Successful strategic land promotion in Willingdon, Sussex

Catesby Estates promoted 93 acres of strategic land at Willingdon, Sussex for new homes and community facilities.

Land promotion timeline of a 93 acre land site in Willingdon

Willingdon Outline Planning Application Granted

Following the submission of an outline planning application in May 2016, Catesby Estates were been successful in obtaining outline planning consent for up to 390 new homes, new sports pitches and allotments.

Wealden District Council granted consent for up to 390 dwellings on the 79 acre site in October 2016, after Planning Officers and Councillors concluded on balance the limited harm of the proposals were substantially outweighed by the benefits.

The site was not allocated within the adopted Local Plan and both officers and councillors recognised the comprehensive benefits of the scheme far outweighed any harm.

2018 Legal Challenge Against Decision to Grant Planning Consent

Catesby Estates are pleased to announce the legal challenge against the decision of Wealden District Council to grant consent for up to 390 new homes in Willingdon has been blocked by the Court of Appeal.( June 2018)

Wealden District Council granted consent for up to 390 dwellings on a 79 acre site north of Hazelwood Avenue, Willingdon in October 2016, some 5 months after submission. 

Planning officers and councillors recognised the comprehensive benefits of the scheme proposed by Catesby Estates, and concluded on balance that the limited harm of the proposals were substantially outweighed by the benefits.

The claim had previously been refused twice in the High Court, with both judges upholding the decision of the planning committee. The case was subsequently heard in the Court of Appeal in March 2018, but was dismissed on the 8^th June 2018. The court accepted the submissions from both Wealden District Council and Catesby Estates that the committee report should be read as a whole, and the officer was entitled to come to the view that she did in recommending approval.

A subsequent application by the Claimant to proceed to the Supreme Court was refused by the Court of Appeal.

David Morris, Planning Director at Catesby Estates said “We welcome the decision by the court, and look forward to bringing this site forward for housing.  Our proposals include new sports pitches and allotments alongside new much needed homes, including policy compliant provision of 137 affordable dwellings."

"These benefits will benefit the local community and give local people looking for a new home in the area the chance to take their first steps on the housing ladder.”

Strategic Land Promoted To Barratt David Wilson Homes

The site has been acquired (December 2018) by Barratt David Wilson Homes.  View their new homes sales video below.

Promoting your strategic land in Sussex with Catesby Estates

We’re actively seeking strategic land sites in Sussex. With a proven track record and strong success rate, landowners in the county are welcome to contact us.

Tell us about your land