Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

Well, the government has changed its mind again and as many may know, we are to have County Council elections on May 7^th.

Whether this will be for a one-year term or more is not yet clear. The current plan is to have elections for a new Unitary Authority in May 2027 with the District and Borough Councils being abolished and then elections for a Sussex Mayor in 2028 . Who knows what this government will do. I’ve never been keen on having a Mayor but I can see a case for a unitary authority although I can’t see it being a game changer.

The Wealden Local Plan

The consultation for this ends on March 20^th and I have registered a series of objections.

As I understand the process , WDC will now assimilate and assess the consultation results. Then we will have a new Plan put forward before submission to the Planning Inspector.

The biggest impact will be extra housing. Indeed, this seems to be the main objective of the Plan. Build lots of houses regardless of the consequences for water supply, sewage, road systems and a range of social services.

The local effects will be if this goes ahead.-

New houses:

Buxted 349

Danehill 35

Fletching 26

Isfield 34

Maresfield 347

Little Horsted 1503

The direct effect on some villages will be quite small, but the ricochet effect of the huge Proposed Owlsbury Development will be devastating. Our rural environment will be destroyed.

It doesn’t have to be like this, and I have in my response to the Consultation outlined an alternative plan.

The other aspect is employment and commercial development. Despite a lot of weasel words, it is clear that the Ashdown Business Park expansion at Maresfield will be going ahead. Another major blow to our environment.

Some positive County News 

County has a lot of issues with the lack of money but despite that many positive initiatives do make progress .

There is a lot of demand for improved services foe Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Part of County’s response to this is the development of a new purpose-built school in Crowborough for both primary and secondary school pupils.

Whilst we need more money for potholes we are going ahead with a replacement for the Exceat Bridge in Cuckmere. This is currently a major bottleneck, and we will be spending nearly £20m on a two lane structure. If you know the area , you will appreciate how helpful this will be. The funds have come from a number of government sponsored pots. The pothole money has not been compromised by this expensive scheme.

Roy Galley

March 6^th 2026

cllr.roy.galley@eastsussex.gov.uk

01825 713018