Homes England has appointed AECOM as lead consultant for its Northern Arc project at Burgess Hill, a major development that will deliver up to 3,500 new homes in mid-Sussex.

AECOM’s appointment follows its previous work with Homes England to deliver the project’s approved masterplan and prepare the outline planning application. As lead consultant, AECOM will now take the programme forward, providing multidisciplinary services to support the accelerated delivery of infrastructure and new housing at the 176-hectare site.

The mixed-use, sustainable new community, which includes new schools and community facilities, had been identified for more than 10 years as a key location for major housing delivery. Homes England acquired land at the site last year to bring forward early release of the first phases of new homes alongside investing in strategic infrastructure to unlock the site for development.

Ken Glendinning, head of strategic land at Homes England, said: “Burgess Hill is a great example of how we’re unlocking complex stalled sites to build more homes more quickly where they are most needed. Appointing AECOM as lead consultant means we are working with the team to quickly progress the site and ensure the delivery of quality new homes, community facilities and infrastructure that the local community needs.”

Jim Strike, director, planning, at AECOM, said: “A priority project for Homes England, this development will be a blueprint for delivering high-quality new homes and infrastructure at pace. Supporting Homes England’s vision, our work will set high standards of design quality and enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure to help create a great place to live, work and visit for existing and future communities in Burgess Hill.”

The scheme’s outline planning application is due to be considered by mid-Sussex’s district planning committee later this week.