Council HQ relocation plan delayed

Wealden District Council's headquarters are currently split between Hailsham and Crowborough.

Councillors are considering merging the two into a new site at Ashdown Business Park in Maresfield.

Another option is expanding the Hailsham offices and closing the Crowborough site.

But Wealden councillors now say town and parish 'master plans' need to be taken into account.

Cllr Norman Buck, cabinet holder for change management, said: 'I am aware of the effect the uncertainty has on members of staff and we hope that the matter can be resolved as soon as possible.'

'The decision on a single headquarters location is very important to all Wealden council tax payers.

'In the meantime the council will see what efficiencies can be made in its existing accommodation usage.'

At a cabinet meeting today (Wednesday) in Crowborough, councillors agreed to set up a special working party to study the masterplans.

This would allow an informed decision about the future of the council's headquarters.

The working party will also look at all the pros and cons of moving to a single site.

Issues to be taken into account include Wealden staff losing jobs and loss of income to shops and businesses.

Uckfield Town Council has set up a 'master plan' to assess development plans, known as the Local Development Framework, for the next 20 years.

The plan is designed to give Wealden councillors the town council's perspective on building works.

Hailsham and Hellingly are in the process of setting up similar master plans.