FAQs

The Inspector will consider whether the Plan has been prepared correctly, is supported by evidence, can be delivered and is consistent with national planning policy.

Yes. Representations can support, object to or suggest changes to the Plan.

It will be submitted to the Planning Inspector and considered as part of the examination process.

Yes. Please contact the Planning Policy Team for information about alternative ways to access documents and submit a representation.

National planning policy requires councils to plan for future housing, employment, infrastructure and environmental needs. The Local Plan helps ensure growth is planned rather than unmanaged or left to chance, while balancing the needs of communities, infrastructure, the environment and the local economy.

Without an up-to-date Local Plan, development would still take place, but the Council would have less influence over where it happens and how it is delivered.

Feedback received during previous consultation stages has helped inform the Proposed Submission Local Plan.

Comments have been considered alongside national planning policy, legal requirements and technical evidence. The Proposed Submission Local Plan represents the Council's proposed approach following those earlier stages of engagement.

No. Before the Regulation 19 stage can begin, the Proposed Submission Local Plan must be considered by Special Cabinet and Full Council on 18th September 2026.

Then the Regulation 19 formal representation period would commence. The Proposed Submission Local Plan, supporting evidence and all representations received will then be submitted to an independent Planning Inspector for examination. The Inspector will consider whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound and may recommend changes before the Council can consider adopting the Plan.

Regulation 19 is a formal representation stage rather than a public consultation exercise.

The purpose of this stage is to allow people to comment on whether the Proposed Submission Local Plan is legally compliant and sound before it is submitted for independent examination.

Information, guidance and supporting documents are available online, and alternative arrangements are available for residents who need assistance accessing documents or making a representation.

Once the formal representation period has ended, the Council will submit the Proposed Submission Local Plan, supporting evidence and representations received to the Planning Inspectorate.

An independent Planning Inspector will examine the Plan and the representations received before issuing a report on whether the Plan is legally compliant and sound and whether any changes are required.

Local Government Reorganisation does not stop the preparation of Wealden's Local Plan.

If adopted, the Local Plan will continue to form part of the statutory planning framework for the area currently covered by Wealden District Council and will be used in determining planning applications.

Any future unitary authority would inherit the Local Plan and continue to use it unless and until it is replaced by a new Local Plan covering the wider unitary authority area.

Preparing and adopting a replacement Local Plan for a new unitary authority is likely to take a number of years. As a result, the Wealden Local Plan is expected to remain an important part of the planning framework for the area for the foreseeable future.

No. Development can still take place whether or not there is an up-to-date Local Plan.

A Local Plan helps the Council plan for future growth and provides a framework for making planning decisions. It guides where new homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities may be located and sets policies that planning applications are expected to follow.

Without an up-to-date Local Plan, development could still come forward, but the Council would have less influence over where growth takes place, the standards new development is expected to meet and how infrastructure, services and environmental considerations are addressed alongside it.

Having an up-to-date Local Plan gives the Council a stronger basis for making planning decisions and helps ensure growth is planned rather than unmanaged or left to chance.

National planning policy requires councils to plan for future housing and other development needs. The Local Plan is how those requirements are considered locally using evidence about Wealden's communities, infrastructure, environment and future needs. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, development could still come forward but with less local influence over where growth takes place and the standards it should meet.

Regulation 18 and Regulation 19 have different purposes.

Regulation 18 is the consultation stage. It gives residents, businesses, stakeholders and community groups an opportunity to comment on draft proposals and help shape the Local Plan before it is finalised. Feedback received during these consultation stages helps inform the Council's approach.

Regulation 19 is the next formal stage. It is not a further consultation on alternative options. Instead, it is the stage where the Council publishes the version of the Local Plan it intends to submit for independent examination.

Representations made during Regulation 19 should focus on whether the Proposed Submission Local Plan is legally compliant and sound. This means considering whether the Plan has been prepared properly, is supported by appropriate evidence and can be delivered.