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Wealden District Council > Planning and Building Control > Planning Policy > Neighbourhood Planning

Neighbourhood Planning

The Localism Act (2011) provides communities a more direct way to shape development in their local areas with the option of producing a Neighbourhood Development Plan, a Neighbourhood Development Order or a Community Right to Build Order.

Once adopted a neighbourhood plan will form part of the Development Plan for Wealden District and will be used to determine planning applications in the relevant neighbourhood areas.

The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 designate Parish or Town Councils as the responsible body for neighbourhood planning in parished areas. The neighbourhood plan process involves stages of formal consultation, an independent examination and a referendum before it can be formally ‘made’ (adopted).

Recent Neighbourhood Plan Activity

Horam, East Hoathly with Halland, Ninfield

The Horam, East Hoathly with Halland and Ninfield Neighbourhood Plans were made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting on 16 October 2024.

Adopted Neighbourhood Plans

The following Neighbourhood Plans have been ‘made’ (adopted).

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (24 July 2019)

The Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan was ‘made’ (adopted) by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting.

Referendum (3 May 2018)

The Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 484 votes in favour and 93 against on a turnout of 28.5%.

Decision to go to Referendum (1 March 2018)

Wealden District Council decided to take the Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan to Referendum. Further details are provided in the Decision Statement below.

Publication of the Examiners Report (6 Feb 2018)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (Dec 2017 – Feb 2018)

John Slater BA (Hons), DMS, MRTPI was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan.

The Examiner sought additional clarification on 4 January 2018. His comments and the responses from Wealden District Council and the Parish Council can be read below.

Submission Consultation (25 Sept – 6 Nov 2017)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation.

A summary of representations received from the consultation can be found here:

Pre-Submission Consultation (19 March – 19 May 2017)

Herstmonceux Parish Council carried out the pre-submission consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood Area Designation (6 Feb 2013)

Wealden District Council designated the Herstmonceux Neighbourhood Area covering Herstmonceux Parish.

Neighbourhood Area Application (2 Nov 2012)

Herstmonceux Parish Council submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Herstmonceux Parish as a Neighbourhood Area. 

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (21 July 2021)

The Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting.

Referendum (6 May 2021)

The Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 3770 votes in favour and 1408 against on a turnout of 30%.

Decision to go to Referendum (29 April 2020)

Wealden District Council decided to take the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan to Referendum. Further details are provided in the Decision Statement below.

Publication of the Examiners Report (11 March 2020)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (July 2019 – March 2020)

John Slater BA (Hons), DMS, MRTPI was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan. As part of the independent examination, the Examiner raised a number of questions. His initial comments and the responses from Wealden District Council and the Town Council can be read below. The Examiner made further comments in October 2019 pausing the Examination. An exploratory meeting was also held on 19 December 2019 with details provided below. In March 2020, Wealden District Council published a final update to the Habitats Regulation Assessment Report.

Submission Consultation (7 May 2019 – 18 June 2019)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation. A summary of representations received from the consultation can be found here:

Pre-Submission Consultation (25 Nov 2017 – 26 Jan 2018)

Hailsham Town Council carried out the pre-submission consultation on the draft Plan. Further details are available on the Town Council’s website provided below.

Neighbourhood Area Designation (27 August 2016)

Wealden District Council designated the Hailsham Neighbourhood Area.

Neighbourhood Area Application (31 March 2016)

Hailsham Town Council submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Hailsham Parish as a Neighbourhood Area.

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (21 July 2021)

The Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting.

Referendum (6 May 2021)

The Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 626 votes in favour and 138 against on a turnout of 28%.

Decision to go to Referendum (29 April 2020)

Wealden District Council decided to take the Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan to Referendum. Further details are provided in the Decision Statement below.

Publication of the Examiners Report (27 March 2020)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (July 2019 – March 2020)

John Slater BA (Hons), DMS, MRTPI was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan.

As part of the independent examination, the Examiner raised a number of questions. His initial comments and the responses from Wealden District Council and the Parish can be read below.

The Examiner made further comments in October 2019 pausing the Examination.

The Independent Examiner considered it necessary to hold a Public Hearing in order to hear oral evidence on certain matters put forward in the Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan.

Written submissions were provided to the Examiner prior to the Public Hearing.

In March 2020, Wealden District Council published a final update to the Habitats Regulation Assessment Report.

