A sustainable new development of 82 homes forming part of Highwood’s wider Horndean strategic land scheme

Highwood is building a new residential community of 82 homes on land north of Rowlands Castle Road in Horndean, Hampshire, with development partner Abri. The scheme forms a key part of the wider Horndean strategic land scheme, one of Highwood’s most ambitious mixed-use projects to date. 

Outline planning consent for a two-phase retirement community was granted by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) in 2021 and included a 60-bed care home, 120 assisted living units, a wellness centre, spa, swimming pool, restaurant and a range of associated facilities. The first phase delivered the Barchester Healthcare care home, followed by a retirement community for Inspired Villages.  

Construction of the new Rowlands Castle Road scheme began in July 2025 and represents the next phase of this strategic vision, bringing high-quality housing to complement the village and complete this ambitious, full lifecycle masterplan.

Click below to watch the visionary fly-through video

An aerial view as construction began

The site sits on the edge of the South Downs

A landscape-led development

The 82 new homes, including 64 houses and 18 apartments, will be built using timber frame construction, combining strength, efficiency and sustainability. A generous 35% affordable housing provision (33 homes) will support local housing needs and include parking provision that exceeds EHDC’s minimum standards. 

A stunning focal point is a pair of magnificent oak trees preserved at the heart of the site and is surrounded by the new homes and public spaces. The site sits on the boundary of the South Downs National Park, a designated Dark Sky Zone; on-site lighting is designed to focus downward to protect the night environment. 

Externally, the homes will reflect the local vernacular through a mix of natural materials, including flint, hanging tiles and traditional hand-finished brickwork. Each home will feature underfloor heating powered by air source heat pumps and include a dedicated EV charging point.

Integrating with place and environment 

The site layout has been sensitively planned to respect its surroundings. A network of landscaped spaces and public open areas will create a natural transition to the adjacent South Downs National Park, while native tree planting and sustainable drainage systems will support biodiversity and resilience to future climate change.

Road access will be provided via the existing junction that also serves the adjoining care home and retirement village, ensuring seamless connectivity within the wider scheme. Materials and planting  have been carefully selected to harmonise with the rural context and deliver a cohesive, high-quality environment for residents. 

This thoughtfully designed development reflects Highwood’s ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable, energy-efficient homes within communities that blend naturally with their setting — enhancing both the built and natural landscape of Horndean and the South Downs edge.

Highwood's site team reviews progress

Groundworks are underway

Groundworks are underway

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT OUR ROWLANDS CASTLE ROAD PROJECT FILMS

Watch our project films to follow the construction of this superb development of new homes on Rowlands Castle Road, Horndean from concept stage.

Rowlands Castle Road Fly-Through

Rowlands Castle Road Project Update film 1

Rowlands Castle Road Project Update film 2

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