Homes England secures former prison site for new homes

Announcing yesterday that it had taken on the site, Homes England said it wants to bring it forward for development in partnership with Rother District Council.

The local authority has laid out proposals for 384 homes on the land in its draft local plan. However, survey works need to be carried out and planning permission secured for the site. 

Amy Rees, chief executive at Homes England, said the transfer represents “a significant local milestone” and is a “clear example of Homes England’s national strategy in action, unlocking public land, working in partnership with places and helping to deliver the homes and places communities need for the future”.

It is understood that Homes England has appointed a consultant team who will be carry out survey work at the site in the coming months.

The agency said it will initially start with “essential maintenance and site management”. 

Ms Rees added: “This transfer means we can now start work to bring the former Northeye site back into use.

“By working with the council and the local community, we want to help deliver new homes that meet local needs and support Bexhill’s future.” 

The transfer of the site has happened under the government’s Single Land Programme, which aims to bring unused public land back into use for new housing. 

Inside Housing understands that Homes England and the Home Office are expected to share the receipts when a developer is found to take on the scheme. 

The Northeye site operated as a prison between 1969 and 1992.