Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has met with representatives of the Rotherfield Protection Group who, alongside other groups and local residents, have raised their concerns about the planned changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Specifically, the concerns are regarding proposed changes to paragraph 61 of the 2023 NPPF, which currently states that There may be exceptional circumstances including relating to the particular demographic characteristics of the area which justify an alternative approach to assessing housing need. It is understood that the proposed changes would remove the ‘exceptional circumstances’ provision when assessing housing requirements.
Nusrat Ghani said: “I have been contacted by many local communities who continue to raise their concerns regarding the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and have been making thoughtful and data-driven submissions into the consultation. I agree that the rural character of your constituency and the constraints of our Natural Landscape should be taken into account and considered in determining the capacity of the district to accommodate major housebuilding. It is imperative that Ministers read local responses to the consultation and appreciate the challenges that are faced by us in the South East, who fully acknowledge that we do need more homes and a level of development in Sussex Weald is inevitable, but also that there must be a healthy balance. I have held multiple meetings with several Housing Ministers and Secretaries of State since 2015 to represent concerns of both local councillors and local residents who wanted to challenge the viability of the planning model created in Westminster and its suitability to the geography and infrastructure challenges in Sussex Weald. I have made further representations to Ministers regarding the NPPF consultation and sought assurances that submissions to the consultation from Sussex Weald residents and organisations were received and will be considered.”
Please note that decisions on local planning and individual applications are made by Wealden District Council, which is led by the Green & Liberal Democrat Coalition.
