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Vistry and Abri receive approval to build 698 homes

Work is due to start in the second quarter of 2026. 

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Vistry and Abri receive approval to build 698 homes
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Vistry and Abri have been given approval by Arun District Council to build 698 homes and new infrastructure at the former Ford Airfield in West Sussex. 

The project forms part of a wider plan to create around 1,500 homes, including a large number of affordable properties for local people, a new primary school, care home, local centre, better transport links and green spaces. 

Of the homes at the site, 960 will be delivered in a joint venture with Abri.

The delivery partners submitted three reserved matters applications which were all approved. 

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RM1 covers 341 homes in the north, with 239 for private sale and 102 affordable. 

RM4 includes 357 homes in the south, with 250 for private sale and 107 affordable. 

There will be public open spaces, parks, footpaths, and play areas. 

The infrastructure application covers the main road through the site, pedestrian and cycleways, four new bus stops, seven hectares of open space, play areas, drainage, sewer systems, and ecological improvements.

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The plans were put together after more than 10 years of work with the local community, led by Ford Parish Council and Ford Community Land Trust, and firmed up in the Ford Neighbourhood Plan and Arun District Plan. 

Work is due to start in the second quarter of 2026. 

Infrastructure is set to finish in 2027 and the homes in 2029.

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Stephen Teagle, CEO of Countryside Partnerships, part of Vistry, said: “This is a huge milestone for the delivery of Vistry’s blueprint for a new neighbourhood in Ford. 

“It will transform the former airfield into a thriving community which provides the mix of housing that residents need, alongside the infrastructure to support its sustained long-term growth. 

“Reaching this point is testament to the unwavering support from our valued partners at the Ford Community Land Trust, and the local parish councils and residents who’ve continued to share our vision for the scheme over the last ten years, and to our collaboration with Abri in bringing forward high-quality affordable homes as part of this joint venture.”

Gary Orr, group CEO of Abri, said: “Securing planning permission for hundreds of new homes marks a pivotal step towards creating a vibrant new community at Ford Airfield. 

“Working in partnership with Vistry, we’re proud to be shaping a place that combines affordable housing with the infrastructure and amenities communities need to thrive. 

“This represents another important step towards Abri’s ambition to continue investing in more much-needed and high-quality homes – a goal we plan to make bolder strides towards in our new 2026–2031 corporate strategy.”

A representative from the Ford Community Land Trust said: “Securing affordable homes that will remain affordable forever is a huge achievement. 

“These homes will make a real difference to local families and ensure the benefits of this development stay within the community.

“The CLT board – made up of locally elected people – will ensure ongoing local influence and accountability. 

“A locally driven allocation policy will prioritise local people, while ground rent will help fund the community hub, supporting its long-term sustainability. 

“This is a critical foundation for building a cohesive, thriving and truly sustainable new community. 

“This approval demonstrates how long-term commitment, partnership working and local leadership can deliver much-needed homes in a way that reflects the priorities of the community.”

A representative of Ford Parish Council said: “This decision reflects years of hard work by local people who wanted to take control of the future of this site. 

“It shows that neighbourhood planning can genuinely shape development in the interests of the community.

“It is also a lasting testament to the vision and commitment of the late Trevor Ford.”

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