Interested in what's been happening at Brookleigh? Our latest site update video will fill you in on the details here.
The first phase of homes at Brookleigh are all affordable housing. If you're interested in finding out more about affordable housing and whether it's right for you, visit the Mid Sussex District Council website
The first homes for sale on the private market will be available next year. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for further updates
John Sisk & Son Ltd will be carrying out further works to Issacs Lane to construct a site access road next week. In order to undertake the works safely but also keep one lane open for traffic, it will be necessary to install temporary traffic lights on Isaacs Lane during off peak hours (9am to 4pm) Monday 28th November to Friday 2nd December. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Although the roadworks at the southern end of Cuckfield Road are not connected with the Brookleigh development, we understand that they are expected to be complete by this Friday 25th November, so there will not be two sets of temporary lights in the immediate vicinity.
If you have any concerns about these works, please contact
To view the Planning Application, please visit the MSDC Planning Portal using the reference DM/18/5114.
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has submitted a reserved matters planning application to Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) to create a new Secondary School in Burgess Hill.
The 'all-through' primary and secondary school is planned as part of the wider Burgess Hill Brookleigh development, providing a high-quality education for new and existing residents in the 3,500-home development and across the local area.
The University of Brighton Academies Trust has been appointed to run the new all-through school. West Sussex County Council is creating the secondary school element and the primary school element, which will be designed and built later in the programme, will be created by Homes England.
The secondary school includes all the facilities recommended by the Department for Education for a school of this size including a dedicated Special Support Centre for students with special needs and disabilities.
As a demonstration of the Council's Climate Change Pledge, the building aims to achieve Passivhaus certification, reflecting ultra-low carbon emissions in operation, with an acute focus on energy efficiency, insulation, on-site energy generation and no use of fossil fuels in the running of the building.
The proposed design can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/zSeonaHiXFs
To view the Planning Application, please visit the MSDC Planning Portal using the reference DM/18/5114.
Members of the public can make representation to MSDC through the Planning Portal, if they wish, at any point during the 21-day consultation period.
Northern Arc update on site progress January/February 2022
Countryside Properties
Countryside Properties are building 460 homes at the Northern Arc, over 50% of them as affordable housing.
All apartment bocks in phase one are now under construction and we are due to start a further 16 plots this spring. We're building them with timber frames as part of our plans to use sustainable materials where possible. Brickworks have begun and some of these apartments are now being painted.
The construction of the main spine road through the site will soon be complete. the last remaining section will tie into main bridge works between the Countryside and Sisk sites.
The first homes, all of which are affordable housing and delivered by Sage Housing, are expected to be ready for people to move in by late spring this year. The homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes, including properties for those aged 55 plus and fully wheelchair-accessible homes. There will be a mixture of homes for rent and for shared ownership (part-buy, part-rent)
If you would like to find out whether you qualify for affordable housing, please visit midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/apply-for-social-housing If you would like to know more about buying a property on the private market, you can register your interest at countrysideproperties.com.
Jackson
Jackson Civil Engineering is building the Western Link road, connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
Since the previous update, Jackson have commenced installation of new foul water rising main diversion. Construction has also started on foul water drainage systems and to the mammal crossings under the proposed new carriageway.
The provision of ducting for power supplies, internet routing and street lighting is due to commence in early Spring 2022, and we will progress work on the road itself.
For more information about Jackson Civil Engineering, please visit www.jackson-civils.co.uk/
John Sisk and Son
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane.
Since the previous update, Sisk have continued to make progress with the first stage of earthworks and the installation of drainage within the new road.
South East Water have started to install the new water main that will provide drinking water to homes at the new development.
Sisk have installed a temporary bridge across the River Adur to provide access for construction vehicles and materials to the other side of the new road bridge that will connect the Freeks Farm development to Isaacs Lane. For more information, see www.johnsiskandson. com, follow on Twitter @JohnSiskandSon or on LinkedIn at John Sisk & Son Ltd
How are Homes England's developer partners at the Northern Arc prioritising sustainability as they build new homes?
Please note: Northern Arc has been renamed to 'Brookleigh'
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in all of our lives. Whether that's through the use of smart energy metres, the transport we use every day, or the goods we buy from the supermarket, taking the 'green' approach isn't just of benefit to the world around us – it boosts our physical and mental wellbeing on an individual level too. Like many other sectors, the construction industry is increasingly making sustainable, efficient choices. Homes England are making sure that developer partners across all its projects are future-focussed in their design and build techniques and the Northern Arc is no exception.
