Canons Regular of Prémontré - The Future of the Norbertine Community in Storrington

THE OLD SHRINE SITE

After discussions with Horsham District Council regarding the old Shrine site, previously used to quarry sand, we submitted a pre-planning draft to them. We understand that the planners were happy with our proposals so we have submitted an outline application to build five small dwellings. The proposal will preserve all the existing trees that have preservation orders and will have on-site parking. It should also provide a paved section to link up with the paved area in front of the car park development and the public footpath into Storrington. At the same time we have been in consultation with the Council over the refurbishment of the south wing of the Monastery. We would wish once again to use this accommodation for retreat purposes, but it does require extensive reconstruction in order to comply with modern building requirements.

The car park proposals are being progressed, but due to the problems of satisfying the conditions of our winning appeal it is necessary to have consent on both sites at the same time. (In order to satisfy Southern Water we need to remove some of the rainwater from the Monastery/Church roof and divert it into a soak away. To calculate the amount of roof space to divert we first need to know what we are going to build on both sites).
The profit from the development is to go to refurbishing the south wing.
The south wing is the first stage of what is hoped will be more extensive refurbishment over the following years.
The dwellings on the Shrine site are to be designed for the elderly although there is no requirement from HDC to restrict the occupation.

LAND NORTH OF THE CAR PARK – OUTLINE PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED

Last year Horsham District Council recommended that our proposal to build nine dwellings on this site be refused. However, we appealed against this recommendation and the inspector has upheld our appeal which means that we have outline planning permission. For details click the following link: DC/08/1793


Part of our land north of the car park that we have obtained outline planning permission for.

What is the alternative?

The future of the Priory, its Community and the land belonging to it depends on the successful outcome to our applications for full planning permission. If we are unable to raise the funds to refurbish the Priory, it will continue to decay and we will have to abandon it.

It would seem likely that it would become a dilapidated eyesore over a number of years and would eventually end up in the hands of property developers who are likely to have more influence and financial power than we do.

Demolition of the existing Priory and the building of numerous houses, flats or even a hostel would seem possible.

About the Priory

In 1882, six refugee Norbertine priests arrived in Storrington and started building the Priory church and monastery. There has been a Norbertine Community here ever since, caring for the local Catholic population. The priests in the Priory continue this work today, working in parishes, schools, hospitals and prisons. There are now four of us and we wish to stay; however, the building is big and in need of considerable refurbishment. As well as being our house, we have used the Priory as a centre for all sorts of groups and over the last year or so we have been looking at how we can increase this use and use our premises to the best advantage.

In brief, our plans are to raise funds to refurbish the Priory buildings for use not only as a retreat or meeting place for various groups but also to offer facilities for the people of Storrington.

How much will refurbishment cost?

East Wing Refurbishment to bring up to today's legal requirements and possibly provide better facilities would cost in the region of £150,000 - £180,000.

Scaffolding and General Repairs and Repainting of the whole building in the region of £180,000. This does not allow for any major repairs to brickwork or roof.

South Wing Refurbishment to comply with today's legal requirements for the provision of group retreats in the roof areas. This would cost in the region of £300,000 - £350,000.

General Improvements to make the building more ecological and reduce future maintenance costs might cost in the region of £80,000.

The photos above show just two examples of the current dilapidation of the interior of the Priory.

Our Planning Policy Statement

As a registered charity and part of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré which has been in existence for nearly 900 years, we are in a privileged position. Unlike a property development company we do not have to give such a high priority to profit.

Our priorities are:

To make proper use of our land and assets.

To remain here for as long as we can. We have been here for over 100 years and we would wish to continue to work here. We are therefore very concerned to create something that we can be proud of.

We wish to be involved very closely with any development of our land. In the past we have released land, then classified as agricultural, only for it subsequently to be reclassified, with developers making very significant profits.

Who will benefit from the refurbishment of the Priory & the enhancement of our land?

Below are just some of the groups who have used our property and land in the past and continue to do so:

Christians in Storrington - Church of England - Storrington Museum - Art Club - Arundel & Brighton Diocese Lourdes Pilgrimage Office - Various Choral Groups - Aids Support Groups - Lions International - Storrington Community Partnership - Round Table - Rotary Club - Various Pilgrimage Groups - Co-workers of Mother Teresa Collecting and Sorting Depot.

We hope that even more local people and groups will want to use our facilities both inside and out, and enjoy this beautiful and tranquil spot.