Issue 74 November 2020 Planning the Direction of Travel for the future growth of Wealden HOW WE respond to global issues, to ensure that our housing require- like climate change, and local ment serves the needs of our Themes to be considered: issues like the lack of affordable communities, and that growth Tackling climate change, housing, will be highlighted in the takes into account the constraints achieving carbon zero out- Wealden Local Plan Direction of on development in Wealden. puts, improving air quality. Travel Consultation. “Despite best efforts, development Ensuring that growth and The consultation will run until has failed to keep pace with our change is supported by infra Monday 18 January. You can take housing targets in the past. - structure delivery to meet the needs of our communities. part in the consultation online This allows “This consultation is about much developers Delivering the right type of more than how many houses we too much homes, in the right location should build and where they freedom to and to a high standard to meet should go,” said Cllr Ann Newton, oppose our local need. Cabinet member for Planning and planning Supporting local businesses, Development. decisions on increasing jobs and ensure a “We are committed to making appeal until we get a new plan. thriving, diverse and a locally Wealden carbon neutral by 2050, “The new Wealden Local Plan sustainable economy. if not sooner. As nearly half our should be adopted by the end of Improving our existing CO2 emissions come from 2023, providing a framework for tourism offer and increasing transport, the future will have to the next 15-20 years. visitor spend. embrace a major shift towards “We expect changes in national Supporting and regenerating sustainable planning policy during this time, our town and local centres transport and we will ensure our new plan by attracting the right investment including implements these. and creating vibrant places that electric provide for our community’s vehicles. “One of Wealden’s greatest assets needs. is its natural environment. We want to protect our landscapes and Protecting and enhancing “Affordability is another major enhance existing biodiversity our natural environment and issue. Average house prices in through the creation of green increase biodiversity and the Wealden have increased by 17% spaces, new water resources and quality of our green and blue spaces. since 2015. This is now 11 . 5 establishing times the average working a green infra - Protecting our high quality person’s income for the District. structure landscapes, our heritage and Although last year 273 affordable network. cultural assets. homes were built, including 61 by Delivering high quality places Council, these still through design, accounting only represent 26% of all the new for local character and homes built in Wealden. “The Local Plan will enable us to distinctiveness. “Less than 4% of Wealden’s area is bring forward other infrastructure Helping our communities to currently developed. improvements including transport, thrive, living safe, inclusive schools and health.” . “We are working with Government and healthy lives Combatting Climate Change Residents encouraged to take part in energy–savings improvement scheme WEALDEN is encouraging the improvements to their to upgrade windows and residents to take properties. Residents doors, install draught advantage of the Green receiving benefits may be proofing or improve Homes Grant Voucher eligible for additional heating controls. Funding scheme to reduce their funding of up to £10,000, for Secondary Measures carbon emissions and covering 100% of the is capped at a maximum make energy efficiency costs. value of the primary improvements to their To benefit from the measures installed. homes. scheme, it is important to All work must be The Government scheme install at least one completed by a Trust- offers up to £5,000 of Primary Measure. mark-registered installer. grant funding towards These include: Visit the Simple Energy installing low carbon Advice website or call heating and insulation • Replacing a fossil fuel 0800 444202 for more measures that will help heating system with a low information and to see improve energy efficiency. carbon heating system what measures you could Vouchers last for three such as heat pumps. install. months once issued. The scheme will finish on 31 • Solar thermal panels or The East Energy Energy Performance Cer- tificate (EPC) rating of E, F March 2022. biomass boilers. Partnership has secured limited additional funding or G. All homeowners and land- • Roof, loft, wall, and floor insulation. to provide a package of Residents who meet lords, regardless of measures for residents income, can apply for these criteria should As long as a Primary who have a household phone Wealden’s Home vouchers worth up to Measure is included, income of less than £5,000. This will cover Energy Efficiency Officer funding can also be used £30,000 a year, own their on 07985 878631 to find two-thirds of the cost of on Secondary Measures own homes and have an out more. Partnership approach is the way to expand EV charge points area