Countryside Properties, the first house builder to join the Northern Arc, are employing a range of modern methods of construction (MMC) techniques. This will not just minimise the developer's carbon footprint on site but also means the homes they build will be more energy efficient. The people who live in those homes for generations to come will be able do so in an energy efficient, sustainable and cost-effective manner.
So, just what is sustainable construction? Picture a house being built. You might imagine bricks, cement, cranes and hard hats – and you'd be right to think of those things. But as the construction industry moves to ensure its work is as green as possible, modern methods of construction are coming to the fore. The term can refer to any number of things. Modular buildings constructed in a factory, pre-cast concrete foundations and the use of timber frames all fall under the term modern methods of construction.
Each of them allows for high-quality, energy efficient housing to be delivered at speed – a crucial factor when you consider the need for increased housing provision across the UK. In 2017, the Government set the housebuilding industry a target of building 300,000 homes per year by the mid-2020s. In order for that target to be reached, spokespeople from within government and the housebuilding industry all agree that modern methods of construction will play a critical role.
Ready-made foundations, walls, roofs and even entire rooms can be constructed entirely in a factory, before being transported to their end destination for assembly and installation. This process can be completed in a matter of hours. The use of MMC techniques allows for housebuilding to take place at speed with no compromise on quality, meaning it will play a vital role in the construction of houses across the country in future years.
Countryside Properties are making great progress at the Oakhurst/Freeks Farm site at the Northern Arc, with the first residents due to move into their homes in spring 2022. Countryside's work has been aided by their use of timber in structural frames for homes. These timber frames, which are initially constructed off site and then transported to the Northern Arc, are used to support internal and external walls in each of the homes they build.
The use of timber frames also provides Countryside with a great deal of flexibility for both the size, layout and final appearance of each property. Once on site, the timber frames, which are made using renewable materials, are clad in brickwork for the external structure, or other materials for internal structures.
Countryside Properties are using timber frames constructed by specialists at Stewart Milne Timber Systems. Antony Iren, Senior Development Manager at Countryside Properties, recently visited their factory in Witney. "I've seen timber frames on site at the Northern Arc, but to visit the factory really brings home what an innovative tool this is. For a business such as Countryside, making the most of these new construction techniques brings lots of benefits. We're using renewable materials and they give us flexibility in the building process, enabling us to build quickly on site without having to compromise on quality at all. I've no doubt that these sorts of innovations will benefit both housebuilders and the people who will live in the homes we build."
Simon Horn, the Technical Manager for Stewart Milne, spoke about carbon savings and the long term sustainability benefits of pre-made timber construction methods: "Life cycle studies of timber frame homes show that they significantly outperform alternatives - timber saves about 40% of carbon emissions in comparison to concrete and about 30% compared to steel. According to the Committee on Climate Change, using wood in construction instead of high-carbon materials such as cement and steel is one of the most effective ways to use limited biomass resources to mitigate climate change.
Countryside Properties and other Homes England developer partners will continue to use industry leading Modern Methods of Construction at the Northern Arc to ensure we're building sustainable homes for a sustainable community.
On one of the first really chilly mornings in October, there were some unusual visitors to the Northern Arc at the site of the new roundabout joining Jane Murray Way with the Northern Arc avenue. Their ecological expertise is astounding. Meet Arnie and Poppy – the newt detection dogs!
Arnie and Poppy live with Wagtail detection dogs – a centre in Wales where dogs are trained to detect all kinds of things, from tobacco to explosives, cash and even people. But a growing part of their business is in the lesser-known area of conservation and ecological surveying, and that's where Arnie and Poppy come in.
Great crested newts are a protected species, and so their disturbance or destruction is illegal. They are amphibians, breeding in ponds during the spring and spending most of the rest of the year in woodland, hedgerows, marshes and tussocky grassland. They hibernate underground, among tree roots and in old walls. In tandem with more traditional surveying methods, Wagtail's specially trained detection dogs can make the process of checking for great crested newts easier. If newts are found at a construction site, they must be carefully moved to a suitable habitat under the supervision of an ecologist with a license from Natural England.
Wagtail's dogs are all rescue dogs – and they seek out the ones that are traditionally 'too naughty'! This means they're looking for working dogs with a really high level of energy and motivation – the perfect detection dog personality. Their astounding ability to detect great crested newts is down to their remarkable noses: dogs' noses are 100,000 times more sensitive than humans' – and they are able to smell in 3D and smell the passage of time! This is how tracking dogs are able to know in which direction their target has gone.
