Page 351 - All files for Planning Inspectorate update

The Plan process has been led by Ashurst Wood Village Council through a small
Steering Group made up of Village Councillors and local residents. Preparatory work
included attending meetings, workshops and conferences to learn more about the
planning system, calling for possible housing sites, making contact with landowners
and finding out residents’ views. The Group has had the benefit of free advice and
support from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Planning Aid and
was awarded a grant to enable it to employ a Planning Consultant.

2.2 Legal Requirements

A Neighbourhood Plan must comply with a number of conditions, known as the Basic
Conditions. These require that the Plan:

 Has regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the
Secretary of State,
 Contributes towards the achievement of sustainable development,
 Is in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the
development plan for the area,
 Does not breach, and is compatible with, European Union (EU) obligations, and
 Is compatible with Convention Rights defined in the Human Rights Act 1998.

National Policies and Advice
The National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF) is the principal document in
which national planning policies are contained. Government guidance is provided on
the Planning Practice Guidance website.

Sustainable Development
The NPPF sets out a presumption in favour of sustainable development. This means
development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. There are three dimensions to
sustainable development: economic, social and environmental.

Development Plan for the area
The local planning authority for the area is Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) and
the relevant Plan is the Mid Sussex Local Plan 2004.

MSDC is in the process of preparing a new District Plan. The Pre-Submission Draft
District Plan was published for consultation in June 2015 and will be submitted to the
Government in the autumn of 2015.

Ashurst Wood lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The
High Weald AONB Management Plan was adopted by MSDC in March 2014 and covers

AWNP March 2016 Page 8