Area Overview for Arundel & Walberton Ward

Footpath to Sherwood in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Footpath towards Sherwood Rough in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Shooting platform, Arundel Park in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Woodland in Arundel Park in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Bridleway approaching Screens Wood in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Bridleway crosses the last field to Screens Wood in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Field corner by wood in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Bridle gateway into Screens Wood in Arundel & Walberton Ward
No public right of way in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Field north west of Arundel in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Footpath junction just west of London Road in Arundel & Walberton Ward
Footpath to London Road in Arundel & Walberton Ward
15 photos from this area

Area Information

Arundel & Walberton Ward sits within the Arun District Council area of West Sussex, covering a total expanse of 85.5 square kilometres. You will find this ward blends small town life with village tranquility, centred on the historic market town of Arundel and the rural parish of Walberton. The ward operates as part of the broader South Downs National Park constituency, placing gentle agricultural land and gently sloping terrain at the foothills of the South Downs. This specific location lies approximately five miles north-west of Littlehampton, offering access to the coastal plain while remaining south of the vital A27 road. The population stands at 1,488 residents across this diverse landscape, creating a relatively quiet yet connected community. Life here moves at a slower pace than urban centres, yet the area retains strong links to regional transport routes. The mix of historic settlements and open countryside defines the daily rhythm for anyone choosing to make this ward their home. Whether you seek the proximity of Arundel's town facilities or the village atmosphere of Walberton, the local environment provides a distinct rural experience on the West Sussex Coastal Plain. This combination of natural beauty and established infrastructure forms the core of what living in Arundel & Walberton Ward entails for current and prospective residents alike.

Area Type
District Borough Unitary Ward
Area Size
85.5 km²
Population
1488
Population Density
1110 people/km²

Demographics

The community in Arundel & Walberton Ward exhibits a significantly older population profile than the national average. The median age for residents is 70, indicating that the area serves primarily as a retirement destination or a home for established families who have stayed into their senior years. While the exact breakdown by age range is not specified beyond the total, this high median age fundamentally shapes local services and community dynamics. Nearly three-quarters of households, specifically 76%, are owner-occupied. This high level of home ownership suggests deep-rooted local ties and a community composed largely of long-term residents rather than transient tenants. The ward functions as a bedroom community with a stable demographic structure, lacking the rapid turnover typical of first-time buyer hotspots. The household composition reflects a society where ownership is the norm. This stability offers a predictable environment for newcomers seeking to integrate into an established locality. The demographic makeup points towards a quiet, settled neighbourhood where the majority of people have permanent stakes in their local streets. Understanding this age profile is crucial, as it influences local amenities, social events, and the general pace of life in the ward.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

76
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

40
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Premium
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Premium
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Premium
  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the community feel like in Arundel & Walberton Ward?
Arundel & Walberton Ward is an older, settled community with a median age of 70 and 76% home ownership. The ward covers 85.5 square kilometres and includes villages like Walberton, Binsted and Fontwell. The presence of two conservation areas designated in 1990 protects the historic character of the villages. This demographic profile suggests a quiet atmosphere where most residents own their homes long-term rather than renting temporarily.
How reliable is the internet connection for working from home?
The fixed broadband quality score in Arundel & Walberton Ward is 55 out of 100. This fair rating means you can expect standard speeds suitable for video calls and web browsing, but do not anticipate ultra-fast performance typical of urban regeneration zones. The ward is located in a rural part of the South Downs National Park, which explains the moderate connectivity level compared to city centres.
Are there any major planning restrictions or environmental risks to be aware of?
Residents face several constraints. The ward has a medium flood risk score of 13.48 and contains protected woodland covering 18.35% of the area. Two conservation areas in Walberton were designated in 1990 to preserve the village's character. While there are no Ramsar wetland sites or AONB coverage, the protected nature of the woodland means tree felling and significant landscaping require strict regulatory approval.

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