site has an extant permission for the extraction of chalk in part of the former quarry which could still be activated. There are specific policies for the former cement works in both the Adur and Horsham District Local Plans (the site falls within both districts) for business/leisure uses. The Horsham District Local Plan policy is quite specific that no more development than is necessary to secure the restoration will be allowed, a restriction that the Board specifically sought, although there is no indication of what "restoration" means in detail.

Duplicate planning applications (one to each District) were submitted in 1998 for a science park and an indoor winter sports centre. These proposals were not progressed, primarily due to a lack of funding, no environmental assessment of the proposals was submitted as was required and the applications have now been withdrawn.

In 1999 the new owners of the site submitted new proposals - an outline application for the industrial/business development of the site, with no detail except floorspaces, and a full application for a full-specification improved access to each half of the site. The outline proposals are being worked up into detailed proposals by the applicants in conjunction with the two District Councils and West Sussex County Council and consultation with the Board. There is no official development brief for the site and no firm indication of what "restoration" should be. The Board has been proactive in initiating an "environmental brief" for the site, looking at restoration options and trying to maximise landscape enhancement and habitat restoration whilst accepting that development will take place and, indeed, is the only likely way of securing an improvement in the site. The intention is to ensure that the former cement works site eventually makes a positive and tangible contribution to the natural beauty of the Sussex Downs AONB, which is particularly important given its crucial location.

The Board has convened a small working group comprising representatives of local and amenity organisations to consider restoration options. With funding from the Board and contributions from other partner organisations a consultant has been commissioned to prepare options and recommendations for enhancement works. The intention is to feed this work into the development of the detailed proposals for the site, so that restoration and enhancement is an integral part of the proposals.

The former cement works site has been identified by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) as able to play a part in the economic regeneration of the Sussex coastal strip. The District Councils and the County Council have recently commissioned consultants to look at all forms of potential development on the site that could be progressed through the local plan process. This work is being undertaken in tandem with the preparation of detailed proposals for the site and the Board has also been invited to participate in this process.