Report Finds Space For 26,000 Homes On Sussex Brownfield Land

A new report has revealed there is enough brownfield land in Sussex to build more than 26,000 homes — with over half of these sites already having some form of planning permission.

Research from countryside charity CPRE shows that prioritising brownfield sites could speed up housing delivery, cut costs, and protect green fields from unnecessary development.

But campaigners say current government policy is pushing in the opposite direction.

CPRE Sussex director Paul Steedman said:

“The government has pledged a brownfield-first approach, but the reality is more and more greenfield development — just look at proposals near Uckfield, Ifield and Cuckfield.

"Developers prefer building on open countryside, while the number of brownfield sites keeps growing.”

The report, based on local authority data, found the number of suitable brownfield sites in Sussex actually increased between 2023 and 2024.

These areas are typically close to infrastructure, with the potential to revitalise towns and cities and boost local economies.

The biggest opportunities for brownfield development are in:

• Brighton & Hove – space for 8,600 homes

• Adur – 2,548 homes

• Eastbourne – 2,419 homes

• South Downs National Park – 1,496 homes

CPRE is calling on the government to:

• Enforce its “brownfield-first” policy by investing in these sites and rejecting speculative countryside development.

• Keep brownfield registers regularly updated.

• Set ambitious targets for affordable and social housing on shovel-ready sites.

Mr Steedman added:

“If we want to tackle the housing crisis while protecting our countryside, the solution is clear — start with brownfield sites, and prioritise homes for social rent where they’re most needed.”