Wates Developments has secured planning approval for revised proposals to deliver up to 230 homes in Crawley Down after redesigning the scheme’s main access route in response to concerns from residents and local councillors.
The development, on land north of Hunstland and west of Turners Hill Road, will provide up to 230 homes alongside a 70-bed retirement home, public open space, new walking and cycling links, and millions of pounds of investment in local infrastructure.
The revised plans follow extensive community consultation after the original scheme received planning consent in September 2025. Residents, Worth Parish Council and ward councillors had raised concerns over plans to route vehicle access through Wychwood Place.
In response, Wates acquired neighbouring land at Hurst Farm, allowing the main vehicular entrance to be relocated. Under the approved plans, Wychwood Place will now be reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency access only.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The changes have also enabled the developer to increase the level of community investment attached to the scheme. Wates expects to contribute around £3.8 million towards local infrastructure and facilities, including funding for The Haven Centre, a new 3G pitch for Crawley Down Gatwick Football Club, healthcare services and education provision.
Photo: Google Maps
The development will also provide additional affordable housing and expanded areas of open space compared with the original consented scheme.
Jordan Van Laun (main picture, inset), Associate Land and Planning Director at Wates Developments, said: “Wates Developments is committed to reimagining places for people to thrive.
“The inclusion of Hurst Farm not only responds directly to what the community asked us to do by moving the main vehicular access away from Wychwood Place but also enables us to deliver more open space and affordable housing, along with increasing the funding towards local community facilities.
“We’re thrilled to have secured planning approval on the updated plans and will continue to keep local stakeholders updated as the plans move forward.”
The approval marks the latest stage in a project that has been developed in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council and local stakeholders over several years, with Wates aiming to balance housing delivery with investment in community infrastructure and amenities.
