Issues and Options Consultation
The Chairman of the Parish Council has written
to Wealden District Council, summarising the Parish Council views on Wealden
Council's plans for the future of our area [set out here]. You
have until 17:30 on 13 August to submit your own comments.
Wadhurst Parish Council convened a special meeting of the
Council to discuss the Issues and Options document and we enclose our completed
questionnaire. We do however wish to express our views as clearly as possible
to WDC and feel this letter is a necessary adjunct.
- WPC recognise that there is some demand for housing in Wadhurst but feel
that this should primarily be provided to account for local needs as distinct
from creating an extended dormitory village. There are, for example over
50 applicants recorded for affordable homes.
- Given that Wadhurst is wholly within the AONB any extension of the village,
on greenfield sites, should be kept to a minimum.
- The figure of 320 houses is too high and a figure of nearer 200 over
the period 2006-2026 would be more appropriate.
- Wadhurst has been identified as a ‘service centre’ by the criteria selected
by Wealden. These may fail to take into account existing substantial limitations
such as our existing sewage treatment facilities, water supply, schooling,
and presently exhausted car parking capacity at both village and station.
The necessary infrastructure must be in place concurrently with the housing
construction not ‘promised’ for a later date.
- Given the demands made for housing in the SE Plan we feel a new eco-village
in the Sussex Coastal zone would be the best solution to fulfil that demand.
Any increase in other areas and villages could then be restricted to the
local need as mentioned in point 1
- Housing should be a mix of affordable social housing but also small inexpensive
properties to allow for both 1st time buyers and downsizers. The increasing
number of elderly members of the community should be taken into account
in this latter respect.
- WPC are concerned that the plan is not just about housing but the future
of the community. Provision for leisure and sports facilities is important.
- WPC are concerned at the high number of residents that travel out of
Wadhurst, in particular, and Wealden in general and feel job creation should
be an important part of the plan.
The WPC have identified possible housing sites and wish to meet
and discuss the options with Wealden with a view to getting an
agreed approach which we can support & promote locally.
Yours sincerely
Chris Price
Chairman,
Wadhurst Parish Council
