EX2602 WDC Sustainability Appraisal Support - Wealden Local Plan

The Sustainability Appraisal (AS) is an integral and important part of the planning process. It is used to test the evidence underpinning the plan, and it also helps to demonstrate how the tests of 'soundness' for the local plan have been met. The SA process must also be undertaken in accordance with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Regulations.

Wealden District Council would like to engage an SA Specialist to provide an overarching lead and project management of the SA process in liaison with the Planning Policy Team. This would involve providing an overall framework for the SA process and allows for a consistency of approach that officers in the Planning Policy Team can then follow. The commission will ensure officers have both reassurance and confidence in the SA process as well as ensuring that our plan meets the tests of 'soundness' through the SA including at the EiP stage.