Wealden District Core Strategy

The recent examination in public of the Wealden District core strategy has had a profound effect on planning in our district. The planning inspector proposed modifications to Wealden’s strategy to reflect the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive. This in turn prompted Natural England to revise its advice to all planning authorities, and Mid Sussex DC to suspend all planning decisions in the vicinity of the protected Ashdown Forest. We welcome this turn of events, as it has focused councils’ minds on the need to balance development with protection of endangered animal species and habitats. It remains to be seen if the result will be a more sensible balance in favour of the environment. We will be watching closely.