29/01/2008   D2/08   Downland

Chichester development proceeds

The process to transform a 36 hectare site, the former Graylingwell hospital site in Chichester, with up to 800 new homes along with community facilities has commenced with the signing of a formal development agreement.

The agreement, signed between national regeneration agency English Partnerships, Linden Homes, and Downland, part of the Affinity Sutton Group, is the precursor to intensive planning and discussion and the more formal approvals required by the Chichester District Council.

David Ashworth, Area Director for English Partnerships said ‘Graylingwell is one of the 96 former NHS sites that were transferred to English Partnerships as part of a nationwide programme to bring redundant hospital sites back into productive use.

“There will be significant community, leisure and commercial facilities and all homes will achieve net zero carbon standards. We are committed to ensuring that the development of Graylingwell will be a huge success and we will continue our close working relationship with Chichester District Council to ensure it meets community needs and aspirations.”

Initial plans for the site include:

• Designating 40% of approximately 800 homes as affordable, including both socially rented and shared ownership;
• Renovating and preserving key existing former hospital buildings including the Grade II listed farmhouse and a chapel dating from around 1890;
• Retaining and enhancing the majority of the existing landscapes and mature specimen trees;
• Providing extensive commercial and community facilities such as leisure and sporting facilities, artists’ studios, gallery, offices and restaurant.

Mr. Ashworth added ‘‘We will ensure that the development retains the integrity of the site and to protects its rich heritage while at the same time becoming a flagship for environmentally friendly and sustainable community development.

Consultation with local politicians, residents and key stakeholders will commence immediately with a full public consultation to follow. It is anticipated that a detailed planning application will be submitted during the summer of 2008.

Paul Cooper, Regional Managing Director of Linden Homes said ‘We are delighted to have teamed up with English Partnerships and Downland to embark on such an exciting and innovative venture, part of which will be to jointly pioneer one of the first major net zero carbon developments in the UK. Graylingwell will be a showcase for sustainable living, bringing in a vital supply of new homes and facilities whilst upholding the local heritage. At Linden our expertise in creating affordable and regenerated communities is recognised across the housebuilding industry. We are committed to working alongside our partners, including our funding associates RBS, to produce a scheme that is derived in the local community, for the local community.’

Mark Perry, Chief Executive of Downland, part of Affinity Sutton, added ‘We are committed to creating a new community at Graylingwell and key to this is the support of the local community. Over the coming months we will be drawing upon our experience of working in Chichester to consult with local residents and key stakeholders as we work towards our detailed planning application. This is a very exciting project for Downland, and the Affinity Sutton Group and we are pleased to be working with such experienced partners on the creation and delivery of a new community for Chichester. A community that will not only embrace and enhance the areas heritage but will also deliver cutting edge environmental features to create a net zero carbon scheme.”

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