A six-week public consultation will start on 6 February 2026 until 20 March 2026 regarding the revised Wealden Local Plan.

In last week’s Full Council meeting, Wealden councillors agreed to consult the public about changes to its draft Local plan document, alongside its supporting Sustainability Appraisal and revised Local Development Scheme in accordance with the relevant regulations.

In March 2024, Wealden District Council consulted on a previous Local Plan, due to national planning changes published at the end of 2024, which were not anticipated. One of the main reasons for this is the change in housing target figures - which has increased from 1200 to 1457 homes a year.

Wealden District Council wants to hear the views of residents, businesses and other stakeholders on the amended draft Wealden Local Plan and to establish views on emerging planning policies and draft site allocations.

There will be 10, in-person consultations taking place in towns, villages and parishes throughout the district - residents are encouraged to have their say and to speak with officers and councillors about the plan and what it means for the district.

Alongside the face-to-face exhibitions, there will be designated points where the public can read copies of the draft local plan, Sustainability Appraisal and other supporting documents. Residents can see where those locations are, when the consultation commences on 6 February. https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/wealden-draft-local-plan-regulation-18-consultation-2?preview=true

Residents can also use the link below to find out more information on the Wealden Local Plan and see the previous plan. https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/new-local-plan/

Councillor Ian Tysh, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said, “We want residents to come along to these in-person consultation meetings and ask questions and to understand the Local Plan more. Our residents help us form the Local Plan.”

The face-to-face consultation locations and times are below.