- The former Novartis site will be transformed into a well-balanced community with a range of housing types to cater to a variety of demographics, covering a total of 7.5 hectares.
- The plans aim to deliver 100% affordable homes to address the shortage of housing in Horsham.
- The new neighbourhood will include new outdoor space, play areas and landscaping together with residents and visitor parking.
- Muse will be delivering the site in partnership with West Sussex County Council.
22 October 2025: Muse has received planning permission from Horsham District Council for 244 new homes, which will transform the former Novartis site into a thriving, well connected community that offers a diverse range of housing types alongside high quality public open space, pedestrian and cycle links.
Working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, the plans will meet the urgent need for housing in Horsham, and aims to provide 100% high quality, affordable homes with a mix of tenures. The properties will range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom homes to cater for a range of residents from key workers through to larger families.
Construction is planned to commence in Summer 2026 on the former Novartis site, which has been vacant since 2014.
The new neighbourhood will be an example of strategic brownfield regeneration, which will create a new community and much needed homes without the use of greenfield land. The scheme represents Muse’s commitment to working in partnership with local authorities to deliver large scale, ambitious placemaking that meets and enriches local people’s lives in the South of England.
Sustainability has been embedded into the masterplan. The homes are well connected and situated just a short walk away from Horsham national rail station, local shops and services, and close to local bus routes, which will facilitate sustainable and accessible travel. Muse will also create a greener space through the use of substantial landscaping design and high quality public realm.
The neighbourhood will open up new public spaces, including two new parks which will include play space for the whole community to enjoy. A trail will run through the development, offering an attractive, nature-led route for walks and exercise.
Ellen Bryan, Development Manager, at Muse said: “Being granted planning permission for Horsham marks the next step in this best-in-class example of strategic brownfield regeneration. Projects like this will be crucial to increase the pace of housebuilding in the UK, and deliver homes where they are needed the most. We’re looking forward to seeing this site, which has been vacant for over a decade, transform into a thriving community that provides much needed housing in Horsham.”