In November 2022, Vistry Homes acquired Countryside Partnerships, the company which had previously developed Wickhurst Green.

As part of the acquisition, Vistry Homes inherited the responsibility for Wickhurst Green, including the land which had previously been earmarked for a new primary school on Sargent Way.

In July 2022, the Department for Education informed West Sussex County Council (WSCC) that the development had been withdrawn from its Free School Capital Programme and as such there would be no funding to deliver a primary school on this site.

In December 2024, following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the housing target for Horsham District Council rose from 917 homes per year to 1,357 homes per year. This almost 50% increase in the council’s housing target has meant that sites like this one are now being considered for housing. In response to this, Vistry Homes has designed a proposal for 89 new homes, including 32 affordable homes for the site.

While Horsham District Council has indicated that it would like to see a greater number of homes delivered on this site, Vistry has taken the view that 89 represents the highest number that can be accommodated on the site.  

Vistry Homes is proposing to bring forward 89 new homes at Land South of Broadbridge Heath in response to Horsham District Council’s raised housing target.