New affordable homes on brownfield land in South Downs National Park

Much-needed affordable housing has been given the green light for brownfield sites in Petworth.

The National Park’s Planning Committee gave the go-ahead, subject to completion of a legal agreement, for Hyde Housing Association to demolish garages across 11 sites near Station Road. The garages are undersized and are no longer used for parking vehicles.

In their place will be 19 affordable homes with new access, parking spaces and landscaping.

The development achieves a number of key sustainability goals, including creating a new wildlife-friendly orchard, protecting and retaining existing trees, new wildflower areas and planting new trees.

To achieve the 19% carbon dioxide reduction specified in the South Downs Local Plan, the development includes a number of features, including high insulation levels, high-performance windows, solar panels and sustainable Kelda showers.

A sensitive lighting strategy will be employed to minimise impact on the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Sarah Round, Principal Development Management Officer, said: “The National Park Authority is committed to helping to deliver affordable housing across the South Downs and this development within an established residential area achieves that goal.

“It’s making good use of brownfield land and is also enhancing green infrastructure by going over the 10% biodiversity net gain national policy requirement, as well as exceeding energy performance requirements.

“This is a high-quality, sustainable development that will bring a number of benefits to Petworth.”