Tesla design and manufacture electromagnets and gradient coils for use in the science, medicine and industrial markets, including for use in MRI scanners. Over 98% of their goods are exported.

The site is currently open countryside and is protected from development in the Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan. DHA successfully demonstrated that there were no suitable alternative sites for the company, which employs nearly 300 people at their existing site. Landscape impact also needed to be carefully considered, with the site being close to the South Downs National Park, whilst DHA Transport produced a traffic management plan to mitigate impacts on a local Air Quality Management Area.

By working closely with the local authority, and securing the support of two local parish councils, DHA secured the unanimous committee approval within just 9 weeks of submission. Members of the planning committee took into account the planning policy restrictions on the site, but agreed that the economic benefits of providing up to 100 new jobs and retaining an important local employer, together with the mitigation proposed, outweighed any harm resulting from the scheme.