Mid Sussex District Council approves draft District Plan for government review

Mid Sussex District Council has unanimously agreed the draft District Plan for publication and submission to Central Government.

The plan, which will now face public consultation in May, was discussed at a special meeting of the council on March 18.

“Our draft District Plan takes a balanced approach to the future development of Mid Sussex,” said Councillor Norman Webster, cabinet member for planning.

“It supports our local economy, it ensures future generations can continue to live locally and it protects the special characteristics of Mid Sussex that make this part of the world such a wonderful place to live.

“This final public consultation gives local people one more chance to have their say on the future of Mid Sussex. The District Plan will then be sent to the Government for examination and I am eager to see it adopted because it will provide our local communities with greater protection against unwelcome planning applications.”

The plan has been prepared with the help of town and parish councils.

A spokesman for the council said: “The draft District Plan aims to facilitate 650 homes per year, a sensible level of new housing and employment space that supports jobs, the economy and the needs of neighbouring areas.”

The plan sets out where, when and how development will take place over the next 17 years.

The finalised plan will be published for public consultation after the national and local elections in May.

It is expected that examination of the plan and supporting documentation will take place towards the end of 2015.

The first plan created by the council was set back in December 2013 after the planning inspector said the blueprint failed to meet the Localism Act’s Duty to Co-operate.