Wates Developments, part of the Wates Group, has completed the sale of a 222 acre site in Ford, West Sussex, to Vistry and partner, Abri, (one of the largest housing associations in the south of England).
The sale marks a milestone in the region’s housing landscape, with the creation of 1,500 new homes, including 450 essentially required affordable homes.
The development is believed to be the largest single allocation of homes proposed initially through the neighbourhood planning process in England in 2019. Approval was gained for the Masterplan in early 2021 after a considered and collaborative design process involving the landowners and the local community over many years. This helped to ensure the scheme would meet real local needs. The subsequent planning application was approved in 2023.
The scheme will include a new primary school, provision for a care home, a local centre with retail units, expansive open spaces, allotments, play areas and additional football pitches. Notably, the much-loved local car boot and markets on the Ford Airfield will continue to thrive on the site, thanks to strong community support garnered during stakeholder consultations.
Wates Developments first became involved in the land and planning promotion of the site in Ford more than 18 years ago — a site which includes a mixture of agricultural land and the former historic Ford Airfield, whose best-known role was the base for various intruder squadrons who sought out enemy-occupied territory to attack with considerable success in WW2.
Vistry and Abri will lead the next phase of this multi-use residential development — a scheme designed with sustainability and community wellness at its core, that aims to forge a vibrant new community heart for Ford.
David Brocklebank, Executive Managing Director of Wates Developments Group, said: “We’re delighted to have completed the sale of this ground-breaking neighbourhood planning led development at Ford.
“We’re proud to have had the opportunity to create a high-quality, sustainable, multi-use residential development over a number of years, in consultation with local stakeholders, which will address the pressing need for housing, as well as foster a sense of community belonging and well-being. This project underscores the power of constructive neighbourhood planning and collaborative efforts to develop this transformative project.”
