29 September 2008
Housing survey deadline nears
The closing date for submitting sites to be included in Wealden's study to identify potential land that may be suitable for future housing development is 3 October 2008. This study is not aimed at site selection but rather at identifying the overall potential land that may be available within the District.
"We have had an encouraging response from landowners, agents and members of the public coming forward with potential development sites for housing," said Councillor Roy Galley. "But there is still time for more to be included. Identification of this land does not in any way mean a commitment to development. The objective is to have as much information as possible in order for the community to make decisions later."
"The suggestions put forward will help us draw up a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment which will provide a valuable guide when considering the strategic options for the next 20 years of housing development. We will be putting forward our likely spatial options early next year so we can be ready to consult as widely as possible with Wealden residents and other interested parties in early summer," added Councillor Galley.
"By then we hope to be able to outline what options we prefer, but we will also be ready to listen to alternative approaches should they be put forward. These views will be instrumental in drawing up our Core Strategy for future development, which will be one of the key documents in the Local Development Framework."
With the 3 October deadline for the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment now approaching, completed forms and an accompanying site map can be emailed to the Council at ldf@wealden.gov.uk or posted to: SHLAA Consultation, Planning Policy, Wealden District Council, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1DH.
The form for submitting potential housing land can be found on Wealden's website and it can be downloaded together with guidance notes. Sites which can accommodate less than six properties are considered too small for inclusion in this exercise.
The first meeting of the stakeholder group which will advise on the SHLAA methodology and housing land study was held last week. It provided a useful opportunity for officers, house builders, housing associations, planning consultants, the Environment Agency and East Sussex County Council to sit down together and discuss the technical aspects involved in analysing the potential of future housing sites. The amended methodology for the study will soon be available for viewing on the Council's website.
Further information about the SHLAA is available from Kelly Sharp on 01892 602513: email: kelly.sharp@wealden.gov.uk or Duncan Morrison on 01892 602497; email: duncan.morrison@wealden.gov.uk
