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FIRST PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT GETS GO AHEAD AT KILNWOOD VALE
Crest Nicholson gears up for start on site, following full planning consent
Crest Nicholson has been granted full planning consent for the first phase of development at Kilnwood Vale, a new 132-ha neighbourhood west of Crawley. Horsham District Council gave the green-light nearly a decade after the site was first promoted through the local planning system as the location for the proposed development of 2,500 new homes.
Following in-principle approval for the whole site last March, Crest Nicholson has since been working with Horsham District Council and Crawley Borough to agree the details for the hybrid application, which will be delivered in phases over the next few years.
Phase 1 comprises 291 new homes across a range of sizes. The proposals also feature extensive infrastructure and public transport measures, including improvements to highway junctions in the Crawley area and an extension of the existing Fastway Metrobus service into the centre of the neighbourhood. Phase 1 will therefore begin with the provision of new access routes from the A264 near Holmbush Farm, followed by the construction of a 700 metre long landform designed to reduce noise from the A264.
Kilnwood Vale will feature a new community green, known as the Gateway Village Green, alongside a range of other community facilities, including a neighbourhood park, play and sports areas, all of which are being delivered as part of the first phase of development. Footpaths, cycleways and bridleways will also be provided at an early stage, with links into Bewbush and across the A264 into Buchan Country Park.
Scott Black, Development Director at Crest Nicholson said: “This is another major step forward for Kilnwood Vale and will deliver a very real boost to the Crawley area. Not only will we be delivering quality, affordable and much-needed new homes, but will also help to bring new life and long-term opportunities to the area.”
Later phases will include a new primary school, neighbourhood centre with shops, as well as community and health care facilities and employment space for small and start-up businesses. The longer term vision will also look at the potential incorporation of a new railway station.
Scott added: “Kilnwood Vale will be a new and thriving neighbourhood complete with all the supporting lifestyle and leisure facilities necessary to create a genuinely integrated and sustainable community. We are committed to providing accessible choices for transport and a range of products to suit every purchaser, while we hope that the neighbourhood centre will become a focal point for the whole community.”
Work on site is set to begin in spring 2012.