Wealden Local Plan - Responses

This post comprises my notes from a document at: Cabinet Local Development Framework Sub-Committee Wednesday, 20th April, 2016 11.30 a.m.

There is a summary of the meeting in minute form, videos and documents.

Wealden Local Plan - Issues Options and Recommendations Consultation Responses

I'm looking at this responses document, which is under item 4 - essentially I am searching on "Uckfield". Document text is in italics.

It introduces itself:
The Wealden Local Plan – Issues, Options and Recommendations Consultation Document was published for responses between 19th October 2015 and 14th December 2015. Some 2,028 responses to 46 questions from 413 representors have been received and uploaded onto the Planning Consultation Portal for the Wealden Local Plan and 148 responses by 67 representors to the Conservation Area Consultation. This report provides a summary of the responses and initial recommendations to progress the Local Plan towards the publication of the Proposed Submission Wealden Local Plan and the associated Proposed Submission Hailsham Area Action Plan.

I put some answers provided by Wealden about the Consultation Document in an earlier post.

Question 2 concerns where to put new development in Wealden 

Wealden's preference was for the "South Wealden" option, which puts most of the development in the South of the area. However there were two other options that would add considerable numbers of houses near or in Uckfield in addition to the Ridgewood Farm Development.

Analysis of responses included:

11. Compared to other matters within this section there were only a few comments received regarding new settlements and large urban extensions. However in terms of other reasonable alternatives to be considered, there was a desire by a number of respondents to further investigate new settlement options. Concern was also raised with regards to large urban extensions particular in and around Uckfield.
12. The overwhelming majority did not support the South Wealden option. [The document goes on to give reasons. My own impression when browsing the responses before adding my own were that most people commenting on the proposed plan came from the South of the area.]

Recommendation

The recommendation is complicated but my understanding is that they are going to try and speak to the Secretary of State about some of the assumptions. Also originally preferred (South Wealden) option is going to come under close scrutiny due to the numbers of people in the South highlighting perceived unfairness.

Question 12 concerns Uckfield town centre

It defines various boundaries.

Map 28 from Wealden Local Plan document.

Analysis - Question 12

Question 12 relates to the preferred option for testing for Uckfield Town Centre. This question attracted a relatively low (13) number of responses in comparison to other questions. Slightly more respondents agreed with the preferred option for testing, than disagreed. Of those responses 46.15% agreed, whilst 20.77% disagreed and 23.08% did not offer any comment.

51. Although there was a significant proportion of support, comments were limited. However, it was indicated that owing to the perceived prominence of Uckfield within the town centre hierarchy then it should be made clear that growth is supported. Concern is raised about the loss of green spaces that characterise the town and specifically Luxford Field. The importance of good design as well as practicality is also highlighted, including issues resulting from including a primary school within the town centre boundaries.

Recommendation

52. It is recommended to proceed with the preferred option for testing. However, any potential loss of green space or other infrastructure will need to be considered and off set if necessary. In addition, any impact of potential development on the character of the area will need to be considered further. It is proposed that this will be discussed with Uckfield Town Council as part of continuing dialogue on this matter.

Question 21 concerns where to put new shops etc. in Uckfield town centre

Wealden's  preferred option for more floorspace in Uckfield Town Centre is to the west of the High Street, north of Bell Lane, east of Belmont Road, Luxford Field and car parking area.

Analysis – Question 21

72. This question asks whether people agree or disagree with the preferred option for testing for the allocation of additional retail provision in Uckfield Town Centre. The preferred option includes the focus of additional floor space in Uckfield Town Centre to the west of the High Street, north of Bell Lane, east of Belmont Road, Luxford Field and car parking area.

73. There were a relatively low number of responses to this question. 50% of those responding were in favour of the option with 20% in disagreement and the remainder not stating any preference. There is general support for this option although there is concern about car parking provision and the need to protect Luxford Field and other local buildings as well as the need to retain small independent shops.

Recommendation

74. It is recommended that further work will be undertaken to consider the concerns raised.