Nigel Hannam and David Phillips Parish Conference – 11th September 2013 Balancing Development

“Planning is a balancing act, which requires consideration of the preservation, use and development of land for this and future generations, within the context of agreed social, environmental and economic needs. Inevitably, there is often disagreement among competing interests on the best use of the same land, and the planning system must resolve such conflicts. Hard decisions have to be made and the National Planning Policy Framework has to provide the framework to get the balance right.” Communities and Local Government Committee - Eighth Report, The National Planning Policy Framework, 15 December 2011

Planning for Growth and the NPPF “Planning should proactively drive and support sustainable economic development to deliver the homes, business and industrial units… that the country needs. Every effort should be made objectively to identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth.” (Para 17) “Local planning authorities should look for solutions rather than problems, and decision-takers at every level should seek to approve applications for sustainable development where possible.” (Para 187) National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012

The Growth Agenda… ‘building homes brings more happiness than preserving fields’ Planning Minister Nick Boles has said building homes on greenfield land will create more human happiness than preserving the countryside. 28 May 2013

Sustainable Development “Sustainable development aims to balance the need to stimulate economic growth with the needs of all sectors of society whilst conserving and enhancing the local environment.” ( WDC Sustainability of the Core Strategy Local Plan, 2011) “The Wealden Sustainability Appraisal will make sure that social, environmental and economic considerations are taken into account in documents and policies making up the [Local Plan].” (Para 1.2.2, WDC Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report 2007) Social Environmental Economic

Social Objectives Consider the following Social objectives. Which do you believe is the most important when considering options for development within Wealden? 1.Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a good quality, sustainably constructed and affordable home 2.To ensure a safe environment including reducing crime and the fear of crime 3.Promote social inclusion and create/sustain vibrant communities

Vote - Social Objectives 1 – Home 2 – Safety 3 – Communities 4 – Can’t decide

All of our Social Objectives 1. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a good quality, sustainably constructed and affordable home 2. Improve the health and well being of the population 3. Promote social inclusion and create/ sustain vibrant communities 4. To ensure a safe environment including reducing crime and the fear of crime 5. To provide accessible and high quality public services and facilities

Environmental Objectives (1) Consider the following Environmental objectives. Which do you believe is the most important when considering options for development within Wealden? 1.Make the most efficient use of land by prioritising Brownfield sites for development, the re-use of existing buildings and promoting higher development densities 2.Conserve, enhance and make accessible for enjoyment, the Districts countryside (in particular protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land), landscape, historic and built environment 3.Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the District

Vote - Environmental Objectives (1) 1 - Brownfield 2 - Countryside 3 – Biodiversity 4 – Can’t decide

Further Environmental Objectives Consider the following Environmental objectives. Which do you believe is the most important when considering options for development within Wealden? 1.Reduce air pollution and ensure local air quality continues to improve 2.To reduce the risk of flooding and the consequential damage to property and public well being 3.Promote energy efficiency measures and encourage the use of renewable energy

Vote - Environmental Objectives (2) 1 - Air quality 2 – Flooding 3 - Renewable energy 4 – Can’t decide

All of our Environmental Objectives 6. To reduce the risk of flooding and the consequential damage to property and public well being 7. Make the most efficient use of land by prioritising Brownfield sites for development, the re-use of existing buildings and promoting higher development densities 8. Reduce air pollution and ensure local air quality continues to improve 9. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases 10. Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the District 11. Conserve, enhance and make accessible for enjoyment, the District’s countryside (in particular protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land), landscape, historic and built environment 12. Reduce the need to travel by car and promote alternative methods of transport 13. Minimise waste, maximise the re-use of materials, recycling and composting 14. Maintain and where appropriate improve quality of groundwater and surface waters in the District and promote water efficiency 15. Promote energy efficiency measures and encourage the use of renewable energy 16. Reduce the global, social and environmental impact of consumption of resources by using sustainably produced and local products

Economic Objectives Consider the following Economic objectives. Which do you believe is the most important when considering options for development within Wealden? 1.Maintain and enhance the prosperity of the District and increase the vitality of villages and the rural economy 2.Ensure high and stable levels of employment and provide support for small firms and local businesses 3.Stimulate regeneration of town centres

Vote - Economic Objectives 1 - Prosperity 2 – Employment 3 – Regeneration 4 – Can’t decide

All of our Economic Objectives 17.Maintain and enhance the prosperity of the District and increase the vitality of villages and the rural economy 18.Promote sustainable tourism 19.Ensure high and stable levels of employment and provide support for small firms and local businesses 20.Develop and maintain a skilled workforce to support long term competitiveness 21.Stimulate regeneration of town centres 22.Develop a dynamic, diverse, and knowledge based economy

22 Social, Environmental and Economic objectives The objectives we have looked at today are just some of the 22 Social, Environmental and Economic sustainability objectives that have been considered relevant to Wealden. These have been derived using the objectives in the Integrated Regional Development Framework ‘A Better quality of life in the South East (SEERA, 2004). The Members Sustainability Policy Statement, Corporate Priorities, and further baseline data gathered throughout the 2007 Scoping Report Process.

Now and in the Future Delivery and Site Allocations Local Plan - Initial work has begun and we will be in touch with Parish and Town Councils shortly. Sustainability Appraisal process underpins all Local Plan Documents. It is a "living" process as each plan is subject to Sustainability Appraisal. Sustainability Appraisal objectives are used in the development and testing of Local Plan Policies and for development management purposes. Planning applications will be submitted ahead of examination in some cases and they cannot be rejected purely on prematurity. For further information please contact the Planning Policy Team Telephone: