Overview
The prestigious residential development at West Ashling represents a significant step for Newship Group as its first land-led housing project. As a developer investing in its own product, the company is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that not only meet local housing needs but also respect the unique and sensitive environment of the South Downs National Park (SDNP). This flagship development also marks Rollalong’s first project on behalf of its parent company, the Newship Group, a diverse organisation with interests spanning packaging, construction, manufacturing, and premium hire businesses. This project showcases the benefits of modern methods of construction (MMC), utilising modular offsite construction to deliver 17 low-carbon homes with exceptional quality and efficiency.
The Challenge
The South Downs National Park planning authority has high aspirations for design quality, demanding developments that are both contemporary and sympathetic to the landscape. Furthermore, there was a recognised shortage of modest new homes in the western sector of Chichester, highlighting a need for well-designed, sustainable housing options.
The Solution
As part of Newship Group’s vertically integrated approach, the West Ashling development benefited directly from the specialised modular construction expertise of its own company, Rollalong. A market leader in this field, Rollalong’s Dorset-based facility utilised their advanced light-gauge steel volumetric system to manufacture the homes offsite, enabling significant advantages:
- Low-Carbon Footprint: The modular construction achieved a significant 39% reduction in CO2 emissions, exceeding Part L requirements and aligning with its commitment to sustainability.
- High-Quality Design: The development features simple, contemporary architecture using high-quality materials and bespoke finishes that are sensitive to the location and meet the stringent design expectations of the SDNP planning authority. The SDNP even promotes the approved scheme on their website as an exemplary model of contemporary design within the National Park.
- Efficiency and Speed: Offsite construction significantly reduced the on-site build program. All 17 homes were installed within an impressive two-week timeframe, minimising disruption and noise for residents.
- Quality Assurance: Modular buildings are precision-engineered in controlled factory conditions, adhering to a ‘right first time’ philosophy that guarantees a high-quality and consistent product.
- Meeting Housing Needs: The development provides a mix of eight market dwelling houses and nine affordable tenure houses and apartments (a combination of affordable rent and shared ownership), directly addressing the local housing shortage.
Outcome
The West Ashling development, completed in May 2025, stands as a testament to Newship Group’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovative construction methods. By embracing modular offsite construction, the company has delivered a flagship project that not only provides much-needed low-carbon homes but also sets a benchmark for contemporary design within the sensitive context of the South Downs National Park. Of the homes delivered, nine have been taken by Worthing Homes for social housing, further contributing to the development’s community value. This successful land-led development underscores Newship Group’s ambition to expand its activities and continue acquiring land in suitable locations for future projects.
Sustainable Living in the South Downs National Park
