Make sure you’re heard in planning
the future of the district
How Wealden residents can get involved in shaping the district for the next 20 years is outlined in a new publication, the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).
This provides everyone with the information about how they can participate in the local planning process. Whether dealing with home extensions or large developments, the Statement of Community Involvement explains how local people can become involved in the consultation process.
The SCI is being published at a time when South East England has been earmarked for an increase in housing development to meet a growing demand for different types of accommodation.
“We are embarking on a new type of development plan, the Local Development Framework, which involves the principle of continuous community engagement as we prepare a series of key documents relating to local development,” said Councillor Keith Whitehead, Cabinet member for Planning & Regeneration.
“These will include the location of housing allocations within the district and a design guide to encourage sustainable development with an identifiable ‘Wealden’ look. We will be consulting on a draft design guide in the new year, and in May we will be seeking everyone’s views about the core strategy for Wealden.”
Over 2,100 replies were received to Wealden’s first consultation on its Statement of Community Involvement, far in excess of response levels reported by other councils for the same process. The document has been revised wherever possible to reflect the comments and suggestions made.
The Statement of Community Involvement is being submitted to the Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government on October 16. There will then follow a further period of public consultation lasting until November 27. Wealden District Council is issuing advice to all those who took part in the original consultation about how to make further representations, but everyone is invited to make a comment whether or not they have previously taken part.
Copies or web links of the revised Statement of Community Involvement are being distributed to parish councils and all members of the district council; and printed copies will be available at local libraries and the Council offices for public viewing. For more information please contact Wealden’s Local Development Framework information line on 01892 602007.
