A proposal for a groundbreaking neighbourhood in West Sussex has reached the outline planning stage.

This plan will see the former Ford Airfield transformed to make way for a masterplan from Wates Developments and Redrow Homes.

An outline planning application has now been submitted for 1,500 new homes at the site - the largest single allocation of homes delivered through a neighbourhood plan in England.

A second application to enhance the facilities for the very popular car boot sales and farmers markets has also been submitted with strong local community support.

On top of the homes, the development proposals include a new primary school, provision for a care home, a local centre with retail units, significant open space, allotments, play spaces, further football pitches to complement the retained Arun Sports Arena and Childrens Flying Fortress family entertainment centre.

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A spokesperson for the Wates Developments and Redrow Southern Counties Homes commented: "We are not aware of any other neighbourhood planning process in the country bringing forward a single allocation of 1,500 new homes through a positive and collaborative engagement that has extended over six years to date. This success illustrates what can be achieved through constructive neighbourhood planning where there is clarity of purpose and imagination on all sides.

"As the masterplan for the site was developed ahead of the planning submissions, there has been continued consultation with all local stakeholders. Consequently, a high-quality sustainable proposal has been developed that meets local needs, particularly the creation of a new community heart for Ford, which has been the Parishs central concern from the outset.

"We aim for this true collaboration between local community and developers to continue and bring this complex site fruition, delivering much-needed new homes, community facilities and jobs to the area."

(CM/MH)