The Wealden Core Strategy 24 November 2009

1. The Wealden Core Strategy24 November 2009

2. What does a Core Strategy do? • Key component of the LDF and sets the direction of policy and change over next 20 years…so it’s where the difficult choices need to be made • The what, when, where and by what means of future development • Must be consistent with national policy, aligned with Sustainable Community Strategy and in general conformity with South East Plan • Plan tested on “soundness” and must be justified and effective (that is…evidence-based, appropriate, deliverable, flexible, measurable)

3. How far have we got? • Just finished a consultation on spatial development options - analysing the results • Reducing ten options to a single preferred spatial development option, as well as preparing generic policies and targets • Concentrated effort over next six months leads to an LDF Sub Committee in June/July 2010, and approval of Core Strategy by Council September • Six week period for public representations starts October 2010 • Core Strategy submitted for examination by January 2011

4. How do we deliver the plan? • In principle we need to… • show how the vision and objectives will be met • say whose actions are needed (is it the Council, or is it others?) • co-ordinate those actions so people pull together • ensure the right agencies/partners sign up • check that resources are realistically available • = Delivery Strategy

5. Put another way we need to… • Move beyond traditional planning boundaries…find out about other’s plans and strategies • Identify infrastructure needs and costs – green, social and physical • Identify capacity and gaps in provision • Phase development and timescales • Establish funding sources and decide who’s responsible for delivery • Help others understand the scale of change that the shift to “spatial planning” represents

6. What does it mean for us? • We can’t do it alone • We need timely, effective and conclusive discussions – based on openness and transparency • The key test will be whether there is a “reasonable prospect” of provision • We need to link to other agencies’ plans and programmes, and in a structured way • Get agreement that it can be delivered

7. But it’s worth getting it right! • We make the most of what we’ve already got • We achieve investment in new things and help achieve local objectives • We are ready when future development happens • We address community concerns by demonstrating where funding is going • We have a better chance of achieving genuinely sustainable communities • It’s a two-way street!

8. Key issues from the consultation • Adequate and timely infrastructure • Protection of natural landscapes • Dealing with the risk of flooding • Affordable housing for local people • Revitalisation of villages and rural areas – protection v. growth and change • Economic strategy for job choice and opportunity • Opportunities for town centre regeneration

9. Further points… • Wealden is not an island – connections with other centres critical • Give the SD National Park more prominence • Plan for an ageing population and support it in purposeful retirement. • Logic in existing towns being growth hubs, with opportunities to revitalise their centres • Think quality and “sense of place” – not just numbers of homes or jobs

10. Some final points… • Villages could take growth where it can support mix and add vibrancy • Business growth needs focused local support and increased economic activity • Transport facility integration and accessibility the key for more sustainable communities • Social and physical infrastructure needed to support growth and to avoid overwhelming local communities - “Don’t leave the community to bear the responsibility”