North Barnes Farm
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ECE Planning
ECE Planning were approached by Welbeck Land, in collaboration with landowner Eton College, for the strategic land promotion of North Barnes Farm, Plumpton Green, a significant new settlement within Lewes District. Our expertise guided the project through complex planning stages, advocating for up to 3,250 new homes alongside vital infrastructure like schools and green spaces. Our role included providing high-level advice, preparing robust representations, and liaising with local authority officers.
Lewes District Council’s draft Local Plan posed a distinct challenge, due to its lack of a clear housing target and insufficient land allocations. We have challenged their assumptions, particularly concerning perceived constraints from the South Downs National Park.
Our Regulation 18 submission established that these issues could be overcome, demonstrating how North Barnes Farm offered a viable, sustainable solution to the district’s housing crisis. The development presented a unique opportunity for large-scale, strategic growth, showcasing its potential to deliver a complete, resilient, sustainable community with affordable housing and new employment adjacent to an existing railway station.
Our efforts are ensuring the Council’s emerging Local Plan is robust and capable of meeting the district’s housing needs, creating lasting value for our clients and the wider region. We continue to support the North Barnes Farm Project through further planning stages.
