Wealden District Core Strategy

Following approval at the meeting of Full Council on the 8th December, Wealden District will be publishing its Proposed Submission Core Strategy on 11th February for receipt of representations between 14th February and 28th March 2011. After consideration of all representations received the council would then intend to submit the document to the Secretary of State for its examination in public (EIP) later this year. The various ways in which you can view the Core Strategy and associated documents are set out in this letter.

The Core Strategy has already been through a number of stages of preparation during which extensive stakeholder involvement, including two significant rounds of public consultation (in 2007 and 2009), has taken place. At this stage, the intention of publishing the Proposed Submission Core Strategy is to allow for representations to be made in connection with issues of soundness and legal compliance. Guidance notes on this matter, which explain about the representations process, are available on the Council's website and also on request from the Planning Policy Team on 01892 602007.

The Core Strategy DPD sets out the key elements of the planning framework for the whole of the Wealden District area, including the area within Wealden which lies within the recently designated South Downs National Park. The Strategy comprises a long-term spatial vision and strategic objectives for the period to 2030, a spatial strategy, core policies and a monitoring and implementation framework with clear objectives for achieving its delivery. All subsequent documents produced as part of the Council's Local Development Framework (LDF) will build on the objectives and policies set out in the Core Strategy. It identifies the quantum of growth and broad locations for delivering housing and other major development needs such as employment, retail and infrastructure.

Representations can most easily be made online using our consultation system which can be accessed from the Council's website at http://www.wealden.gov.uk/ or by using the web address http://wealden.objective.co.uk/portal/. Alternatively representations may be made by completing a representation form (available on our website or by request) and sending them to Head of Planning and Environmental Policy, Wealden District Council, Freepost SEA 10959, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 1BR. Written forms may also be sent by fax to 01892 602666. Representations must be made between Monday 14th February and Monday 28th March 2011 and any representations received after 5pm on 28th March 2011 cannot be accepted. Before submitting representations we would strongly encourage you to read our 'Guidance Note for Respondents'.

Data Protection Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000

Representations cannot be treated in confidence as Regulation 30 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004, as amended, requires copies of all representations to be made publicly available. The Council will also publish names and associated representations on its website but will not publish personal information such as telephone numbers, e-mails or private addresses. By submitting a representation on the Proposed Submission Core Strategy you are accordingly confirming that you agree to this and accept responsibility for your comments.

Should you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Planning Policy Team by telephone on 01892 602007 or by e-mail.

David Phillips
Head of Planning and Environmental Policy

Deposit Points/ Availability of Documents
Wealden District Council's Proposed Submission Core Strategy and supporting documents, will be available to view on the Council's website from Friday 11th February 2011 at:

Reference copies of the Proposed Submission Core Strategy and other Proposed Submission Documents will also be available for public inspection from Monday 14th February to Monday 28th March 2011 at the following addresses. Copies of representation forms and guidance notes will also be available at these venues.