Fontwell Avenue, Eastergate

Fontwell Avenue

Eastergate, West Sussex

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Fontwell Avenue
Eastergate, West Sussex

Client: Private Landowner

District: Arun

Size: 4.6 acres

Scheme: 42 dwellings

Background

The site is nestled in the village of Eastergate, comprising grazing land, fronting Fontwell Avenue. At time of MCC’s instruction in December 2017, the site was greenfield, within the countryside with no Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan allocation. At that time, development of the land was deemed inappropriate by the local authority due to its conflict with existing Local Plan policies and Arun DC having a 5 year housing land supply.

Despite this planning status, MCC believed that the land had strong potential for redevelopment and produced a suitable delivery strategy for the landowner.

Having established the precise requirements of the landowner, MCC discreetly marketed the land to a selection of developers and promoters, all of whom had a proven track record in delivering this kind of opportunity.

Reside Developments were selected as promoter and terms were agreed. Reside led the promotion with a team of specialist consultants. Having initially experienced local resistance, the Parish eventually proposed the scheme as a draft allocation in their 2020 Neighbourhood Plan consultation.

With Reside resolving some highly complex technical issues with the site, the 42 dwelling scheme was heard by Planning Committee in November 2020, where it gained a unanimous approval by Members. Reside were highly commended by Planning Committee Members who believed it represented an exemplar scheme, one that should be used as a model for future development in the District. The sale of the site is due to complete in early 2021.