The Landings Site At Ford Airfield Sold To The Vistry Group

Law firm Irwin Mitchell’s Property team acted for a consortium of landowners on the sale of a large development site at Ford Airfield in West Sussex.  The firm advised the owners throughout the promotion of the site securing planning permission in 2023. The land has been sold to the Vistry Group who will be developing The Landings in joint venture with Abri.   Irwin Mitchell worked with Henry Adams Development Consultancy in advising the owners throughout this project and with Wates Development who acted as promoter.

The Landings is a residential led mixed-use development and will provide significant community benefits and local infrastructure.  It includes 1,500 dwellings, a 60-bed care home, business units, a local centre, and 2-form entry primary school and sports pitches, 30% of the dwellings at The Landings will be affordable housing, A number of existing recreational facilities at Ford Airfield will be preserved. 

The development has been named The Landings in recognition of the role Ford Airfield played in the early days of aviation in the UK.   The airfield was first used as at a training base for pilots and other aircrew in WW1.

Tina Webster and Rebecca Huston led a team of lawyers acting for the owners on the sale.  Key to the success of this project was the collaboration of the owners.  Irwin Mitchell helped the owners work together to achieve this successful outcome. Tina Webster, partner, has worked on this site for over 20 years. 

Expert Opinion

"This site was identified as a suitable location for a much-needed mixed development over 25 years ago. This was an ambitious proposal and the timescale involved reflects the complexity of bringing forward a major development of this nature with numerous parties and stakeholders involved. The sale was only achieved through co-operation and commitment from everyone concerned. We are very pleased that after years of work the development will finally happen”. Tina Webster, Irwin Mitchell partner