Located 38 miles ( 62 km ) south of London , 10 miles ( 16 km ) north of Brighton and Hove , and 29 miles ( 47 km ) east-northeast of the county town of Chichester , it had a population of 28,803 at the time of the 2001 Census . Located 38 miles ( 62 km ) south of London , 10 miles ( 16 km ) north of Brighton and Hove , and 29 miles ( 47 km ) east-northeast of the county town of Chichester , it occupies an area of 2,339.57 acres ( 946.79 hectares ) and had a population of 28,803 at the time of the 2001 Census , making it the most populous parish in the district .