WDC Cllr Shaw - December News

09/12/2024

‘Big Conversation’ launches Wealden’s Climate Strategy

Over 100 people, representing many local organisations, took part in Wealden’s Big Climate Conversation last Tuesday. Recognising that the majority of people understand the need for action, the conference looked at how we can move to net zero, coastal defence projects, sustainable leisure facilities, climate resilience and nature recovery. Participants also heard from Parish Councils and community groups leading local initiatives.

The event formed part of Wealden’s climate change strategy. We would love you to read and comment on our new ‘Climate Green Paper’ at

https://letstalk.wealden.gov.uk/wealden-climate-green-paper

There’s still time to make your voice heard.

There has been a good response to the Community Survey I launched recently, with lots of interesting comments. Thank you to everyone who has already taken part.

The survey will be open until the end of the year and can be accessed on-line at https://s.surveyplanet.com/dnu6vy1z

Your comments and ideas will inform the next Community Forum on Wednesday 26^th February – see below.

Meeting on new Five Ash Down planning application

About 15 people attended the discussion of the Parish Council regarding a planning application to build 80 new homes on land north of Buxted Road, Five Ash Down. The audience made a number of points regarding its impact on local heritage assets, on foul drainage and sewage spills, access to the site and impact on the road network (especially the A272).

At some point the application will come for consideration at Wealden’s Planning Committee (North) for a decision. You can see more details of the application at https://planning.wealden.gov.uk/ Application Number WD/2024/2481/MAO.

Labour joins LibDem and Green Alliance

You will know that after the last council elections the Liberal Democrats and the Greens won a majority of seats and formed the Alliance for Wealden to become the administration. For the first time Labour won two seats (in Uckfield). All parties can join the Alliance if they subscribe to our council strategy and the Labour members have recently joined to strengthen the cross-party group. It doesn’t mean there are no political differences between different parties but that all are willing to co-operate to deliver for the people of Wealden. Dan Manville one of the Labour members will join the Cabinet, responsible for Housing and Benefits.

The Council Strategy focuses on Protecting our environment and leading the district towards carbon neutrality, A growing economy which enables people to live well, and Building strong, mutually supporting communities.

Are you a wheelchair user

I have had a couple of conversations recently with residents who use wheelchairs, about the difficulties of getting around the village. I would like to hear from others about their experience – please drop me an email or call me. Details below.

Other planning news

Though refused several times by Wealden – for very good reasons – the application to build a care home on the east side of Coopers Green Road has been allowed upon appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. I know residents living nearby are deeply disappointed at this decision. This was an outline application which means a further, “reserved matters” application for the detail of the site will still have to be made.

Over two years ago, an application to build 40 houses on land at Coopers Row (to the east of the current houses on Five Ash Down) was allowed by Wealden. In common with other developments of this type, the developer was required to sign a “section 106” agreement with the Council. This only finally happened two days before the Planning Committee meeting last Thursday. Legally it was difficult to refuse the application as it had already been agreed, but the Committee added further conditions to a new agreement, with the applicant given two weeks to sign, otherwise planning permission would be lost.

Day Surgery at Uckfield Community Hospital

You may have seen that the local NHS is proposing a six-month pilot project to move the day surgical lists from Uckfield to the main hospital sites in East Sussex. They suggest that they are only at 60% capacity, can only deliver a limited number of procedures safely (especially where there may be complications), and cannot support overnight care. This move will not affect other services at the Hospital.

Along with local people I know councillors in and around Uckfield are concerned about this move. We will be monitoring the impact of this pilot.

2025 Community Forum - Any Answers?

Those of you that have completed the Community Survey have highlighted several issues you would like to see addressed, covering highways and footpaths, healthcare, bus and rail services, sewage and flooding, development and infrastructure, broadband speeds and so on. Many of these services are not delivered by Wealden District Council but by other authorities and companies.

So, at our next Community Forum I hope to bring together representatives from some of these bodies with residents. Perhaps we may get answers to your questions. I hope you will attend – details for your diary below.

…..and finally, as this will be my last update this year…..

NEXT COMMUNITY FORUM – ANY ANSWERS?

WEDNESDAY 26^th FEBRUARY 2025

6.30 – 8.15

ST. MARYS CHURCH HALL, CHURCH ROAD, BUXTED

Please don‘t hesitate to contact me to discuss these or any other issues important to you.

Contact me on cllr.graham.shaw@wealden.gov.uk Tel. 07770 571828

Wealden’s website is www.wealden.gov.uk

Additional Documents

BUXTED COMMUNITY SURVEY.docx