30 June 2006
Have your say about planning in Wealden
Wealden residents are invited to a series of ‘Drop-In’ events across the district to talk about how they would like to be involved in planning the future of Wealden.
“We have just started work on the Local Development Framework which will decide where new growth takes place in the district over the next 20 years,”
said Councillor Keith Whitehead, Cabinet member for Planning and Regeneration.
“As the population grows, and its age profile changes, we will need to think about the need for schools, roads, health facilities, houses and employment opportunities, while at the same time protecting the outstanding natural heritage of the area”.
“We want to hear your views, but first we need to know how best we can consult with you and keep you informed.”
The Council is seeking people’s opinion about using email, the internet other forms of messaging in consultations. It is keen to learn the best way to organise public meetings and to seek participants for focus groups to discuss specific planning proposals in their area.
The Council would also like people’s view about the best way of keeping them informed about local planning applications.
“Thanks to the internet and mobile phones, there have been major changes in the way we can communicate with each other. We want to make it easier for the public to keep involved in this important planning process,” said Councillor Whitehead.
“Drop–In” events, where you can talk to council representatives about how to keep in touch on planning, are being held at the following places:
Polegate – Town Council Offices, High Street; Monday July 3, 3.00-7.30pm.
Uckfield - Civic Centre, Bell Farm Lane; Thursday July 6, 3.00-7.30pm.
Heathfield – Co-Op Store; Friday July 7, 3.00-7.30pm.
Hailsham – Lagoon Centre, Vicarage Lane; Monday July 10, 3.00-7.30pm.
Wadhurst – Commemoration Hall, High Street; Tuesday July 11, 3.00-7.30pm.
Forest Row – Community Centre, Hartfield Road; Wednesday July 12, 3.00-7.30pm.
Crowborough – District Council Offices, Pine Grove; Thursday July 13, 2.30-7.00pm.
Please come and “drop in” – There is no need for an appointment.
Questionnaires have already been sent to homes in Wealden. But you can also comment on public involvement on the planning process through our web site, www.wealden.gov.uk .
The closing date for all comments is July 31, 2006.
The Council has put forward its ideas about consulting with the public in the production of planning policy documents in its Statement of Community Involvement. Copies of this can be found on our website, www.wealden.gov.uk, at Council Offices or local libraries. For more information, please ring 01892 602007.
The Council’s guiding principles to encourage people to become involved in the planning process will be:
- to ensure people know when and how they can participate.
- to provide encouragement and support for groups which have traditionally not got involved in the process.
- to provide opportunities to participate at the earliest stages.
- to provide continuous feedback and information to encourage for continuing involvement.
