Progress at the Northern Arc will ensure new homes and infrastructure benefit local community
The construction of 3,000 new homes – 30 percent of which will be affordable – at Burgess Hill in Mid Sussex is a step closer after the Government's housing agency submitted additional planning documents and began the search for a contractor.
Homes England, which owns the 200-hectare site known as the Northern Arc, has amended plans after listening to comments gathered as part of a consultation exercise. These changes include:
- Minor changes to the details of the application
- Updates to the transport and environmental assessments
- Updates to the design guide
Earlier this month Homes England also submitted a planning application for a bridge and link road – which will connect Isaacs Lane to Freeks Farm in the eastern part of the site – to relieve traffic pressure and support the construction of the new homes. Subject to planning permission being granted, work is expected to start early next year. And – in the west of the site – progress is being made as Homes England seeks a contractor to construct another bridge, link road and roundabouts. Should planning permission be granted for this, work is expected to start in summer 2020.
Ken Glendinning, Head of Strategic Land at Homes England said: "Over the next three years we expect to invest around £41 million in new pieces of vital infrastructure at the Northern Arc which will facilitate the building of much needed new homes in Mid Sussex, make homes happen faster and ensure they are a real benefit to the local community by relieving traffic pressure and providing better connections in this part of Mid Sussex."
The new homes will be built alongside new community facilities including three neighbourhood centres, three new schools and employment opportunities. The development will ensure easy access to public transport and walking and cycling routes.
Mid Sussex District Council is expected to make a decision on the outline planning application – where the scale and nature of the proposed development will be considered – in October 2019. Homes England will then work with developers to submit more detailed applications following further consultation.
For more information contact Sarah Ward on 07776 527 643 or email