Submission Consultation (7 May 2019 – 18 June 2019)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation.

A summary of representations received from the consultation can be found here:

Pre-Submission Consultation (1 Dec 2017 – 26 Jan 2018)

 Hellingly Parish Council carried out the pre-submission consultation on the draft Plan.

Neighbourhood Area Designation (13 Nov 2015)

Wealden District Council designated the Hellingly Neighbourhood Area.

Neighbourhood Area Application (20 July 2015)

Hellingly Parish Council submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Hellingly Parish as a Neighbourhood Area. 

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (15 May 2024)

The Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting on 15 May 2024.  The following versions of the Neighbourhood Plan and Design Code are the final ‘made’ versions which should be used by developers and the community when submitting or considering planning applications. 

Referendum (2 May 2024)

The Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 954 votes in favour and 121 votes against, on a turnout of 27.21%

Further information on the referendum is available in the specified documents below:

The Notice of Referendum and the Notice of Poll for the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on our Forthcoming Elections webpage.

Decision to go to Referendum

Wealden District Council decided to take the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan to referendum (Decision effective from 16th March 2024)

The Portfolio Holder Report and the Schedule of Modifications for both the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan and the Design Code can be viewed on the Councillors and Committees- Decision Details part of our website.

Publication of the Examiner’s Report (18 January 2024)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (23 November 2023 – 18 January 2024)

Christopher Lockhart-Mummery KC was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan. As part of the independent examination, the Examiner raised a number of questions. His initial comments and the responses from Wealden District Council, Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group on behalf of Wadhurst Parish Council and Kember Loudon Williams can be read below.

Correspondence from Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group dated 15 December 2023.

The Examiner has been forwarded this document, and has considered it. He advises that it will not alter the recommendations he proposes to make in relation to Bewl Water. That being so, he will not receive any further representation or evidence from any party.

Submission Consultation (Regulation 16) (05 June 2023- 17 July 2023)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation:

Regulation 16 Responses
Pre-Submission Consultation (14 November 2022 – 3 January 2023)

Wadhurst Parish Council carried out their second pre-submission consultation on the draft Plan between 14 November 2022 and 3 January 2023.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) Screening Opinions (October 2022)

Wealden District Council provided a formal SEA and HRA Screening Opinion for the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan.

Pre-Submission Consultation (17 June 2021 – 15 August 2021)

Wadhurst Parish Council carried out the pre-submission Regulation 14 consultation on the draft Plan between the 17 June 2021 and 15 August 2021. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Opinion and Habitat Regulation Assessment Screening Opinions (HRA) (July 2021) 

Wealden District Council provided formal SEA and HRA Screening Opinions for the Wadhurst Neighbourhood Plan.

Designation of Wadhurst as a Neighbourhood Area (8 November 2017)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Wadhurst) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Wadhurst as a Neighbourhood Area (3 October 2017)

Wadhurst Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Wadhurst as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (16 October 2024)
The Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting on 16 October 2024.  The following versions of the Neighbourhood Plan and Design Guide are the final ‘made’ versions which should be used by developers and the community when submitting or considering planning applications. 
Referendum (5 September 2024)

The Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 297 votes in favour and 29 votes against, on a turnout of 24.18%

Referendum Result (You may need to move down the page to find the correct parish information.)

Further information on the referendum is available in the specified documents below:

The Notice of Referendum and the Notice of Poll for the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on our Forthcoming Elections webpage.

Decision to go to Referendum

Wealden District Council decided to take the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan to referendum (Decision effective from 23 July 2024)

The Portfolio Holder Report and Portfolio Holder Decision for the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the Councillors and Committees – Decision Details part of our website.

The schedule of modifications for the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed below. 

Publication of the Examiner’s Report (9 April 2024)

The Examiner produced her report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (1 February 2024 – 9 April 2024)

Liz Beth MRTPI has been appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan.

As part of the independent examination, the Examiner stated that she would consider comments from the Parish Council on submissions made at the Regulation 16 Stage. The response from Ninfield Parish Council can be read below:

Submission Consultation (Regulation 16) (Monday 25 September 2023- Monday 13 November 2023)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation:

Regulation 16 Responses
Late Regulation 16 Responses
Pre-Submission Consultation (22 September 2022 – 4 November 2022)

Ninfield Parish Council carried out their pre-submission consultation on the draft Plan between 22 September 2022 and 4 November 2022.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulation Assessment Screening Opinions (HRA) (May 2022)

Wealden District Council provided formal SEA and HRA Screening Opinions for the Ninfield Neighbourhood Plan.