emergency, we must do more to “Looking to find private sector encourage electric vehicle partners to share both the technology.” revenue and the risks involved in Wealden is one of the biggest expanding the EV charging districts in the South East but, as network in Wealden is the best a largely rural area, commercial way to proceed,” said Cllr Galley. investment in public EV charging “It will also enable us to seek grant funding for areas where infrastructure has been slow. This THE District Council is looking for leaves it at risk of lagging behind charge points won’t initially be business partners to expand the commercially viable, and help us in the EV transition. network of electric vehicle (EV) keep on top of the latest charge points across Wealden. However, the District Council technology.” owns and operates 36 public car “Vehicle emissions are the parks, some of which could be Wealden has begun exploring biggest contributor to global used to provide EV charging partnership options with private warming in Wealden,” said Cllr points. sector organisations to expand Roy Galley, Cabinet member the EV charging network, working responsible for economic There are currently 17 publicly with neighbouring councils where development. “They account for accessible car-charging connec- possible. It will pursue the grant nearly half our CO2 emissions. In tions across eight locations in options available through the our response to the climate Wealden. Office of Low Emission Vehicles. Responding to the Coronavirus Crisis Shop & Dine Five extra Information Well in Wealden Officers THE Shop & Dine Well from the European FIVE more Information in Wealden campaign Regional Development Officers will be helping will seek to reassure Fund (ERDF). nature of Wealden provide reassurance for people that their high District’s town centres, The funding has also Wealden’s shops, streets are safe places in not least because of the enabled the Council to restaurants, pubs cafes which to visit, shop and recruit two new high proportion of enjoy leisure time while vulnerable independent and businesses from information officers who December. adhering to Government will provide health and businesses. rules and guidance. safety advice to retailers Social cohesion They are being funding by a £60,000 It follows a District-wide and hospitality “Yet these play a broader consultation in 16 businesses as the Government’s Covid role than shopping or Marshalls grant. Wealden locations pandemic continues. dining and supporting involving Town and Councillor Roy Galley jobs. They bring social The latest information Parish Councils, local said: “We recognise that cohesion to communities about business Chambers of Commerce our high streets and and are reflective of local compliance with regard and community groups. neighbourhood shopping heritage and identity - to local restrictions can The Shop Well in areas are under threat. the very things that be found on the Covid- Wealden marketing Distinctive hubs make Wealden such a 19 pages of the campaign is now being wonderful place to live, Wealden website. rolled out to these 16 “From to work and visit.” locations to drive footfall and every- where in between, Over the longer term, it to local High Streets and is hoped that a series of shops. Wealden’s towns and villages are distinctive actions carried out It includes a public hubs for community life, through the campaign information campaign to so we must act now to will promote local trade ensure people are aware help them adapt in these and its positive benefits of safety measures challenging times. for the wider prosperity being taken by high of the District, including street businesses and a Prowse & Co is delivering the visitor economy. the project on behalf of digital campaign to promote independent Wealden District retailers and eateries Council. Managing when open to the public. Director Joanne Rogers, a member of the Take-away reassurance Shop & Dine Well in The National High Streets Wealden campaign runs We have updated our public register of trading Task Force, says the food businesses across Wealden and Rother. This until the end of March pandemic has created a includes contact details and food hygiene ratings. 2021. It is funded from perfect storm for high Wealden District’s streets. It has already We have added further to the range of posters for allocation of Re-opening impacted by ecommerce local businesses to help their staff and customers High Streets Safely and changing consumer remain safe while the pandemic continues. These (RHSS) fund awarded by habits. take into account of the latest precautionary the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local “The Covid pandemic advice such as the need for good ventilation. Government (MHCLG) threatens the distinctive Responding to the Coronavirus Crisis Supporting businesses hit by the November lockdown THE Local Restrictions An Additional Restrictions Grant, the new support Grant has also been scheme to compensate launched by the Council. businesses which have This scheme will provide been forced to close support to local because of November’s businesses which occupy national restrictions, is shared spaces, bed & being administered by breakfast concerns, Wealden. agriculture, arts and It provides compensation entertainments, food based on the rateable and events supply chain value of the business. businesses and home- There is a maximum based businesses monthly amount set per providing personal level of business rate, services. depending on whether Applicants must meet the Rateable Value is the eligibility criteria. less that £15,000 a year, between £15,000 - Further information £51,000 or more that about local grants and £51,000 a year. So far other help for local the Council has received businesses can be found AS THE pandemic continues, we are continuing to make use of some 400 claims and on the Covid-19 Support our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to update digital paid out more than Pages of the Wealden maps which show the areas of greatest need during the pandemic. £120,000. website. Information is provided by partners to identify the percentage of residential households requesting support in locations. To help residents during the period of National Restrictions, Supporting Test & Trace 4 November — 2 December, Wealden stopped enforcing WEALDEN has been Wealden’s Community long term parking restrictions in supporting the Test & Hub continues to our free car parks. Trace programme by provide help and administering the £500 support to anyone who Regulations continued to apply support payments for needs it. It is just a for short and medium term car those in receipt benefits phone call away—ring parking areas. that have been told by 01323 443322 or visit NHS Test & Trace to the Community Hub self-isolate. webpage. Free health check for people A local Covid Tracing Wealden’s Community with debt and money worries Partnership has been a Hub team has contacted launched to support the everyone who was WITH Christmas coming, as well as Covid-19, national NHS Test & helped earlier this year some people may be facing financial difficulty, or Trace Service where it to see how they are concerned about growing debt. is having difficulties in doing. Additional support is on offer through local East contacting people who Residents identified as Sussex quality-assured, free, confidential advice have tested positive for Clinically Extremely providers. the virus. Vulnerable have been If you are worried, you can call 0333 344 0681 or The partnership is being provided with the email [email protected] for a run from the Community Community Hub contact financial healthcheck which may be able to help Hub in West Sussex details. you pay your bills and manage your debt. County Council. Joint initiative to improve community health services

