Eton College confirms involvement in plan for 3,000 homes near Plumpton Green but ‘will not undertake construction itself’
Eton College has confirmed it is involved in the latest proposal for up to 3,000 new homes near Plumpton Green.
But the college has said it would not undertake construction itself, saying its interest is as ‘a responsible long‑term steward of its land’.
The confirmation from Eton College comes after documents were submitted to Lewes District Council (LDC) to seek an opinion about a proposed development at North Barnes.
The documents, which can be viewed at planningpa.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/online-applications (reference LW/26/0191), relate to ‘a hybrid planning application for the development of a small market town’, which would also provide ‘community and education facilities, employment space, and green/blue infrastructure’.
An Eton College spokesperson told this newspaper on Wednesday, April 29: “Eton College is the long‑term owner of land at North Barnes, near Plumpton Green, and has always been open about its role as landowner. As with many large development projects, work is being progressed with professional advisers and delivery partners, including the use of special‑purpose project companies as a normal part of the planning process. Welbeck Land acts as project manager on behalf of the College. Eton’s interest is as a responsible long‑term steward of its land; it is not a housebuilder and will not undertake construction itself. Proposals are intended to help address the acute housing shortage in Lewes District, particularly the need for affordable homes and supporting infrastructure, while ensuring the College’s endowment is managed responsibly supporting the College’s charitable activities. Any plans will be subject to a formal planning process and public consultation.”
One of the documents submitted under reference LW/26/0191 is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report, prepared by Stantec UK on behalf of Rownsmoss Wessex Limited. The EIA Scoping Report said it aims to ‘provide sufficient information to enable the relevant planning authority to adopt a scoping opinion under Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended)’.
The report said the actual planning application is expected to be submitted in December and is expected to include 2,600 to 3,000 (C3) homes with 40 per cent affordable housing and provision of housing for elderly people.
Residents have previously opposed plans for thousands of homes in the area. In December last year, Don’t Urbanise the Downs expressed frustration at North Barnes Farm project team’s updated plans for 3,000 homes at North Barnes Farm. Don’t Urbanise the Downs had formed in 2021 following plans announced by Eton College for a 3,000-house new town on rural downland at East Chiltington.
Eton College said its involvement in the recent proposal was detailed in a December 2025 announcement from its partners about updated plans for the homes. This announcement had said landowner Eton College would ‘help shape the vision’.