Plans To Convert Horsham Ambulance Station Into Waste Vehicle Workshop Under Review

Horsham District Council is set to consider plans to convert the town’s old ambulance station into a workshop for servicing food waste collection vehicles.

The ‘change of use’ application, submitted by the council itself, will be discussed at the planning committee on Tuesday, 6 January.

The Hurst Road building has been out of ambulance service since 2016 and was previously used as a theatre rehearsal space under permission granted in 2017.

The council agreed in December to spend £488,000 on the conversion, which will include roof repairs, energy-efficient lighting and heating, a vehicle inspection pit, drainage, and workshop equipment.

The facility is intended for smaller 12-tonne waste vehicles, rather than the larger collection lorries, with collections due to start by spring 2026.

A small number of objections have been raised, citing concerns over noise, environmental impact, and compatibility with surrounding residential and community uses.

The Horsham Society said the site was not suitable for a commercial vehicle repair facility long-term and suggested a five-year limit if the application is approved.

The application can be viewed on the council’s planning portal by searching for DC/25/1840.