The newt dogs at Wagtail are carefully trained and tested to make sure the results of their surveys are reliable. This means they're trained to discriminate – so they don't give false positives for small mammals, frogs and toads, or even other species of newt. They are also trained to be non-invasive - if they do detect the presence of a great crested newt they step back and sit or lie down and will not interact in any way. Then the ecologist (always present with these surveys) can come to investigate the area the dog is indicating.
Arnie and Poppy clearly loved their work, wagging tails throughout the whole survey process. While they didn't find any newts on this occasion (supporting the results of other survey work that has already been undertaken at this site) they were still rewarded for their efforts. Just not with their favourite toy - they only get that when they find a great crested newt!
Part of Homes England's role at the Northern Arc is to make sure that supporting infrastructure is built at the right time for the project. This includes the creation of a brand new link road which will link the A2300 in the west with Isaacs Lane in the east. Jackson Civil Engineering are currently constructing the Western Link Road, which will join Jane Murray Way and the newly-dualled A2300 to the Northern Arc, helping to ensure that traffic flow is maintained as new residents move in over the coming years.
Please find our monthly Northern Arc update for November here.
Jackson Civil Engineering
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road, connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
Since the previous update, street lighting and signage have now been installed and landscaping to the centre of the roundabout has been completed. Earthworks have been carried out for verges.
Site preparation has continued at Jane Murray Way to facilitate the construction of the link road main carriageway and Jane Murray Way roundabout. Jackson will provide new replacement trees and will plant more trees than they have removed. The new trees have been carefully selected to deliver the highest possible environmental value and to increase the resilience and diversity of the local tree population – and they'll be planted at the start of the growing season next year.
Jackson have also been constructing kerbing to the east island of the new roundabout and to the Northern roundabout.
John Sisk and Son
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane.
Since the previous update, Sisk have progressed with earthworks on site, helping to prepare the ground for construction. A temporary haul road and pedestrian footpath has also been built on site and drainage works have begun. Sisk have also taken part in local volunteering at Mid Sussex Community Gardens, where site clearance works were undertaken, and a vehicle hardstanding was constructed.
Sisk have recently registered the site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which is a not-for-profit, independent organisation founded to raise standards in the construction industry. Construction sites, companies and suppliers voluntarily register with the Scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.
Bellway
Bellway are the latest developer to join the Northern Arc. They will build 249 homes to the east of the site and develop some public open spaces including the Lowlands Farm extension to the Bedelands Nature Reserve.
Bellway and Homes England have now jointly submitted a reserved matters application seeking approval for the detailed design and landscaping of 247 homes to be built on land to the east of Isaacs Lane and at Lowlands Farm as part of the Northern Arc urban expansion at Burgess Hill. The application also includes details of relevant sections of the Green Circle and an extension to Bedeland's Nature Reserve.
The application was validated by Mid Sussex District Council on 5th November 2021 and it is expected that the application will be determined early in the new year with construction work to begin in Spring 2022, subject to the application being approved. You can view the proposals for 247 homes , public open spaces and an extension to the Bedelands nature reserve at https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ (the application reference number is DM/21/3870).
Bellway's Freephone Community Information number is 0800 294 1304 and they can respond to enquiries on the proposals. View the submitted layout and artist impressions of the scheme on the project website www.bellwaynorthernarc.co.uk.
Countryside Properties
Countryside Properties are building 460 homes at the Northern Arc, over 50% of them as affordable housing.
Since the previous update, progress has been made on the first phase of housing and all units are now in construction. Apartment blocks have been built to roof level, with a significant number having plumbing and electrics now too. The remaining timber frames for homes to the south of the site will be arriving soon .
To the north of the site, piling works have gone ahead in preparation for laying foundations.
Works to culvert bridge between the north and south sides of the site are now completed and the site compound has been relocated to the northern section. Works to the spine road are continuing and the ground has been prepared and levelled.
Please find our latest site update for the Northern Arc here
Jackson Civil Engineering
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
During September and October, Jackson surfaced the road around the southern part of the roundabout. The Northern side of the roundabout will be tarmac surfaced next and traffic on the A2300 will be switched to this side during November. Further works will then be carried out to complete the centre of the roundabout and islands. It is anticipated that the final surfacing course is to be laid in December 2021 provided that the weather conditions are suitable to carry the works out.
