Developer to build 54 homes at former orchard in Kirdford, Sussex

Developer Martin Grant Homes has acquired the land for 54 properties on land at the southern end of Plaistow Road in Kirdford.

The six and a half acre site, most recently used as a pasture for grazing, was historically an orchard when the village's main industry was wholesale apple growing.

Chichester District Council has already granted permission for the development, which Martin Grant Homes says will include a mix of 38 one to four bedroom homes and 16 affordable properties.

• READ MORE: Initial plans approved for 17 new homes in Loxwood, Sussex

It comes after the developer acquired a three acre site in nearby Loxwood earlier this year, where it plans to build 24 homes.

The company said the two sites in Kirdford and Loxwood will be "sensitively designed to reflect the character of the local area, and West Sussex vernacular", and will help meet some of the supply requirements for new homes identified by the council.

The site in Kirdford

Lee Atkins, senior land manager for Martin Grant Homes, said: “To have completed on our second site in the Weald of Sussex in just three months is an exciting start to the year for us.

"Kirdford is an extremely special village with a fascinating apple-growing heritage.

"We look forward to working closely with the local community to create a desirable new collection of homes to help meet local housing needs and attract more families and first-time buyers to live in this beautiful part of West Sussex.”

Work is scheduled to begin at the Kirdford site by mid-2021, with an on-site sales and information centre planned for later this year.

Martin Grant Homes, which describes itself as a "family housebuilder", has previously built developments in Birdham, Ifield and Storrington.

Managing director Chris Hamilton added: “We look forward to bringing a positive impact to both village communities of Kirdford and Loxwood with small collections of quality, beautifully finished new homes.

"As a local housebuilder with previous experience of building in this area, we are delighted to bring our knowledge and expertise and be back building in this picturesque area of the south east.”