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 Wealden District 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 Sussex 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 Crowborough to work and visit.” locations to drive footfall Pevensey 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.