Proposal for an Eco-town at Ford

The Government’s initial summary of the main issues identified for the site at Ford

Description

The 350 hectares site includes 110 acres of brownfield and a former airfield site close to Ford open prison and is served by rail to London and the Sussex coast route.

Proposed benefits

There are two proposals for this site – a strategic development area delivering 5,000 homes (40%) affordable; a 30 hectare economic hub; a major contribution towards the provision of necessary local infrastructure; site specific energy solutions utilising local resources (including major recycling facility); and relocated railway station and improved services to assist the regeneration of the Sussex coast.

Housing Affordability Pressure – Very High. Scheme would deliver around 1,500 affordable housing units in comparison with current delivery of 46 and 15 annually in 2005/06 and 2006/07 respectively in Arun. Current households on housing waiting list – 3,880.

Initial summary of challenges and constraints

Environment – The site includes areas in all 3 flood zones so built development will need to focus on Zone 1 and there will be a requirement for Flood Risk Assessment and application of the sequential test. The existing water abstraction point is currently ‘over-licenced’. Development phasing would be important. Potential impacts on local watercourses would need to be considered. Land contamination and possible impacts on groundwater would need to be assessed. Associated road infrastructure could impact on BAP habitats.

Transport – The site would need to make good use of rail but the major issue is the relationship of the site to pressures on nearby trunk roads and particularly the A27. A robust programme of sustainable transport solutions will be required to minimise the impact of the development on both local and strategic road network.

Employment – The site could generate significant employment through a science and technology park alongside existing uses including Ford open prison.

Conservation and historic constraints – The site masterplan and approach to design will need to take account of major conservation features in the surrounding area including the river arun, the South Downs, listed buildings and historic settlements nearby.