“Working in partnership with the grade is needed in order to meet parish council, we will replace NHS standards. the outdated village surgery The Clinical whilst the Parish Council will Commissioning Group has provide community facilities in a indicated its support for the pro- new hall next door. These are ject. The parish council will be integral to the modern day helping renew the community health hubs.” facilities which have been “The importance of social provided by the memorial hall for WEALDEN’S Cabinet has prescribing in tackling health the more than 60 years. agreed to work with Mayfield and issues has been highlighted Five Ashes to create a combined In a survey carried out by the nationally in the parish council, 76% of community and health centre for health coach project. the village. respondents supported the idea “The of a combined health and Funded by both councils, it would initiative will put community community facility. involve a new GP surgery linked activities alongside health to a new hall on the site of the Wealden’s Cabinet has agreed to services. Keeping active is a key work in partnership with Mayfield existing memorial hall. It could be part of wellbeing. Having social ready for spring 2023. & Five Ashes Parish Council and activities on hand can help tackle East Sussex CCG to further “We set great importance on rural issues like isolation and assess the viability and design of improving the health and well- loneliness.” the scheme and carry out further being of our residents,” said Mayfield’s existing surgery is too consultation. A project board, led Councillor Bob Standley, Leader small to meet the village’s by elected representatives, will of Wealden District Council. growing population and an up- be set up to oversee the scheme. A roof over the head for rough sleepers

THROUGH our Rough Sleeper Initiative we’ve been tenants and landlords to build up strong relation- offering temporary accommodation to anyone ships and secure tenancies. sleeping rough in Wealden and working with them More information about the services provided for to find a longer term home. people who are homeless can be found on the Alongside our partners Southdown Housing, we Housing Options pages of the Wealden website. closely monitor the number of people sleeping rough in Wealden. If you’re concerned about someone who is sleeping rough, please let us know via https:// www.streetlink.org.uk/ Using this referral route means our dedicated team of specialists can offer support and keep track of anyone returning to sleeping rough and monitor who is new to the area. If you are a landlord with a property to let, please get in touch – our housing team work closely with We need to speak out about domestic abuse

