Wealden’s “impossible housing targets” are to be scrapped, the next prime minister has confirmed to Conservatives running the district council.
It’s a move which has been welcomed with jubilation by council leader Ann Newton, her Cabinet and councillors who were becoming increasingly frustrated with the current situation.
Both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have made it clear that they will not continue with the imposition of housing numbers as previously implemented.
“We are delighted that common sense will mean that the top-down imposition of housing figures and targets on local authorities will be abolished”, says Wealden’s Conservative council leader Ann Newton.
“We have been lobbying the various Secretaries of State and Housing Ministers ever since the notion was introduced, telling then that it was just unworkable”, added Cllr Newton.
“Now, both candidates seeking to be the new Prime Minister accept, as we have said all the time, that the AONB and the rural character of our area not only should, but must be preserved for ourselves and future generations.”
Although not celebrating until the detail has been announced, Wealden Conservatives are confident that a more appropriate planning regime will exist, and one appropriate to the largely rural nature of the district.
