Strategic Sites Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Strategic Sites DPD Issues and Options Consultation Paper?

The Strategic Sites DPD is the second major planning policy document within the LDF, it identifies the key strategic sites for development which are central to the delivery of the Core Strategy. This is the first stage of public consultation. It presents a range of options in relation to 12 identified development areas and seeks your views as to how the development proposed in the Core Strategy should take place.

Why have I been notified that the Strategic Sites DPD Issues and Options Consultation Paper has been published? 

We published a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) in February 2007, which provides a framework of consultation for the Local Development Framework process. As part of the development of that document we compiled a database of all those people who told us that they had an interest in the Local Development Framework. That database has been added to following consultations in 2007 and 2009. We have now used this database to inform all interested parties. We are also required by legislation to consult with certain organisations.

Please can you add/remove my contact details from your database? 

Please contact the Planning Policy Team by Telephone on 01892 602007 or email ldf@wealden.gov.uk to supply us with your relevant contact details for either removal or addition to our database. 

When can I make my comments?

Comments can be made from Monday 16th February until 5pm on Friday 24th February 2012. Representations received after 5pm on Friday 24th February will not be accepted.

Why is the consultation period six weeks?

This six week consultation period will give people a chance to read the background documents and ask questions if they want to, before making their representations.

How do I View/Obtain the Main Documents?

The easiest way to access the main documents (in HTML or pdf format) is to view from the Council's Website, at Strategic Sites Issues and Options Consultation 2012. The documents are also available to view at a number of locations across the District, Locations for Viewing the Strategic Sites Development Plan Documents.

If you would like a paper copy of the documents or a CD containing pdf versions these are available to be purchased from the Council (at cost price, including postage and packaging). Paper Copies of the questionnaire can be sent free of charge on request from the council.

Please contact the Planning Policy Team by Telephone on 01892 602007 or email ldf@wealden.gov.uk.

How can I make a payment for a paper copy document?

Payment can be via credit or debit card by calling 01892 602007, in person at Wealden District Council offices, or by cheque made payable to Wealden District Council. Please note that for credit card transactions, there will be a handling fee of 2%. Prices of all planning policy documents are available on the Council's website.

Can I get a planning policy document in large print/ Braille/ audio or in another language?

Yes. If you need copies of any of the documents in a different format we will arrange for the documents to be sent to you in your requested format. Please contact the Planning Policy Team by Telephone on 01892 602007 or email ldf@wealden.gov.uk to make a request.

How does the on-line consultation process work?

Once you have registered on our system and typed your comments, your response is automatically given a number so that we can record it as part of our consultation. We will let you know by email when we have received your comments and when they will be available on the website. There maybe a delay between submitting your comments and when they are published on the website. This is because we have to review each individual comment. The responses are then automatically collated, so that we can analyse and consider comments more easily and speedily.

Do I have to give my name when I reply?

We cannot accept anonymous responses, as we need to know that the response is genuine. Responses will be published on the Council's website so that everyone can view them. To ensure your privacy, we will not publish any of your personal details such as address, phone numbers or e-mail addresses.

Why do you want to know all this other information about me when I register, such as my race and gender?

The Council is trying to ensure that it reaches all of the community in its consultation exercises. By providing this information it helps us to identify those people who we are not hearing from, so that we can consider other ways of consulting with them in the future. However, please do not feel obliged to give this information if for any reason you feel uncomfortable about doing so.

What happens next after this consultation period?

After this consultation, the representations we receive will help us to make a proposed version of the Strategic Sites Development Plan Document. This will then be submitted to the Secretary of State, together with its Sustainability Appraisal. A Planning Inspector, appointed by the Secretary of State, will carry out an examination in public into its soundness. The Inspector will issue a binding report and the Council will adopt and publish the final version of the DPD. This process in full will take until March 2014, as shown in our Local Development Scheme.

What is the timetable for the Local Development Framework (LDF) process?

The Local Development Scheme sets out the timetable for the production of the Local Development Framework. It states what the Council will do, and when, and identifies opportunities for public involvement in the preparation of Local Development Documents.