WEALDEN residents are being “Lockdown has undoubtedly added that urged to speak out against all to the pressures faced in some home forms of domestic abuse as the relationships. is a number of recorded cases over 12 “Wednesday November 25 is place months exceeds 1,000 for the first White Ribbon Day. It is the day where everyone is safe. Men and time. when every man or boy over the boys can also experience domestic From November 2019 to October age of 14 is asked to promise to abuse. 2020, received never commit, excuse or remain “In many cases people are 1,037 reports of domestic abuse, silent about male violence against unaware they are the abuser. Self- which is a 4.5% increase compared women. Wealden District Council awareness is so important. Thanks to the same period last year. was awarded White Ribbon status to the White Ribbon campaign, “We need to be much more open in 2016 and I am pleased that we more people have become willing about this problem in our homes,” are applying for re-accreditation to talk about these issues.” said Councillor Philip Lunn, this year. Support for women and men are at Wealden Cabinet member for “Lockdown can make it very risk from domestic abuse and vio- Community and Public Health. difficult if someone is living with lence in East Sussex is available their abuser. As well as violence, from the Portal https:// the threat may come from theportal.org.uk/. It runs a 24-hour emotional or financial abuse, or domestic abuse helpline on 0808 other forms of controlling 2000 247. The Portal provides behaviour or sexual intimidation. It information for friends and family can show itself in ceaseless verbal who may be concerned about a criticism, removal of individual colleague or family member. You choice, isolation, or by stopping can also call Sussex Police on 101. access to money or taking away a In an emergency, ring the Police mobile phone. It is so important on 999.

Safeguarding and slavery are issues in Wealden

WEALDEN District Council has produced EAST Sussex College is some handy purse / wallet-sized cards committed to helping local containing helpful information about safeguarding and modern communities across Wealden, slavery issues. recover from the Covid-19 crisis. Earlier this year the Council updated its adult and child protection Start a new career or level up policies. The card, which can fit in a mobile phone case, wallet or your existing skills with free purse, contains key contact details of the services that can provide online courses. These include: assistance. •Understanding Safeguarding & Prevent. Local councillors and clerks may see or hear something when out and about which raises concerns about a safeguarding issue or •Understanding Behaviour that modern slavery. This card will give you all the necessary contacts Challenges and Understanding. and website addresses for more information. For further details, •Specific Learning Difficulties. please contact our Principal Policy Officer Dr Jeremy Leach, [email protected] Further details are available on the college website. Wealden Environmental Health officers recently assisted local police in a raid on a brothel in . An investigation is now un- derway into a modern slavery offence. Working together to reduce food waste

AS PART of World Food Day this year, Wealden joined the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign aiming to raise awareness of how food waste has an impact on the environment. Across the UK, 4.5 million tonnes of edible food is thrown away each year. This costs the average household £540. It isn’t Exciting plans to improve leisure facilities only the value of the food, but WEALDEN’S Cabinet has leisure building and has a long the resources taken to make it agreed to proceed with exciting lease on Crowborough leisure that are contributing to rising plans to improve health and centre. leisure facilities for Crowborough CO2 emissions. The four leisure centres in and . Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden Wealden are managed by These would include a new train- Freedom Leisure. The District ing pool extension at the Freedom Council leases the two centres at Leisure Centre in Crowborough Uckfield and Heathfield from East and the creation of a new town Sussex County Council, where centre leisure centre in Hailsham they form part of a larger as part of the Hailsham Aspires community college site. The project. Cabinet meeting also agreed to “Health and fitness are so end its lease of the Uckfield and Cabinet member with responsi- Heathfield buildings, removing an bility for waste management, important to every generation within Wealden,” said Councillor unnecessary layer of management, said: “The average Wealden when the current period expires household rubbish bin contains Philip Lunn, Wealden Cabinet member for Community and in 2022. These will revert back to 39.6% food waste. If everyone in the County Council. the UK stops throwing away Public Health. “The changes we unused food for just one day, it are putting in place today will help “We wanted to make this decision could create the same positive to greatly improve swimming as soon as possible to provide benefits for climate change as facilities in the north of the certainty for both the colleges and planting over half a million trees. District. The improvements for East Sussex County Council. It will Hailsham, which will involve a help them plan for the future and “Let’s all work together in new centre, are even more ensure a smooth transition of Wealden to cut down on food waste, not just today but for the exciting.” services. days to come. We can reduce To help deliver these improve- “It is vital that all Wealden’s our impact on the environment ments, Wealden District Council existing leisure centres continue and save money on our food will be seeking support from Sport to provide as much community bills.” ’s Strategic Facility Fund. access as possible,” added To help reduce food waste, why The Council owns of the Hailsham Councillor Lunn. not try writing a shopping list THE recycling and waste calendars for 2021, including the re- and keeping to it to cut down on scheduled collection over Christmas and the New Year, will be unwanted impulse buys. Check available online from 30 November. the temperature of your fridge to make sure it is set at the opti- We will be asking residents to download a copy of calendars from mum levels. Also, check the the waste and recycling pages on our website. We introduced this date labels on food and be clear measure last year. It helps save £1,000s of taxpayers’ money and which ones are expiry dates, reduces paper waste by the tonne. We will be sending out and which ones are best before. reminders during the coming month using social media For more information on how Residents can also see receive free weekly reminders of waste you can avoid wasting food, and recycling collection through email via MyAlerts. It includes please visit information about local planning applications and council news. www.wealden.gov.uk. Responding to the Coronavirus Crisis Celebrating our Community Heroes