Further ecological works have been carried out to provide newt fencing at the site of the link road. Tree removal works will continue over the winter months at West End Farm and next to Jane Murray way to facilitate the construction of the link road main carriageway and Jane Murray way roundabout. Jackson will provide new replacement trees, a higher amount than the number removed. The trees have been carefully selected to deliver the highest possible environmental value and to increase the resilience and diversity of the local tree population.
An upgrade and diversion to southern water infrastructure including construction of a new below ground "wet well" (water chamber) will also commence. Street Lighting will be installed in October and November 2021.
John Sisk & Son
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane.
Since the previous update, Sisk have completed their site set up and constructed a site access road and entrance. The compound has been tarmacked and white-lined.
Earthworks contractor M O'Brien have started on site, helping to prepare the ground for construction.
Sisk have carried out further trial holes to analyse the composition and structure of the soil and confirm locations of utility services like gas and water pipes. Trial holes were completed on Isaac's Lane with a vacuum excavator.
Sisk have had a site safety day and have also taken part in a career's assembly at Burgess Hill Academy alongside representatives from Jacksons & Countryside.
Bellway
Bellway are the latest developer to join the Northern Arc. They will build 249 homes to the east of the site and develop some public open spaces including the Lowlands Farm extension to the Bedelands Nature Reserve.
Following public consultation over the summer and continued positive negotiations with Mid Sussex District Council about the details of the proposed development, it is expected that the reserved matters application will be submitted to the Council towards the end of October/early November 2021.
Countryside
Countryside Properties are building 460 homes at the Northern Arc, over 50% of them as affordable housing.
Since the previous update, Countryside have opened the children's playground on Maple Drive for the local community to enjoy. The welcome 2,700sqm recreation area includes an activity area, play equipment, a Multi-Use Games Area, seating and landscaping. The playground features include swings, a trampoline, zip wire, full basketball court and a timber climbing frame with a surrounding turfed landscape lawn.
Apartment blocks 1 - 4 have been built with blocks 1 - 3 roof tiling completed and the internal works soon due to begin. Timber frames for several housing plots have also been erected and Phase 2 Piling matts are currently being installed.
Work to the culvert bridge has enabled it to open to site construction traffic. Landscaping and planting will follow over the coming months to re-establish the course of Worlds End Stream. The site compound will soon be moved to phase 2 and 3 to the north of the site.
Please find the press release here.
Countryside Properties
Countryside Properties are building 460 homes at the Northern Arc, over 50% of them as affordable housing.
Since the previous update, the frameworks for several apartment blocks have now been erected and the culvert bridge linking to the north end of the Countryside site is close to being complete. Stockpiles will soon be removed.
The play area is undergoing a safety review with the aim of opening to the public as soon as possible.
Groundworks for the north of the site are due to start at the end of August.
John Sisk & Son
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane. Since our last update tree protection fencing and reptile fencing has been erected, we've mowed the grass and installed site cabins at our compound. We're currently laying stone chip around the site compound area. Work has been undertaken on the construction of the site access road and a Traffic Management Plan has been put in place.
We will soon be carrying out further works along Isaacs Lane. This will involve the construction of a site access road off Isaacs Lane and the erection of more tree protection fencing which shields protected trees from potential damage during construction. There will also be a speed restriction in place of 40mph along Isaacs Lane, with lane closures in place between August 31st and 3rd September, 6th and 10th September and 13th and 17th September.
In order to undertake the works safely but also keep one lane open for traffic, it is necessary to install temporary traffic lights on Isaacs Lane during off peak hours (9am to 4pm) Monday to Friday over these periods.
We will be starting main construction works for the Eastern Bridge and Link Road from the week commencing 30th August 2021 (8am-6pm) in accordance with the associated planning consent DM/20/3247.
If you have any questions about these preparation works or concerns during the work period, please email
Jackson Civil Engineering at the Western Link Road
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
Further ecological works are due to be carried out in August and September to relocate newts and provide newt fencing.
Tree removal works will be carried out in September at West End Farm and Jane Murray way to facilitate construction of the link road main carriageway and Jane Murray way roundabout. Additional tree pits will be constructed to provide new replacement trees, a higher amount than the number removed. The trees have been carefully selected to be of the highest possible environmental value.
An upgrade and diversion to southern water infrastructure including construction of a new below ground "wet well" (water chamber) will also commence.
Bellway
Bellway are the latest developer to join the Northern Arc. They will build 249 homes to the east of the site and develop some public open spaces including the Lowlands Farm extension to the Bedelands Nature Reserve.
Over the past few months, Bellway has sent out an information leaflet to local residents explaining the forthcoming reserved matters application for the development of new homes at Phase 1B of the Northern Arc urban expansion area. The Bellway team has also met with Burgess Hill Town Council to discuss the proposed application.
Bellway continue to engage with Mid Sussex District Council over the detail of the proposed development and the reserved matters application will be submitted to the Council in October 2021.
Please note: The consultation is now closed
Bellway have been appointed by Homes England as the second house builder to join the Northern Arc scheme in Burgess Hill.
Bellway have been appointed to design and build 249 homes to the east of the site, including 30% affordable housing. Bellway will also provide public open spaces, including an extension to the Bedelands nature reserve
Public consultation is open until 31 July and Bellway are seeking comments on their design in this period
Bellway expect to submit a planning application in late summer 2021, and subject to planning consent, start on site in late spring 2022
Bellway have been appointed by Homes England as the second house builder to join the Northern Arc scheme in Burgess Hill. They are already building in the local area and the homes under construction at Hassocks Golf Club demonstrate their sensitive design approach, both in terms of the houses they build and their place in the surrounding landscape. They were recently awarded "five-star builder" status for the third time by the Home Builders Federation – the highest accolade a house builder can receive.
Bellway are holding a consultation exercise on their proposals for land parcels at the Northern Arc ahead of a planning submission later this summer. Anyone can view the plans on the dedicated website and give feedback during this consultation period, which runs until the end of July. If you have questions or would like to receive the consultation material in print, please call the freephone number. All feedback is important to Bellway and will be carefully considered as they move towards a planning application later this summer.
Consultation website: www.bellwaynorthernarc.co.uk
Freephone Community Information Line: 0800 294 1304
Construction at the Northern Arc is now well underway with Countryside Properties making good progress at Freeks Farm and the first homes expected to be ready this autumn. Jackson Civils and Sisk & Son are also on site bringing forward vital infrastructure in the form of new link roads to the east and west of the scheme, demonstrating Homes England's commitment to build supporting infrastructure alongside new homes.
Ken Glendinning, Project Director at Homes England said: "The appointment of Bellway at the Northern Arc is another major milestone for the project and we are looking forward to receiving local input into their designs. In an area of high house prices and housing demand, we continue to work closely with Mid Sussex District Council and our developer partners to make sure the Northern Arc is a sustainable community, creating homes, public open spaces and infrastructure."
Daniel Bradbury, Regional Director at Bellway, said: "Bellway are delighted to have been appointed to deliver these 249 homes as part of the first phase of the Northern Arc. We pride ourselves on being a five star house builder who delivers positive additions to local communities. We look forward to building a range of 1 and 2 bed apartments along with 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes - all of which will sit within significant amounts of open space for new and existing residents to enjoy. Creating a desirable living environment with connectivity to the local area will improve quality of life for all residents.
We look forward to engaging with the community and local authority through our Reserved Matters proposals and I encourage people to take the time to view our consultation website and talk to our team.
The opportunity to partner with Homes England on this flagship site in Burgess Hill is one which Bellway is incredibly excited to progress and deliver."
Countryside Properties at Freeks Farm
Countryside Properties were the first housebuilder to be appointed at the Northern Arc and are building 460 homes, over 50% of them as affordable housing. The first affordable homes are expected to be ready in late Autumn 2021 and the first private homes in Spring 2022.
Since our last update, the roads, drains and the majority of the foundations for the first phase have now been completed at Freeks Farm. Scaffolding is soon to be erected in preparation and you will soon be able to see the first houses and flats in construction. As a result of poor weather conditions throughout May and June, Countryside have worked hard to manage the mud and safety of the roads.
To the north of phase one, the new bridge is in construction and the flank walls of the bridge are now visible from Freeks Lane. The bridge is anticipated to be complete by September, this will then allow access for the works for phase two to begin.
The play area is in the final phase of development and a safety review is being performed with the aim of opening to the public as soon as possible.
John Sisk and Son at the Eastern Bridge and Link Road
John Sisk & Son will build the Eastern Bridge and Link Road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane. Since our last update, Sisk have created an access track to allow UK Power Networks to carry out works on overhead lines. Sisk have also improved an existing track, laying down stone to allow UK Power Networks access for their works.
Sisk will soon be carrying out works along Isaacs Lane which will involve construction of a site access road, site compound set-up and the erection of tree protection fencing which shields protected trees from potential damage during construction. There will also be a speed restriction in place of 40mph along Isaacs Lane, with lane closures in place between 12th and 16th July and again between 16th and 30th July 2021.
John Sisk & Son Ltd will be undertaking these preparatory works from Monday 12th July (8am-6pm) before starting construction of the Eastern Bridge and Link Road later in the summer. Work will be carried out in accordance with the associated planning consent DM/20/3247. A plan of the site and details of the traffic management is shown below.
If you have any questions about these preparation works or concerns during the work period, please email
Jackson Civil Engineering at the Western Link Road
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highway.
During May and early June, progress has been made on the northern half of the new roundabout on the A2300. Temporary surfacing has been completed and the northern half of the roundabout has had traffic diverted onto it. This was in conjunction with the adjacent A2300 improvement works planned traffic switch over onto the newly constructed sections of road.
Works to the southern half of the new roundabout have now started, these works include excavating out the footprint of the roundabout, new stone fill, kerbing and utility works. Once traffic is switched over on the main A2300, work to finish the roundabout can begin.
Design work continues for the proposed roads coming from the new roundabout to the north and south, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Bellway
Homes England is pleased to welcome Bellway as the next developer at the Northern Arc. They will build 249 homes to the east of the site and develop some public open spaces including the Lowlands Farm extension to the Bedelands Nature Reserve.
Bellway pride themselves on building residential developments that quickly become established as positive additions to local communities. This objective of achieving a high quality sustainable design is very much at the forefront of the new homes Bellway are planning at the Northern Arc. Here they will be providing high quality, bespoke design houses that sit within significant amounts of open space for new and existing residents to enjoy, whilst also offering an opportunity to enhance biodiversity on site.
Bellway are running a pre-application consultation exercise ahead of their Reserved Matters planning application. We are excited to share their vision and ideas with you. People who already live closest to the site will be receiving a consultation leaflet in the post, so please keep an eye out for one, but we'd really like to get everyone's views on the proposals. You can find out more at the Bellway consultation site:
Consultation website: www.bellwaynorthernarc.co.uk
Freephone Community Information Line: 0800 294 1304
We are pleased to be nearing completion of the upgrades to the footway, cycleway, and bridleways along the Green Circle. The main improvement work to the final sections of the paths (highlighted in red on the map below) will commence on 12th July 2021 and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete. Footpaths are required to be closed whilst this work is taking place, but we will ensure that this will not cause any access issues to your property. There will be advanced warning signs around the vicinity of the works and there may be occasional weekend work where necessary.
To allow the routes along Green Circle to permanently open for long term use by the community, some final remedial works are now needed to be undertaken to the path between Wingle Tye Road and the Green Circle, across Nightingale Meadow (highlighted in orange on the map).
To minimise disruption, as far as possible we will keep as much of the route and access to adjacent fields open, as is safe to do so.
Thank you for your continued patience while we complete these routes. Further information on the Place and Connectivity Programme can be found at www.burgesshill.net/transport/sustainable-transport. If you have any concerns, please contact the Customer Service Team at Mid Sussex District Council by email at
The sustainable revitalisation of Burgess Hill town centre is a priority. Mid Sussex District Council has led a £14m bid to the Government's new Levelling Up Fund (LUF), which aims to regenerate the town centre.
The bid focusses on three key improvements:
To start the revitalisation of The Martlets shopping centre, sustainable transport and public realm upgrades and a new Digital Hub to support local businesses.
Mims Davies MP said:
"I am pleased to support this important bid to the Levelling Up Fund. Burgess Hill and Mid Sussex is growing. Good progress is being made on delivering sustainable housing, employment space, new public facilities and sustainable transport links. But, I know the town centre remains a significant concern for my constituents and the ongoing requirement to update the facilities and its offer to a growing community. Its redevelopment is clearly lagging behind the other investment in the town and the pandemic has further frustrated the pace of its recovery. My Government recognises this is an issue for town centres across the country and it is why it has enabled investment through the Levelling Up Fund.
"This £14m bid aims to address the issues and speed up the pace of the redevelopment for the whole town centre. If successful, it will provide the vital new injection needed to quickly deliver much wanted and desired local improvements to our town centre that are so needed and well supported."
Andrew Griffith, MP said:
"This Levelling Up Fund bid aims to leverage significant additional private sector funding to regenerate the town centre. If successful, it will benefit my constituents living in nearby villages of Hassocks, Keymer and Hurstpierpoint with sustainable transport links to the town and job creation."
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:
"The District Council is determined to do what it can to support the regeneration of Burgess Hill town centre and, if successful, our bid to the Levelling Up Fund will accelerate delivery of the regeneration project. It will also fund projects to improve sustainable transport and open a Digital Hub to support local businesses and create jobs in the town centre. A successful bid would be a big boost for Burgess Hill and the local economy and I hope that the community will get behind it"
Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council said:
"We are determined to support the growth of Burgess Hill and the facilities communities need. We are currently dualling of the A2300 to improve access to the town and, in partnership with New River Retail, we have delivered a new, award-winning library. We now want to help get the town centre updated. If the bid is successful, my Council will help deliver public realm improvements and more sustainable transport."
In the pre-election period during the run-up to the May elections, specific restrictions on communications were in place which meant we weren't able to publish our usual monthly site update. The following update therefore includes both April and May 2021
Countryside Properties
Countryside Properties are the first housebuilder to be appointed at the Northern Arc and will be building 460 homes, over 50% of them as affordable housing. The first affordable homes are expected to be ready in late Autumn 2021 and the first private homes in Spring 2022.
Since the previous update, Countryside Properties have been busy installing the foundations for homes at the Freeks Farm site.The piling is complete, and the ground beams are currently being poured. By summer, buildings will be visible above ground beginning with the delivery of the first sustainable timber frames in June.
Infrastructure works continued across the site, providing drainage, utilities and the access road from Maple Drive. Further progress has been made on the new and improved play area on Maple Drive. Installation of the play equipment is well under way, and the play area is expected to be open by the end of May. The design follows on from consultation with the local Sheddingdean Primary School, where pupils assisted in choosing the equipment they would like in their new play area including an activity area, play equipment, a Multi-Use Games Area, seating and landscaping.
John Sisk & Son and the Eastern Bridge and Link Road
John Sisk & Son, who will build the eastern bridge and link road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane, have now undertaken the second stage of site clearance works required at the proposed eastern bridge location. All work undertaken on site was undertaken with the presence of an ecologist and in compliance with the conditions of their licence from Natural England. Sisk are also progressing the details of the design and finalising their programme in preparation for the main works to begin on site in the near future.
Jackson Civil Engineering
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highways.
During April, progress has been made on the northern half of the new roundabout on the A2300. The next step is to surface the northern half of the roundabout which will then allow traffic to be diverted onto it. This will be in conjunction with the adjacent A2300 improvement works planned traffic switch over onto the newly constructed sections of road. Works to the southern half of the new roundabout will then commence, excavating out the footprint of the roundabout and once traffic is switched over on the main A2300 then works can commence to finish the section of new roundabout.
The drainage to the roundabout is being provided by the installation of a combined kerb drainage system. This system has been specially designed for efficiency to require minimal maintenance. During this period, the installation of filter drainage has also been undertaken which allows any water that is in the ground to drain away before it reaches the foundation of the road. Design work continues to the proposed roads coming from the new roundabout to the north and south with construction expected to begin later this year.
Countryside Properties at Freeks Farm
Countryside Properties are the first housebuilder to be appointed at the Northern Arc and will be building 460 homes, over 50% of them as affordable housing. The first affordable homes are expected to be ready in late Autumn 2021 and the first private homes in Spring 2022.
Since the February update, although delayed due to poor weather conditions, progress has now been made on the new and improved play area on Maple Drive. Installation of the play equipment is now underway, and we anticipate its opening this spring. In March, Countryside Properties appointed Sage Housing Ltd to deliver affordable homes on site. There will be 237 shared ownership and affordable rent properties as part of the scheme. If you are interested in learning more about whether you qualify for affordable housing at the Northern Arc, contact Mid Sussex District Council or visit:https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/new-affordable-housing-information-for-the-public/ Countryside Properties will be taking expressions of interest for private sales later on in the development programme, we'll let you know when we have more information on this.
John Sisk & Son and the Eastern Bridge and Link Road John Sisk & Son who will build the eastern bridge and link road which will join Freeks Lane to Isaacs Lane have now finished the initial site clearance along Isaacs Lane and at the future bridge location as well as well as ground investigation for underground services. Now that this is complete, the next step is to mobilise to site and begin the construction of the site compound which will be happening in Spring 2021. The site compound construction will involve office cabins, storage, and parking as well as a temporary site access road.
The next stage to progress with the construction of the Eastern Bridge and Link Road will be enabling works such as erecting tree protection fencing, which is typically metal fencing used to protect tree trunks and branches from moving machinery as well as protecting the tree roots from excavation. It will be used to limit the environmental impact during the construction process. As well as the tree protection fencing, other enabling works will begin to commence such as a topsoil strip along the planned route of the eastern bridge and link road, which involves machinery excavating the top portion of soil in preparation for further excavation works.
