What We’re Proposing

Marks & Spencer is proposing a brand new M&S Foodhall on land north of Dittons Road, Stone Cross, close to the A27/A22 junction.

The proposed store would provide c.16,000 sq ft. net sales area within a building of c. 22,000 sq ft (G.I.A). It would offer a modern, convenient shopping destination for residents of Stone Cross and the surrounding area.

Key Features:

  • Fresh, market-style Foodhall with c.16,000 sq ft. net sales area, brimming with fresh produce, sourced from M&S’ Select Farm Partners and local suppliers

  • Up to 70 new local jobs across retail, operations and management.

  • Offering the full M&S Food range of over 6,600 products, providing customers with greater choice and a significantly enhanced M&S Food offer.

  • In-store click and collect, enabling customers to collect online purchases

  • Convenient access to public transport, including a nearby bus stop on Dittons Road.

Sustainability First

Key sustainability features include:

Electric vehicle charging points

Energy efficient heating and cooling systems

Cycle parking to support active travel

Nearby bus services offering an alternative to travelling by car

Biodiversity improvements and landscaping

Easy to Access, Easy to Shop

The site is located on land north of Dittons Road, near the A27/A22 junction, and is well placed to serve the growing residential community around Stone Cross. The proposals include dedicated car and cycle parking.

There is also provision of a new footway along the northern side of Dittons Road, extending from the pedestrian crossing near the site access to the Bluebell Barn bus stops. This will improve pedestrian access and make it easier for people to travel to and from the site by public transport.

A Boost for Local Jobs

The new M&S Foodhall would represent a significant investment in Stone Cross, creating up to 70 new local M&S jobs.

M&S is known for providing high-quality employment, offering dedicated staff training, career development opportunities and fair pay, helping colleagues build long-term careers close to home. The new Foodhall would also provide opportunities for seasonal employment at busy times of the year.

Beyond the store itself, the project would support additional jobs during construction and throughout the local supply chain. By working with local contractors and specialists wherever possible, we want to contribute to the local economy from the outset and ensure the benefits of investment are felt across the wider area.

Marks & Start, M&S's employability programme delivered in partnership with The King's Trust, supports people who face barriers to employment by providing work placements, skills training and routes into permanent retail roles. Over 30,000 people in the UK have been offered employment experience and training through the scheme.

Community Benefits

The proposals aim to complement existing retailers, including the nearby Lidl and town centre shops, while helping residents meet more of their shopping needs locally.

M&S is proud to support British farming through long-standing relationships with over 9,500 Select Farm partners across the UK.

The proposed new store in Stone Cross would also strengthen M&S's commitment to regional sourcing, helping to bring high-quality, locally and regionally produced food to customers while supporting jobs across the wider East Sussex economy.

M&S works with British suppliers, including Britannia Superfine Ltd in nearby Polegate. It also partners with Neighbourly to redistribute surplus food to local foodbanks and charities, helping support people in need.