TWENTY-ONE people and with people living alone, food groups have been recognised by shopping, cooking and delivering the Wealden Chairman’s hot meals, letter posting, dog Community Awards for their out- walking, making over 1,000 face standing help, neighbourliness, masks, organising village volun- contribution and service to teer groups. Even an online Individuals and the Community theatre group was formed which throughout the Covid-19 was not only hugely enjoyed, it lockdown period and beyond. also taught young people new “It never ceases to amaze me skills!” how the “This fall out from this pandemic people of has emphasised the importance Council Chairman Pam Doodes Wealden and value of local community, pull out all our church family and local Nine individuals and 12 community the stops shops. groups will receive special when their Wealden Chairman’s Community “The spontaneous reaching out Hero awards. friends, we have witnessed since March neighbours and the community has been so comforting to us all. The Chairman is looking forward need assistance in times of to meeting all the recipients and trouble,” said Councillor Pam “I feel immensely proud to live presenting their awards when Doodes, Chairman of Wealden amongst the generous people of she visits their communities. District Council. Wealden. Huge, grateful thanks to everyone for their kindness, The Roll of Honour will be “So much assistance was given, thoughtfulness and unfailing and displayed at the Council Offices great and small, without fuss and continuing help to others.” and on the Wealden website. bother. From keeping in touch Our Wealden Community Individual Heroes are:

