Representation period opens on Wealden’s proposed Local Plan

The council published a first draft of its Local Plan for consultation under the Regulation 18 stage in March 2024. Residents and other interested parties were invited to comment on the proposed approach, policies and future growth of the district. Following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024, the council consulted on a focused draft in January 2026. That consultation closed on 30 March 2026.

Feedback from the earlier consultations, together with the council’s evidence and national planning policy, has helped inform the Local Plan. The next stage, known as Regulation 19, runs for six-weeks from 21 September. Residents, businesses, town and parish councils, community groups and other interested parties can make formal representations on whether the plan is legally compliant and meets the tests of soundness before it is submitted for independent examination.

The Local Plan will guide how Wealden grows and changes over the next 15 years, excluding the area within the South Downs National Park. It will provide a framework to help the council decide where new homes, employment, infrastructure and community facilities should be located. It will also set policies to help protect the environment and the character of local communities.

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “This is an important step towards adopting a Local Plan for Wealden. Thank you to everyone who shared their views during the earlier consultations; that feedback has helped shape this proposed plan. We know that decisions about future growth and development can be complex and have a significant impact on local communities. Wealden needs a local plan to manage that growth and ensure decisions take as much account as possible of infrastructure, services, the environment and the needs of both existing and future residents. It is that ambition that has driven councillors to approve the proposed submission”.

The formal representation period opens on Monday 21 September. More information about why Wealden needs a local plan, and the Proposed Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) that the council intends to submit for independent examination can be viewed here.