Client

Thakeham Group: A residential developer that delivers quality new homes in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire

Approach

Node were commissioned by Thakeham to undertake a site visioning exercise for the purposes of promoting the approx. 40ha greenfield site for a residential led development allocation within the Mid Sussex District Plan review.

As the site is located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Node undertook a thorough review of the wealth of planning and design guidance, followed by a detailed character assessment to understand the distinctive features of the local built and landscape form. This analysis, together with a recognition of the site’s specific opportunities, allowed Node to develop a series of spatial design principles and vision for the potential development of the site.

Impact

Node produced a site vision for approximately 620 dwelling residential scheme to the south of the existing village. The vision set out the creation of a new mixed-use community hub located adjacent to the new proposed sports and community open space provision. The residential provision of the proposals were heavily led by the surrounding woodland character, utilising the existing trees on site to create a low density development typology that frame and define a series of small greens and open spaces.

Node submitted an illustrative layout as well as a comprehensive vision document to support the site allocation. The local plan review is currently ongoing and the site allocation awaits determination.