Proposed Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19)

Why Wealden needs a Local Plan and what comes next?

The Proposed Submission Local Plan sets out how Wealden could grow and change between now and 2042. It includes proposed planning policies for housing, employment, infrastructure, community facilities and the environment.

The Council intends to publish the Proposed Submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) and open a formal representation period following consideration by Special Cabinet and Full Council on 18 September 2026.

If approved, there will be an opportunity to submit representations during the formal representation period expected to begin w/c 21 September 2026.

Please use this page to:

• Learn about the Proposed Submission Local Plan
• Access supporting documents and evidence
• Understand the Regulation 19 process
• Learn how representations can be submitted if the plan proceeds to Regulation 19.
• Learn what happens next

Why do we need a Local Plan?

A Local Plan helps shape how Wealden grows and changes over time. It guides where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities may be located while helping to protect and enhance the things people value about the district.

National planning policy requires councils to plan for future housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental needs. An up-to-date Local Plan gives the Council a stronger framework for making planning decisions and helps ensure growth is planned rather than unmanaged or left to chance.

The Local Plan also provides an opportunity to secure higher standards for new development. This includes improving the quality and sustainability of new homes through measures such as enhanced energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, good design and appropriate space standards. It also helps strengthen environmental protection and mitigation measures, including enhancements to biodiversity, protections for important habitats and landscapes, and measures to help safeguard ancient woodland and other valued environmental assets.

Without a Local Plan, development would still come forward, but the Council would have less influence over where it takes place, the standards it is expected to meet and how it is delivered.

What is Regulation 19?

The Proposed Submission Local Plan has been informed by previous stages of consultation and engagement, including the Direction of Travel Consultation, the Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation in 2024 and the Focused Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation in 2026. The previous consultations generated thousands of comments from residents, businesses, town/parish councils and stakeholders. Those comments have been considered alongside evidence, national planning policy, legal requirements and technical evidence in preparing the Proposed Submission Local Plan.

Regulation 19 is not another consultation on alternative options. It is the stage where the Council publishes the version of the Plan it proposes to submit for independent examination.

Earlier consultation stages focused on gathering views on options and proposals. Regulation 19 has a different purpose. It is not an opportunity to suggest alternative approaches. Representations should focus on whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound.

A plan is considered sound if it has been positively prepared, is supported by appropriate evidence, is justified, effective and consistent with national planning policy. Representations should focus on whether the Plan has been prepared properly, is supported by evidence and is capable of being delivered.

Representations should focus on whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound.

Further information can be found in the FAQs section.