VILLAGE PLAN

The key topic of the Annual parish Meeting in May was the presentation of a draft plan to an audience of more than 70 residents. This was followed by a lively discussion.

The object of the Plan is to crystallise the views and needs of the Village for the future. Government policy prescribes that these are to be incorporated in the Local Development Framework to be produced for Wealden.

In particular it is necessary to respond to the Government's policy to build many more homes.

The Plan has been drafted from a postal consultation more than 2 years ago and an update involving 3 meetings with invitees broadly representing different aspects of Wadhurst.

It is hardly surprising that the consensus was that we wish to preserve the area and ensure any new development is both sympathetic and fairly minimal. It was also expressed that there is a priority need for homes at affordable cost especially for those who work in the area and have family connections.

Wadhurst has a wide range of facilities, a healthy High Street, the railway and good schools which may make it attractive, in theory, for planners to promote development. Emphasis is therefore put on the fact that some of our facilities e.g. roads, car parking both in the centre, and at the station are full to bursting. Strong question marks are raised therefore as to how the infrastructure will cope.

Car Parking is an emotive subject and, whilst many raise concerns that a key user is Uplands Community College, it does not solve the problem as the school has no practical space to accommodate its needs. We need more off street parking and discussions are on going with the Fire Station and the Hall & Field as to the possibility of space and the aim is to pursue these options. Mixed views on both car parking time restrictions and charges were expressed.

Our present recreation facilities are to be reviewed by a representative working group both as to the future use of our halls and the outdoor sports facilities and thus the facilities needed. A better public library is also required and where may this be accommodated?

The Plan is now being finalised and is to be widely available so that residents who have not so far participated might have the opportunity to put in 'their two penny worth'.

SUMMARY OF ANNUAL REPORT 07/08

Chairman's Report
The precept (our portion of the household rates) was maintained at the same level as the preceding year.
The most pressing issues remain car parking and planning developments. The only practical way to solve the parking problem is to find additional space.
Wealden District Council is preparing a ‘Local Development Framework’ providing for the Government's requirement for more housing. We have opened discussions with their policymakers and our Parish Plan will be part of the input. The final draft will be available for public input this summer.
The work of our Clerk includes both the administration of the Council's finances etc. and providing a service to the public.
I would like to record my thanks to my fellow councillors for their time and effort and to our Clerk for her very strong commitment.
   Christopher Price

Recreation Ground
The site continues to be a popular venue providing football, tennis, children's play equipment and grass/tarmac areas for recreation. The pavilion is used by many local groups for activities including yoga and pilates. There has been a worrying increase in anti-social behaviour and graffiti and the Parish Council is working hard with the Police to address these issues.


No Cold Calling Zone
Wadhurst became a No Cold Calling Zone in March - the aim of the project is to stop unwanted doorstep callers and reduce the overall incidents of rogue trading and distraction burglary.

Environment
The garden and pond area in front of Fire Station, known as the Jardin d'Aubers, has undergone much tidying up and maintenance. Floral displays continue to brighten up the High Street - thanks to the Gardening Club for their hard work, the shop keepers for undertaking watering duties and to Magpie for donating the proceeds of the sale of second hand books towards the cost of the floral display.

Allotments
The final section of land at Round Oak Allotments has been cleared thanks to the hard work of the Allotment Association.

Highways Transport & Lighting
Tackling the problem of speeding traffic continues to be a priority - a new speed monitoring sign in Cousley Wood and regular speed monitoring sessions by the Police have helped. The programme of refurbishing fingerposts continues. The Parish Council has contributed towards a replacement bus service following the withdrawal of the Post Bus. Part night cells have been fitted in over a third of street lights to switch lights off after midnight, resulting in a reduction in energy consumption and light pollution.

The full Annual Report is available on www.wadhurstpc.info or from the Clerk 01892 752 111