Malthouse Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6

Extending to approximately 55 acres with a collection of agricultural buildings and outbuildings including a 3 bedroom farmhouse, benefitting from a manège, stabling and a disused poultry house. EPC: G

Kents Farm predominantly operates as a livery yard with hay farming in the summer. The farm occupies an elevated position with southerly views over the surrounding countryside. The land gently slopes towards its southerly boundary called Herrings Stream, and is therefore well drained. It is envisaged that these factors would make it viable for use as a vineyard. The property comprises a mix of brownfield and greenfield areas.

The Mid Sussex District Council's Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA 2018) identified this area, west of Burgess Hill, as a medium to long-term potential development area. The report stated "there is a reasonable prospect that site could be developed within the plan period". The period cover up until 2031. The Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development England) Order 2015, Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q, permits the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential dwellings. Some of these buildings may not qualify under Class Q because they are equestrian, not agricultural. However, planning refusals on these grounds are sometimes overturned on appeal. The council also have a policy within its 2004 local plan that relates to the re-use of these rural buildings into alternative business uses.

The current overage arrangements, detailed in the Land Registry Titles, have recently been renegotiated. The overage for the greenfield land and brownfield is 50%. Deed to be signed between exchange and completion.

The town of Hurstpierpoint is located about 10 miles north of the City of Brighton & Hove and close to the South Downs National Park.

The farm is just to the north of the town centre and Hurstpierpoint College, an independent co-educational school. Hickstead Showground is also close by.
The town benefits from a good range of shops, restaurants and public houses.

Communications for the area are particularly good with access to the A23 about 5 minutes away. A regular train service to London Victoria runs from either Burgess Hill (50 minutes) or Haywards Heath (45 minutes), and Gatwick Airport is about a 20 minute drive.

(All distances and times are approximate)