Leatherhead
Mole Valley
Surrey 

At Welbeck we take time to understand the location and its needs on every project we work on. This approach grounds each project in a local context.

At Henfield, over a two-year period, we worked hand in hand with the neighbourhood plan steering committee resulting in the land being allocated in the neighbourhood plan to provide 205 new homes. Recognising the benefits of high-quality green spaces within a masterplan to local communities, the parish, and the surrounding environment, Welbeck and the landowners committed to bringing forward more than just homes.

Working with its renowned ecologist and landscape consultants Welbeck safeguarded over 23ha of open green space that will include a nature reserve and bike park. Integrating new habitat features for wildlife within this space will not only increase the net biodiversity by 80%, which is significantly in excess of what we were asked to achieve, it will also provide opportunities for human recreation.

Through close collaboration with our landowners, local communities and expert consultants, Welbeck always strives to do more than the bare minimum. Responsible and sympathetic use of land is what stands us apart.

The multi-generational landowners at Uckfield identified Welbeck as being a reputable and well funder promoter with whom they wanted to work. Recognising the long-term potential for the land Welbeck purchased the freehold with the original owners retaining an interest by way of overage.

Beginning in 2011 Welbeck promoted the farmland for a mixed-use residential-led scheme with flexible employment spaces, a new primary school and 1,000 dwellings.

Recognising the potential ecological impact of the development on the protected (under European legislation) environment of the Ashdown Forrest, Welbeck sought opportunities to minimise the effect. This was ensured through the provision of over 70 acres of new parkland adjacent to the proposed development which created measurable net gains for biodiversity as well as providing access to nature and green space for both new and existing residents of Uckfield and those from further afield.

Having worked closely with Wealden District Council to design the Park Welbeck subsequently gifted the land and committed to its funding as part of the residential planning consent.  Horsted Green Park, officially opened in 2019.

After a first phase sale of land to Taylor Wimpey in 2016 Welbeck has adopted the role of master developer and place creator for the remainder of the site, tackling multi-million-pound engineering works to provide a beautiful, landscaped entrance to the remaining phases.

Further land sales are scheduled for early 2022.  

Welbeck, working on behalf of Eton College, has submitted 188 hectares of land at North Barnes Farm to Lewes District Council as part of its Local Plan process. The ambition is to create a sustainable new settlement that is a positive solution to the government’s requirement to bring forward new homes in Sussex and to boost the local rural economy.

As a responsible promoter, committed to the creation of truly sustainable places, Welbeck is working with its expert consultant team to develop plans for North Barnes Farm that represent an innovative and sustainable response to local housing need, whilst guaranteeing significant biodiversity net gain, and providing jobs and local services all within cycling distance of homes.

Welbeck recognises that all development at scale is controversial, but as with every opportunity, it is committed to engaging with local partners, stakeholders and the community to develop its plans with the needs of the district and the wider area as a central focus whilst offering solutions to the national housing crisis and global environmental crisis.

North Barnes Farm will be delivered over 25-years using a phased placemaking approach that evolves to create a sustainable live-work community that grows into its location and landscape over time.