01/04/2008   D5/08   Downland

Green light for ‘green heart’ development in Haywards Heath

Downland’s plans to replace existing homes at Wilmington Way, Haywards Heath, with a new housing development with a “green heart” at its centre as well as a community house have been given the green light by Mid Sussex Council.

This is fantastic news for the residents of Wilmington Way, who were closely consulted on the future of their homes which are located at Wilmington Way, Haylind Road and Hanbury Lane.  These homes do not meet the Decent Homes Standard and Downland has been in consultation with local people and the local authority on a range of options for the last three years.  The overwhelming response from residents was to demolish and redevelop the homes there. Work then began with award winning architects, PRP, and residents on developing a new vision for Wilmington Way. 

Downland’s largest development project to date, the existing homes will be replaced with 185 new homes including one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses for both affordable rent and private sale as well as a brand new community house.  The proceeds from the sale of the private homes and a £7 million contribution from Downland will support the costs of developing the affordable homes as there is no grant available.

Local residents worked closely with Downland and the architects on designing the new homes, which will exceed current environmental standards and make them cost effective to run. 

A ‘green heart’ at the schemes centre will feature a garden, square and a communal green, as well as pedestrian and cycle routes to make it easy for residents to use green forms of transport. Additionally each garden will be planted with fruit trees and fitted with bird, bat and insect boxes.

Most of the existing residents will be able to move straight into their new homes, through a four year phased construction approach that will see work commence on site at the end of the year.  Only three households will have to move into temporary accommodation while their new homes are built.

We have also worked closely to take into account residents wishes, where possible, around where they want to live and who they would like to live next to as well as providing overcrowded families with much needed larger homes.

Downland housing director Tracy Evans said she was delighted with the decision. She said: “The approval of our proposals for Wilmington Way is the result of an excellent scheme being submitted after extensive consultation with the residents of Wilmington Way and the local authority.

“Much hard work has gone into this and we can now all look forward to working with residents to provide them with good quality, well designed new homes.  Our residents have waited a long time for this and I am sure they will be pleased that we can now move the project forward.”

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