Designation of Ninfield as a Neighbourhood Area (23 January 2020)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Ninfield) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Ninfield as a Neighbourhood Area (20 November 2019)

Ninfield Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Ninfield as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents.

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (16 October 2024)
The East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting on 16 October 2024.  The following version of the Neighbourhood Plan and Character Appraisal are the final ‘made’ versions which should be used by developers and the community when submitting or considering planning applications. 
Referendum (5 September 2024)

The East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 347 votes in favour and 9 votes against, on a turnout of 28.98%

Referendum Result (You may need to move down the page to find the correct parish information.)

Further information on the referendum is available in the specified documents below:

The Notice of Referendum and the Notice of Poll for the East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on our Forthcoming Elections webpage.

Decision to go to Referendum

Wealden District Council decided to take the East Hoathly With Halland Neighbourhood Plan to referendum (Decision effective from 23 July 2024)

The Portfolio Holder Report, the Portfolio Holder Decision and the Schedule of Modifications for the East Hoathly With Halland  Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the Councillors and Committees – Decision Details part of our website.

Publication of the Examiner’s Report (17 April 2024)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (18 March 2024 – 17 April 2024)

Christopher Lockhart-Mummery KC has been appointed to undertake an independent examination of the East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan.

The examiner has decided that the statutory conditions for the holding of a hearing are not met. Accordingly, the examination will proceed on the basis of the documents and his visit (forthcoming) to the area.

As part of the independent examination, the Examiner raised a number of questions. His questions and the response from Wealden District Council and East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council can be read below:

Submission Consultation (Regulation 16) (Monday 8 January 2024 – Monday 26 February 2024)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted for consultation:

Regulation Responses

Pre-Submission Consultation (Regulation 14) (31 January 2023 – 14th March 2023) 

East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council carried out their pre-submission Regulation 14 consultation on the draft Plan between 31st January 2023 and 14th March 2023.  Further details are available on the Parish Council’s website provided below.

East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council – 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) Screening Opinions (February 2022)

Wealden District Council provided a formal SEA and HRA Screening Opinion for the East Hoathly with Halland Neighbourhood Plan.

Designation of East Hoathly with Halland as a Neighbourhood Area (Regulation 7) (7 August 2017)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of East Hoathly with Halland) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of East Hoathly with Halland as a Neighbourhood Area (Regulation 5)  (22 June 2017) 

East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of East Hoathly with Halland as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Neighbourhood Plan ‘made’ (adopted) (16 October 2024)
The Horam Neighbourhood Plan was made by Wealden District Council at a Full Council Meeting on 16 October 2024.  The following versions of the Neighbourhood Plan and Design Guidelines are the final ‘made’ versions which should be used by developers and the community when submitting or considering planning applications. 
Referendum (26 September 2024)

The Horam Neighbourhood Plan passed a referendum with 518 votes in favour and 33 votes against, on a turnout of 20.55%

Referendum Result (You may need to move down the page to find the correct parish information.)

Further information on the referendum is available in the specified documents below:

The Notice of Referendum and the Notice of Poll for the Horam Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on our Forthcoming Elections webpage.

Decision to go to Referendum

Wealden District Council decided to take the Horam Neighbourhood Plan to referendum (Decision effective from 13 August 2024)

The Portfolio Holder Report, the Portfolio Holder Decision and the Schedule of Modifications for the Horam Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the Councillors and Committees- Decision Details part of our website.

Publication of the Examiner’s Report (12 July 2024)

The Examiner produced his report in which modifications were recommended that would enable the Plan to proceed to Referendum.

Independent Examination (11 March 2024 – 12 July 2024)

Andrew Ashcroft MRTPI was appointed to undertake an independent examination of the Horam Neighbourhood Plan.

As part of the independent examination, the examiner issued a clarification note which raised a series of questions for the Parish Council and District Council to respond to.

The responses from Wealden District Council and Horam Parish Council can be read below:

The examiner has confirmed a hearing will not be required for the Horam Neighbourhood Plan.

