Ward Homes wins planning consent for site near Uckfield

Ward Homes has secured planning consent to build 140 homes in a superb rural location close to the village of Five Ash Down, near Uckfield in East Sussex. The 11-acre plot was formerly occupied by a Grampian Foods chicken factory, which had fallen into disrepair. Ward Homes anticipates starting demolition of the old buildings in spring 2009, with a view to completing the first homes later that year.

Nick Fenton, Managing Director of Ward Homes, comments: "We are delighted that Wealden District Council has approved our plans to transform this disused site into a high quality housing development that will enhance the area. We are providing a wide variety of homes to suit local people in varying situations, from first time buyers to those seeking larger family homes."

The new development, which is yet to be named, will comprise traditional two, three, four and five-bedroom family homes. Each home will have its own garden and many will have a private garage. The development will be set in landscaped grounds, with a large amount of open green space to help the scheme blend into its rural surroundings.

As part of the planning approval, Ward Homes has committed to upgrade the local bus services in consultation with the local community. It will also be making a significant contribution towards upgrading the village hall, providing household recycling facilities and contributing towards traffic management through Five Ash Down village.

Located off the A26 Crowborough Road, close to Five Ash Down, the new homes are on the edge of Ash Down Forest and have an attractive outlook over open farm land. Uckfield, around three miles to the south, provides a wide range of amenities.

Transport links are excellent. Gatwick Airport is about 24 miles away, the ferry terminal to France at Newhaven is within 18 miles and Brighton is 20 miles away. Uckfield station has a regular service to London Bridge in around 75 minutes.

Guide prices for the new homes range from £235,000 to £550,000.