Kelly Ellis, : Pippa Cross, Herstmonceux: The Pastoral Minister, for her shopping trips and Setting up the local parish support scheme from keeping in touch with everyone. day one, organising the helpline and deliveries, then helping re-shape the service as lockdown Kate Harris, : eased. Supporting local need from her well-stocked village : shop and providing a lifeline to villagers through Lee Boyce, shopping deliveries. Caring for the dogs and cats of vulnerable owners on top of many hours volunteering for an animal Margaret Taylor and Family, Fletching: charity. Raising more than £5,000 for St Peter & St James Pevensey: Hospice by making face coverings. Daniel Brookbank, Cooking 30 Easter lunches and then organised 30 Linda Graham, : VE celebration packs for residents who were A tireless contributor to the local community with shielding. her support for older people and help with : transport. Tony Field, Extending the facilities of the village store to meet Dr Annabel Emslie, : the needs of local residents including deliveries to Setting up a WhatsApp group for the village which those isolating. brought the community together and led to other activities. Ready, Our Wealden Community Steady, Group Heroes are: Census The Cuckmere Support Network, : THE decennial census is almost upon us. Continuing to support local people who are shielding, Households across Wealden will soon be taking more than 258 phone calls and delivering 180 prescriptions. asked to take part in the nationwide survey of housing and the population. It has been Supporting Crowborough, Crowborough: carried out every decade since 1801, with 24 co-ordinators and more than 100 volunteers providing the exception of 1941. support to the town’s residents. Information from the digital-first census Local Community Watch, : will help decide how services are planned Providing free, confidential and informal help to residents and funded in your local area. This could which has built lasting links and friendships. mean things like doctors’ surgeries, housing or new bus routes. Hailsham Active, Hailsham: Providing exercise opportunities online & socially distanced Households will receive a letter with a classes to support physical and mental wellbeing. unique access code in the post, allowing them to complete their questionnaire Happy to Help, Heathfield & Waldron: online. Paper questionnaires will be availa- The brainchild of Charlotte Ward of Kings Church; it has ble on request. Census day is March 21 delivered food, prescriptions and matched volunteers to 2021. those feeling isolated. For more information, visit census.gov.uk. Hope Cottage, Hooe: The farm shop delivered groceries to those isolating and introduced a hot meal delivery service and much more. Keep up-to-date with Lily Lovett Theatre Group, Laughton: A Zoom-based theatre group encouraged children to act, planning applications write and sing culminating in a 40-minute online show this FROM the beginning of November, summer. Wealden District Council is no longer MAYFACS, Mayfield: sending letters to adjoining neighbours on planning applications considered to be Mayfield and Five Ashes Community Services mobilised valid . volunteers to support more than 150 people, and published a magazine to keep people entertained during This is in keeping with the Council’s new lockdown. Statement of Community Involvement which was adopted in July. You Raise Me Up, : Applications and associated documents Organised online meetings and drop-in sessions for are published on the Council’s website bereaved families and others needing support and advice. and one or more site notices will be St Martin, Rotherfield: displayed near the application site. Certain applications are advertised in local The local charity for older people focussed on preventing newspapers in line with statutory loneliness. regulations. Our free My Alerts email newsletter continues to provide details of Uckfield: Uckfield Food Outreach Box Service, the three planning applications closest to Volunteers liaised with local farms and a supermarket to your address each week. provide 300 food boxes for isolating households. You can also subscribe for email alert Carillon Cottage, : updates on specific planning applications. You can find out more by visiting the The centre mobilised a large number of volunteers to help Keeping up-to-date with planning applica- with groceries, prescriptions, meals and hospital visits. tions page on the Wealden website. Over the past few weeks, East Sussex County Council has mailed out recycling stickers and a useful leaflet to every household in Wealden as well as other parts of the Partnership area. The sticker can be attached to the recycling bin as reminder each week as to what can be recycled. The initiative comes at no cost to East Sussex County Council or the District and Borough Councils. The leaflet has been largely funded by Viridor, the company that receives and processes our recycling, as part of their commitment to improve recycling quality. The sticker is funded by the East Sussex Joint Waste Collection Partnership via grant funding to promote recycling and increase kerbside collection of small electrical items. May 6: your election date for 2021

MAY 6 will be a busy time for markings and face masks. local elections in Wealden with Voters will also have the option voting taking place for East to vote by post or proxy. Sussex County Council, the Information about both ways of Sussex Police and Crime voting can be found on the Commissioner and the vacant elections pages of the Wealden Are you ready? seats for Hailsham South, Heath- website. If you’re thinking about field North and Heathfield South. voting by post, you can apply TIME is running out. The UK is There will also be vacancies to now. This will make sure the leaving the EU single market decide on a number of parish application is processed early. and customs union on the 31st December 2020. This will affect and town councils, and two Everyone needs to be registered Neighbourhood Planning Refer- citizens and businesses, as well to vote in order to have a say at as travel to and from the EU. endums- Hellingly and Hailsham. the elections. If you were not On current advice, we are able to respond to Wealden’s You need to take action now if expecting all polling stations to canvass of voters this autumn, you're: be open. Arrangements are being you can register to vote online at • Importing goods into the put in place to ensure voters and www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . UK. polling station staff are safe from any Covid infection. These will • Exporting goods from the include many of the measures UK . we’ve become used to in shops • Travelling to the EU. and banks over recent months, • Living and working in the such as hand sanitiser, floor EU. • Staying in the UK if you're Technology gives public a voice at planning meetings an EU citizen. WEALDEN District Council and are available to watch live or Check what you need to do to welcomed its first members of the recorded via YouTube. The recent be ready at www.gov.uk/ public to speak live at their virtual introduction of new software now transition. Planning Committee North means individual residents can Further information about the meeting on 12 November. join the Planning Committee impact on East Sussex can be More than 30 meetings have now meetings and share their views on found on the County Council’s taken place online since March submitted planning applications. website.

For further information about any of the articles in this Parish Bulletin, please contact Policy, Insight & Communications on 01892 602745 or [email protected]