The Wealden Core Strategy

24 November 2009

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)

 

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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”