Housebuilder Bellway has acquired a 10-acre site in Southwater with outline planning permission for 73 new homes.

The land, located east of Shipley Road to the south of the village, was purchased in January 2026. Bellway’s Southern Counties division has now submitted a detailed planning application for the scheme, which will be known as Clover Fields.

The development would include 29 affordable homes available to local residents through low-cost rent or shared ownership, representing around 40 per cent of the total properties.

Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway Southern Counties, said: "Completing the purchase of this land in Southwater brings us a step closer to providing an attractive new sustainable development that will enhance the area.

"Our detailed proposals for the new homes will respect and make the most of the natural environment and create wonderful open spaces where residents can enjoy being outside. The layout aims to promote walking, cycling, outdoor play and social interaction.

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"We have worked meticulously to plan a development that reflects local architectural traditions by using materials and forms that will feel familiar and designs that echo the building styles that have gone before.

"And by designating 40 per cent of the new homes as affordable properties we will meet a local need and provide an opportunity for people who may not be able to afford to privately buy a property at full price, to nevertheless move into a modern, energy-efficient home."

Under the proposals, homes for private sale would include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. The affordable housing provision would consist of two-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom houses, including 20 homes for affordable rent and nine shared ownership properties.

The development plans also incorporate a number of sustainability features. Houses would be fitted with air source heat pumps, while apartments would use hot water heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions. Electric vehicle charging points are also proposed for all properties.

The site is bordered by mature trees, which Bellway plans to retain and integrate into the development. A central green open space is proposed, including a children's play area for residents.

The housebuilder also plans measures to support local wildlife, including the installation of bat and bird boxes, hedgehog highways and native planting. The project aims to increase biodiversity on the site by at least 10 per cent.