New homes approved for two historic villages in South Downs National Park
August 21, 2025
New affordable homes are being built as part of two well-designed village developments.
The National Park’s Planning Committee voted to grant approval to plans to build 12 houses and four apartments on land at Elm Rise, Findon, West Sussex.
Half of the new homes will be affordable, including social rented and intermediate housing.
Meanwhile, the committee also voted to give the green light to demolition of garages and building five homes on land at “The Yard” at The Street, Washington, West Sussex. One of the homes will be affordable and secured for rural workers based in the National Park. The site is owned by the Wiston Estate and fits well into the estate’s approved Whole Estate Plan.
Planners agreed that the design is appropriate and would conserve and enhance the setting of the Washington Conservation Area and adjacent listed buildings.
Both applications have evolved over time after feedback from planning officers and consultees.
Green infrastructure is an integral part of both housing developments.
At Findon the site includes chalk grassland and public space to the north and east of the site will provide opportunity for enhancements to biodiversity. Swathes of wildflower and wild grass zones are planned across the site, as well as a bark and wood-chip area to attract wildlife like birds and insects.
To protect the Dark Night Skies, which are important for nocturnal wildlife, no street lighting is proposed and the landscape design and building materials have been chosen to limit light pollution.
The Washington development includes a central green space comprising shared front gardens, evoking the character of a rural village setting. There will be new native mixed species hedgerows and tree planting across the site.
Tim Slaney, Director of Planning, said: “I’m delighted that the hard work of the developers and community, as well as ourselves, is coming to fruition. These two developments will help sustain these villages, as well as provide some much-needed new affordable homes.”