The Councils Corporate Plan

“This plan for 2023-2027 is built upon the successes of previous plans and the feedback we received from residents and businesses as part of community engagement during the summer of 2022.

Over the past few years we have been through so much together as a community most notably dealing with the challenges of Covid-19. For the council Covid-19 saw us, like everyone else, having to develop new ways of working whilst protecting and supporting  residents and businesses through lockdown.

Despite the significant challenges faced, we as a Council have still achieved a lot – we have been delivering on our climate emergency action plan, we’ve built a state-of-the-art crematorium and we’ve continued to support our High Streets to make them safer and more vibrant.

Moving into this new plan period we recognise there are still ongoing challenges, most notably the present cost-of-living pressure, but we believe in Wealden and we are ambitious for our district’s future.”

Cllr Ann Newton – Leader

Trevor Scott – Chief Executive

All the communities of Wealden should be supported and involved in decisions about their area and how our services are delivered. We want our communities to be safe and active and be able to lead fulfilling and worthwhile lives.

In the first year of the plan;

• We will develop a Community Sports Hub, providing a flagship sporting and leisure facility for the residents of our district and neighbouring communities.
• We will redevelop our former sheltered housing scheme, Streatfeild House, to create new affordable homes.
• We will adopt a new five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.
• We will develop a package of support for residents, community groups and businesses through cost-of-living pressures.

All this is supported by our:

• Health and Wellbeing Strategy
• Communications and Engagement Strategy
• 5* Customer Service Strategy
• Housing Strategy

A sustainable environment is critical for us in delivering for all the communities of Wealden. We want an environment that is not only protected but also enhanced. We will play our part in the wider countries commitment to being net-zero carbon in tackling climate change.

In the first year of the plan;

• We will consult on a new Local Plan for Wealden, that balances our growth with strong environmental protection.
• We will undertake decarbonisation works in 135 council homes.
• We will provide 56 electric vehicle charge points in Wealden owned and managed car parks.
• We will install solar PV generation at the Wealden Crematorium.

All this is supported by our:

• Local Plan
• Climate Emergency Action Plan
• Waste and Recycling Strategy

We need our local economy to be vibrant and diverse. This will ensure business and employment opportunities for all making Wealden an attractive place to live and visit.

In the first year of the plan;

• We are investing £2 million in our local economy, including rural businesses and our tourism sector.
• Our new four-year Economic Development Strategy will focus our drive and determination for Wealden to be a location of choice for business.
• On land at Farningham Road in Crowborough we will provide new units for local businesses to move to and grow.
• On land at Knights Farm on the outskirts of Hailsham we will develop an employment park drawing in business and local employment.
• We will continue to work closely with our partners to make sure the infrastructure our district needs is provided.

All this is supported by our:

• Economic Development Strategy
• Commercial Strategy

To be able to be able to deliver on our commitments around engaged communities, a sustainable environment and a thriving economy we need to be an ambitious organisation that is transparent and accountable. We will strive to continue to be dynamic and forward thinking in everything we do.

In the first year of the plan;

• We will continue to strive to provide a five-star customer service, providing more services online whilst ensuring our residents are not digitally excluded.
• We will work towards introducing new waste collection arrangements brought about by the new Environment Act in as efficient and effective manner as we can.
• We will deliver a further 41 homes in Horam through our housing company, Sussex Weald Homes, 14 of which will be affordable housing.
• We will continue to invest in our own workforce and provide opportunities through apprenticeships to young people in the district; we will do this through a new Wealden People Strategy.

All this is supported by our:

• Medium Term Financial Strategy
• People Strategy