Ford Barn Conversion in Ford
Footpath to Wicks Farm in Ford
Ford Lane Business Park in Ford
Junction of Ford Lane and The Business Park in Ford
Footpath heading south from Ford Lane in Ford
Footpath junction nearing the tarmac depot in Ford
Footpath from Yapton to Ford lane in Ford
Footpath to Ford in Ford
Wicks Farm in Ford
Ford Lane Industrial Estate in Ford
Industrial units on the former Ford Airfield in Ford
Entrance to the Victorian Business Centre off Ford Lane in Ford
45 photos from this area

Area Information

Ford is a civil parish located in the Arun District of West Sussex, England. You will find it situated approximately two miles south-south-west of Arundel, nestled alongside the River Arun. This village occupies a small footprint of just 4.2 square kilometres, yet it holds a deep historical significance dating back to the Saxon period. The settlement formed around a crossing point across the river that controlled an ancient coast road. Life in Ford revolves around its distinctive low-lying terrain, where the well-drained alluvial land slopes gently eastwards between two and seven metres above sea level. The area features a mix of historic charm and functional development. You can explore the grounds of the Grade I listed Church of Saint Andrew-by-the-Ford or visit the former airfield site which now hosts HM Prison Ford. The parish also borders the River Arun and lies close to the public track along the water. While the northern parts maintain a predominantly rural character with fertile agricultural land, the southern edge contains larger industrial units at the Rudford Industrial Estate. Whether you are looking at homes near the old railway station on the West Coastway Line or finding quiet spots by the river, Ford offers a setting defined by its historic roots and proximity to the coast road.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
4.2 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community profile in Ford is distinctly mature, with a median age of 70 years. This demographic indicates a settlement that serves principally as a retirement destination or a home for long-term residents. Age analysis confirms that the total population clusters heavily in the older age brackets, contrasting sharply with more dynamic suburban areas. House ownership stands high at 83%, suggesting a stable environment where most families have secured their base rather than renting. This high level of proprietorship shapes the local culture towards long-term commitment. The household composition reflects this static nature. You will find a community where residents are established rather than transient. The ethnic diversity metrics do not specify a single predominant group in the provided figures for the total population, meaning the area is likely a mix of backgrounds typical for the region. Religious statistics are also not specified for the total population, so you cannot assume a specific denomination dominates. In practical terms, the absence of young families or a large student cohort means local amenities cater less to active playgroups and more to the needs of established households. The 83% ownership rate remains the most significant indicator of the area's character, defining it as a place where people stay.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

83
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

30
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
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical community feel like in Ford?
The median age in Ford is 70, creating a mature community dominated by older residents. This profile means the village functions as a retirement destination where stability is key. The 83% home ownership rate reinforces this as a place for long-term residents rather than transient renters.
How reliable are the transport and internet connections?
Fixed broadband scores 90 out of 100, providing excellent connectivity for working from home. Mobile coverage reaches 84 out of 100, ensuring good signal across most of the 4.2 square kilometre parish. Ford railway station on the West Coastway Line serves the area for rail travel to Arundel.
Is the area safe and free from environmental planning constraints?
Crime risk is low with a score of 69, indicating safe streets for pedestrians. However, flood risk is critical at 31.15, affecting the low-lying land near the River Arun. The area passes all assessments for Ramsar sites, AONBs, and nature reserves, having zero coverage for these constraints.

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