Mid Sussex District Council has published its updated District Plan. It will be considered by the Council’s Scrutiny Committee for Planning and Economic Development on 3 March 2015.
Whilst the Plan has been refreshed to reflect the most up to date data on population, household trends and national guidance; its thrust remains unchanged from the 2013 version.
The updated Plan aims to support sustainable growth and jobs whilst also protecting the beautiful environment and ecology of the District. The detailed policies within the Plan underpin these objectives and provide a framework for development until 2031.
“Seeking a balance between sustainable growth and protecting our precious natural environment goes to the heart of our Plan” said Councillor Garry Wall, Leader of the Council.
The updated Plan contains refreshed housing numbers for the District reflecting the most up to date information on population and household trends. The Plan envisages 11,050 new homes in Mid Sussex up to 2031, a slight increase from the 10,600 figure included in the last version of the Plan.
The Plan aims to facilitate 650 new homes every year compared to an objectively assessed need of 627. This shows the Council is positive about a sensible level of new housing and employment space to support jobs, the economy and the needs of neighbouring areas.
The total figure of 11,050 new homes includes 5,500 that already have planning permission. Burgess Hill continues to be an important strategic area with 3,500 new homes planned. The recent announcement of £17m of Government funding to upgrade the A2300 supports this development. The remaining new homes will come from the natural growth of villages as outlined in Neighbourhood Plans.
“We have been a forerunner in supporting a bottom up approach to planning through Neighbourhood Plans” said Councillor Norman Webster, Portfolio Holder for Planning. “We remain committed to this approach”.
The Council has worked hard to improve understanding of its constraints. With 60% of the District covered by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, significant areas of ancient woodland and Sites of Special Scientific Interest; there are many restrictions on where building can take place. “We are custodians of our beautiful environment” said Councillor Webster “We must protect it for future generations whilst also ensuring our economy remains buoyant”.
The Plan does not support the development of a new market town in the Sayers Common area as promoted by Mayfield Market Towns. “We have consistently viewed the proposals from Mayfield as wholly inappropriate” said Councillor Webster “Our emphasis is on supporting sustainable growth which is in turn supported by local communities; Mayfield’s proposals have never passed either test”.
Once the Plan has been considered by the Scrutiny Committee on 3 March and full Council on 18 March, it will be the subject of a final public consultation in the early summer and then submitted for Public Examination.
