Delight as Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan is approved by planning inspector

Following a public hearing held in the Village Hall on February 18, the examiner, John Slater, issued his final report – approving the plan.

In his report, he said: “I must congratulate Hellingly Parish Council for preparing a locally distinct and focussed neighbourhood plan, which seeks to deliver on the expressed priorities of the community.

“The plan delivers on its two main objectives namely to protect the rural character of the parish and secondly to retain the individual character of the existing settlements within Hellingly Parish, whilst recognising that the parish will continue to grow, as a result of the strategic policies for this area, which lies on the northern edge of the town of Hailsham.

“I am therefore delighted to recommend to Wealden District Council that the Hellingly Neighbourhood Plan, as modified by my recommendations, should now proceed to referendum.”

Among the plan’s policies, it sets out specific design criteria for the new development in each of the four main settlements – Hellingly Village, Lower Dicker, Lower Horsebridge and Roebuck Park.

It identifies the northern part of the parish as a Locally Valued Landscape Area where development will only be permitted if it is not detrimental to its rural character, scenic quality or visual amenities.

The plan also designates five Local Green Spaces, including the privately owned Festival of Transport field and the Union Corner allotments, where development will be ruled out except in special circumstances.

Meanwhile it includes policies to protect and enhance biodiversity including local wildlife sites and biodiversity opportunity areas and supports proposals for the diversification and development of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses.

David White, chairman of Hellingly Parish Council, said: “Approval of the plan is a major achievement for a small parish such as Hellingly, especially given the obstacles faced along the way.

“It will now carry weight in the determination of planning applications in the parish. This is important because the adopted Wealden Local Plan is seven years old and in part relies on policies 22 years old.

“I thank everyone who has helped to bring it to fruition – the Project Team, the Steering Group and the many residents who attended our consultation meetings and answered our questionnaires.”

Wealden District Council is unable to provide a date for the referendum currently. This is in accordance with government guidance.

It appears that the government will suspend local and mayoral elections for a full year until May 6, 2021, and the current advice is that Neighbourhood Plan referendums should adopt a similar position.

The inspector’s report can be viewed on the Hellingly Parish Council website.