Jackson Civil Engineering and the Western Link Road
Jackson Civil Engineering are building the Western Link road connecting the A2300 in the north to Jane Murray Way in the south, with new roundabouts built at the intersections with the existing highways.
Jackson are currently constructing the northern half of the A2300 roundabout. This is anticipated to be completed May 2021. This will be followed by the construction of the southern half of the roundabout and main carriageway. They will also be building attenuation basins to collect and store rain water as part of the sustainable drainage plans for the whole scheme, and carrying out other works building sewers and pumps for the Northern Arc.
Sage Housing appointed by Countryside Properties to deliver affordable housing at the Northern Arc, Burgess Hill
Sage Housing have been appointed by Countryside Properties, the first developer to build new homes at the Northern Arc, to deliver the Affordable Housing at Freeks Farm, with the first of these properties due to be ready before the end of this year. These will range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes, including properties for those aged 55 plus and fully wheelchair-accessible homes. The first homes for private market sale are expected to be ready by summer 2022
Construction at the Northern Arc is now well underway with Countryside Properties making good progress at Freeks Farm, Jacksons onsite building the western link road and Sisk expecting to begin on the eastern bridge and link road this spring. These new access points in the east and west of the site will play a major part in unlocking the whole site whilst delivering essential road infrastructure at the same time as homes.
Ken Glendinning, Project Director at Homes England said:
"The appointment of the first affordable housing provider at the Northern Arc is a major milestone for the project. In an area of high house prices and housing demand, we are working closely with Mid Sussex District Council and our developer partners to make sure the Northern Arc helps meet the housing needs of local people."
Mark Sater, Chief Executive Officer at Sage Housing said: "We're delighted to be working with Countryside Properties, Homes England and Mid Sussex District Council to add high-quality affordable housing to the local community. Our long-term stable capital is helping to accelerate the provision of homes to those in most need."
People interested in learning more about if they qualify for affordable housing at the Northern Arc should contact Mid Sussex District Council or go to:
https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/new-affordable-housing-information-for-the-public/
NewRiver are working closely with the Council and the project team is happy to answer any queries about the development of Burgess Hill town centre. If you have any questions, you can contact them via:
You can find further information regarding the development on the Martlets website.
This will be regularly updated with all the latest news and upcoming plans to rejuvenate the town centre.
As with all major developments, there will be an impact on local infrastructure, particularly as construction equipment arrives on site. NewRiver will always give local residents as much notice as they can of upcoming road closures or traffic disruptions, and endeavour to keep this to an absolute minimum for the duration of the construction works.
Construction will inevitably cause some disruption and disturbance, but NewRiver will do their upmost to minimise this wherever possible. They are committed to working with residents and businesses to minimise the impacts of these works on the local community and their contractors will be required to adhere to the "Considerate Contractors Scheme", which encourages best practice beyond statutory requirements. NewRiver will do their best to keep residents informed of forthcoming works, and any periods of increased activity.
They will put forward a detailed Construction Management Plan to mitigate any potential disruption and will work with the Council to ensure that this is implemented prior to the commencement of development.
In September 2020 the application to redevelop the Martlets Shopping Centre was approved by the Mid Sussex District Council planning committee. Since this decision, the country has been placed into another national lockdown which continues to create a challenging environment for businesses and retailers.
The focus for NewRiver in Burgess Hill continues to be on holding regular conversations with all parties as the next steps for the future of The Martlets Shopping Centre are mapped out. Due to the ongoing pandemic, and the retailer and occupier situation, the landscape still remains uncertain. Potential tenants are not currently in a position to commit, although we continue our discussions with proposed tenants, retailers and existing occupiers.
We hope to have further clarity on the next stages of delivery in the coming months, when the national picture is clearer and the lifting of restrictions clarified by national government.
We understand the local frustration at the lack of progress, however NewRiver remains committed to the redevelopment of The Martlets Shopping Centre and is grateful to the District Council and the local community for their patience as these talks continue. The planning permission that was granted in September states that a development plan for the whole site must be agreed with the Council before any development may commence. A development strategy for the whole site including the retail areas must therefore be programmed before the residential element could be started, unless otherwise approved, and NewRiver will continue to work closely with MSDC over the coming months.
In the meantime and as part of our ongoing commitment, we are offering flexible lease terms to start-up businesses enabling them to take space in formerly empty units and will continue to support this activity.