Initial Reserved Matters application approved after Tarn Homes acquire 73-hectare site in Willingdon, East Sussex
The initial reserved matters application for Mornings Mill in Willingdon, East Sussex has been approved. The application follows the acquisition of this 73-hectare site by Tarn Homes; this £350m mixed-used scheme will comprise:
- 700 private and affordable homes
- 8,600 sqm of retail and commercial space
- Assisted living, care, and medical facilities
- Children’s play areas
- A sports pavilion and community hub
In line with Tarn Homes’ commitment to sustainability, the development will also feature 20 hectares of retained green space, including walking and cycling routes, alongside the historic 1066 path. Six ponds and lakes will be created throughout the site, including the Northern Green Corridor, country park, and site frontage, all designed to enhance biodiversity and natural beauty.
The reserved matters application follows consultation with the local community and stakeholders, and provides further detail regarding the appearance, landscaping and layout of this community-centric scheme. The initial reserved matters, which have been approved by Wealden District Council, enable ‘Phase Zero’, the construction of a spine road and associated infrastructure.
Mark Bewsey of DHA Planning commented, “The approval of this initial reserved matters application represents a significant planning milestone for the Mornings Mill project. I am grateful to the officers of both Wealden and East Sussex Councils for their cooperation in ensuring that this application was processed efficiently. This will allow subsequent applications for the development parcels and open spaces to come forward, ensuring delivery of this important mixed-use strategic site for Wealden.”
The site was acquired with outline planning permission already in place, and construction is targeted to begin in Summer 2025.
This project represents a new chapter for Tarn Homes, a developer established in 2024. The acquisition and development of Mornings Mill Farm have been spearheaded by a team of industry leaders with decades of experience at renowned UK housebuilders such as Redrow, Berkeley Group, and Barratts. The project will be constructed by Tarn Homes' in-house construction team, ensuring quality and continuity throughout the process.
Tarn Homes Founder, Antony Martin, said, "The Tarn Homes team has been delivering new homes across the UK for decades; at Mornings Mill, we’re now combining our knowledge and experience. Market conditions have been challenging for housebuilders – not to mention buyers - for some time. Despite this, our investment hasn’t wavered and we’ve doubled down on our commitment to deliver a sustainable, vibrant new destination for residents and the wider community to enjoy and to benefit from."
Tarn Homes draws inspiration from local surroundings and heritage, shaping a design philosophy focused on creating enhanced landscapes where both people and nature can flourish. In addition to Mornings Mill, the developer has several large-scale and boutique projects in the pipeline and is actively seeking new land opportunities across the Southeast.
For more information, visit tarnhomes.co.uk.
