Landlord and Vistry agree deal to buy former airfield with plans to build 1,500 homes

Gary Orr, chief executive of Abri, said: “This transformative development will provide many hundreds of new, quality affordable homes, as well as new services and facilities for the local community. 

“By working in joint venture with Vistry, we’ve unlocked the full potential of the site, making sure it delivers the best outcomes for the community. 

“We want to play our role tackling the nation’s housing crisis and Ford Airfield will contribute significantly to Abri’s commitment to build 10,000 homes by 2030, whilst we will reinvest any surplus to improve existing homes and services, invest in communities and continue to build more affordable housing.”

The 900-acre former military airfield has been subject to more than a decade of planning battles, with consultations with residents, many of whom opposed the redevelopment, dating back to 2013. Former owners Wates Developments and Redrow Homes eventually clinched planning permission for a masterplan scheme in 2022. 

Following the sale, a period of public consultation will start in the coming weeks, with work expected to start next year subject to planning approval.

Stephen Teagle, chief executive of Countryside Partnerships, part of Vistry, said: “Through our joint venture, we’re able to increase the level of affordable housing across the whole site from the 30% planning requirement to 50%, which will have a major impact on West Sussex’s affordable housing supply.”

The site will also include a 60-bed care home, a new local centre designed for commercial and retail space, about 1,500 square metres of new community and leisure space, land set aside for a potential new primary school, as well as sports fields and allotments.

Meanwhile, £35m will be invested in local organisations including a rugby club, a cricket club and healthcare provision for new residents.

David Brocklebank, executive managing director of Wates Developments, added: “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.”

Abri announced at the end of last year that it is in merger discussions with Octavia Housing.