Wealden District Council has ratified a new strategic direction – one that will prioritise well-being and the environment in all council policies over the next four years.
The high-level strategy, which was previously known as the corporate plan, was drafted by the Alliance for Wealden, a working partnership between members of the Liberal Democrat Party and Green Party that took on political leadership of the council in May 2023. The strategy was ratified in vote at a Full Council meeting on 22nd November 2023.
"People and nature thriving together, that's the vision," says Cllr Rachel Millward, deputy Leader of Wealden District Council and Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Sussex Weald.
Read the strategy here.
The strategy sets out three priorities: Climate Change and our Environment; Community Resilience and Wellbeing; and the Local Economy – and places emphasis on community engagement.
It also sets out how Wealden will face up to the challenges of a growing population, climate change, nature loss and historic underinvestment, while building on its advantages of a strong economy and being a great place to live.
Councillor Rachel Millward said, “This strategy will guide our direction of travel from here on. In every decision, we will ask ourselves: how does this serve nature, deepen community resilience and strengthen our local economy? It’s our promise to residents that we will be open, honest and transparent as a council. We are looking forward to finding new ways to listen to our communities and expect this strategy to develop as we do.”
Listen to Rachel’s interview with Ashdown Radio.
The strategy will inform the new Local Plan for development, which is being drafted and will be debated at council on February 8th 2024.
Councillor Ian Tysh, who represents the Maresfield ward and who is lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said: “The council’s commitment to a new Local Plan is strong. We want a Local Plan to help ensure that development can be managed in accordance with strong innovative policies around climate change, the built and natural environment, biodiversity net gain, our local economy, housing standards and more besides.”