Submission Consultation (Regulation 16) (Monday 11 December 2023 – Tuesday 6 February 2024)

Wealden District Council carried out the Regulation 16 submission consultation for the Horam Neighbourhood Plan. The following documents were submitted alongside the Horam Neighbourhood Plan (2023 -2040) Submission Version:

Regulation 16 Responses

Pre-Submission Consultation (Regulation 14) (20 May 2023 – 3 July 2023.)

Horam Parish Council carried out their pre-submission consultation on the draft Plan between 20th May 2023 and 3rd July 2023.  Further details are available on the Parish Council’s website provided below.

Horam Parish Council –  

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Opinion and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Report.

Wealden District Council provided a formal SEA Screening Opinion and Habitats Regulation Assessment Screening Report for the Horam Neighbourhood Plan.

Designation of Horam as a Neighbourhood Area (6 November 2019)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Horam) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Portfolio Holders Decision dated 6 November 2019.

Application for the designation of Horam as a Neighbourhood Area (24 September 2019)

Horam Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Horam as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

 

Neighbourhood Areas Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan

The following parishes have formally been designated Neighbourhood Areas for the purposes of preparation of a Neighbourhood Development Plan. Further detail on the development of the neighbourhood plan for each area is provided below.

Designation of Fletching as a Neighbourhood Area (22 August 2023)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Fletching) was formally designated as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Fletching a Neighbourhood Area (Regulation 5) (13 July 2023)

Fletching Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Fletching as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Designation of Frant as a Neighbourhood Area (25 April 2017)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Frant) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Frant as a Neighbourhood Area (16 November 2016)

Frant Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Frant as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Designation of Hartfield as a Neighbourhood Area (4 December 2013)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Hartfield) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Portfolio Holders Decision dated 4 December 2013.

Application for the designation of Hartfield as a Neighbourhood Area (2 September 2013)

Hartfield Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Hartfield as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Designation of Uckfield as a Neighbourhood Area (6 June 2014)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Uckfield) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Uckfield as a Neighbourhood Area (3 October 2013)

Uckfield Town Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Uckfield as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Neighbourhood Areas that have decided not to continue with the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

At a meeting of the Planning and Development committee of Crowborough Town Council on 17th February 2020 it was agreed that the committee could not recommend the authorisation of a Neighbourhood Plan for Crowborough. The committee agreed to re-visit the issue if there was a change in government policy. Minutes can be viewed on the Town Council website.

Designation of Crowborough as a Neighbourhood Area (5 June 2014)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Crowborough) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Crowborough as a Neighbourhood Area (14 March 2014)

Crowborough Town Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Crowborough as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Maresfield Parish Council is no longer proceeding with a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Designation of Maresfield as a Neighbourhood Area (14 November 2012)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Maresfield) was formally designed as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Maresfield as a Neighbourhood Area (25 June 2012)

Maresfield Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Maresfield as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Neighbourhood Areas Preparing a Community Right to Build Order(s).

The following parishes have been formally designated Neighbourhood Areas for the purposes of preparation of a Community Right to Build Order(s). 

Designation of Hadlow Down as a Neighbourhood Area (15 June 2016)

Wealden District Council confirmed that the marked area shown on the submitted map (being that of Hadlow Down) was formally designated as a Neighbourhood Area.

Application for the designation of Hadlow Down as a Neighbourhood Area (22 January 2016)

Hadlow Down Parish Council (as the relevant body) submitted to Wealden District Council an application for the designation of Hadlow Down as a Neighbourhood Area, along with the following documents. 

Guidance and Support

The Council will provide advice and assistance to those groups who wish to develop a neighbourhood plan.

The Government’s Planning Practice Guidance provides further advice on the process of developing a neighbourhood plan.

The Locality Neighbourhood Planning Website also provides advice, support, toolkits and guidance. These include:

  • How to create a Neighbourhood Plan: Your step by step roadmap guide.
  • Making local green space designations in your neighbourhood plan.
  • How to implement, monitor, and review your made neighbourhood plan.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy have produced a guide to Neighbourhood planning in a climate emergency.

If you are representing a Town or Parish Council that is considering producing a Neighbourhood Plan or Development Order within Wealden District, please contact us using the following contact details;  nplans@wealden.gov.uk or 01892 602008.

Funding

Neighbourhood groups can apply for grants and technical support from Locality.

Wealden District Council will provide information, advice and assistance throughout the neighbourhood plan process. We will also organise and pay for the examination and referendum. However, we are unable to offer any other financial support for neighbourhood planning.