23 October 2007
Consultation provides a sound platform to strategic planning process
A major consultation looking at the Issues and Options affecting the future development of Wealden over the next 20 years has provided a sound platform for the next stage of the Local Development Framework process.
“We‘ve received a tremendous amount of interest in this initial consultation, with over 21,000 representations from over 1140 individuals and organisations,“ said Councillor Keith Whitehead, Cabinet member for Planning and Development.
“Given the wide range of responses, there are some conflicting views. But a number of clear themes are already beginning to emerge. These will provide valuable guidance in our interpretation of Government policy and the technical assessments required by the planning process.”
“We now have a sound platform on which to begin the work of drawing up a Core Strategy proposal for the future.”
One of the clearest themes to emerge from the consultation was the importance of Wealden as a predominately rural district and the value this places on the environment, local character and quality of life.
There was also an awareness of the need for modest growth in both housing and economic activity in Wealden’s towns, and investment in local services and transport provision.
Other emerging themes are:
- The need for small scale development in rural areas to meet local , and particularly affordable, housing needs even though two thirds of the district was classes as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- A greater response to the need of sustainable development linked to local distinctiveness and local needs.
- A housing mix which recognises a variety of different needs, including affordable housing.
- A focus on mixed use business developments which takes into account the backbone of small businesses which makes up Wealden.
- Strong support for the reinstatement of the Uckfield – Lewes railway line.
- Limited support for a new settlement to take the increase requirement of housing.
The Council’s Local Development Framework Cabinet sub-committee had its first opportunity to discuss the findings of the Issues and Options consultation last week.
The consultation was not a mandatory requirement but the Council recognised the importance of seeking the public's views before any decisions are taken. Amongst, the responses, were comments made by many of Wealden's parish and town councils. Members of the Sub-Committee and other Councillors present at the meeting acknowledged the importance of those submissions in strengthening the validity of the consultation responses. It was also pointed out that the number of respondents, 1140, was only one per cent of the adult population of the district.
Although the consultation raised widespread concern about the level of housing being imposed on the district through regional government targets, councillors had to discuss the possibility of the further 20% increase imposed on Wealden’s 20-year housing numbers following an independent assessment of the Draft South East Plan. Although final Government approval of the South East Plan is not expected until next year, the sub-committee agreed that the LDF process should include contingency plans on housing numbers.
Wealden will be contacting the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to express our concerns about the District’s ability to absorb the 20% increase recommended in the Revised South East Plan
