Homes England, working with AECOM and local authorities, has transformed the stalled Northern Arc site into Brookleigh, a sustainable 3,500-home community in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

Brookleigh is a major mixed-use sustainable community being developed on land north of Burgess Hill in West Sussex, England. Formerly known as the Northern Arc, the 165-hectare site had long been identified as a strategic location for housing growth in southeast England. However, progress was delayed for years due to fragmented land ownership and the challenge of coordinating and funding the infrastructure required to support development. In 2018, Homes England acquired the site to unlock its potential and appointed AECOM to lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for planning and delivery. The project aims to create a new, well-connected community rather than simply deliver housing. The masterplan includes approximately 3,500 homes, schools, employment space, community facilities, sports and leisure amenities, and three neighbourhood centres. Around 30% of the homes are designated as affordable housing, helping to address local housing needs while supporting a balanced and inclusive community. 

A defining feature of Brookleigh is its infrastructure-first approach. Homes England and AECOM developed a site-wide masterplan and Infrastructure Delivery Plan before large-scale construction commenced. This strategy enabled roads, utilities, transport links, drainage systems, and public amenities to be planned and delivered in parallel with housing. Through close collaboration between Homes England, local authorities, planners, engineers, environmental specialists, and community stakeholders, outline planning approval and a completed Section 106 agreement were secured in approximately 16 months—significantly faster than the timescales often associated with projects of this scale. 

Sustainability and placemaking are central to the development. The landscape-led masterplan integrates homes with extensive green infrastructure, including parkland, natural open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Approximately 44% of the site will remain open space, while biodiversity enhancements are expected to exceed statutory requirements, creating habitats for wildlife and improving climate resilience. The development is designed to encourage active travel and reduce dependence on private vehicles through strong pedestrian, cycling, bus, and public transport connections. Construction and community development are already progressing. Key infrastructure, such as sections of Northern Arc Avenue, has been completed, housing development is underway across multiple phases, and major community facilities such as The Arc sports centre have opened. Schools, neighbourhood centres, and additional public facilities are also advancing through planning and delivery stages.