The number of new jobs created as a result of planning permissions granted in Wealden has doubled over the past year to 688.
Wealden District Council provides quarterly estimates of new jobs being created through the granting of planning permissions to monitor the effectiveness of its economic development and planning policies.
A forecast total of 688 new jobs have been created in Wealden during 2013/14 compared to a figure of 300 in the previous year. This is the largest increase since Wealden began monitoring increases in projected job creation in 2011/12.
The news was welcomed by Cllr Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Wealden’s June’s Cabinet meeting:
“These figures, together with the latest reduced figures for people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in East Sussex, show that the local economy is improving and is now in pretty sound shape. With just 2.12 per cent of the workforce claiming JSA, we now have pretty much full employment in this part of East Sussex.”
“Our Economic Development and Regeneration Team is providing help to new start-up businesses and we are working closely with the Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency (EDEAL) to provide regular business workshops in Hailsham, Uckfield and Crowborough to support businesses as they grow and expand.”
“We are one the busiest planning districts in the country, and our planning service continues to exceed Government performance targets. When it comes to processing major applications, Wealden completed 83 per cent within 13 weeks compared to the average for English local authorities of 67 per cent. Whilst some people say that the planning process is not pro business – I think this suggests that is simply not true for Wealden.”
Cllr Ann Newton, Cabinet member for Planning and Development, echoed Councillors Galley’s comments:
“These results are even more impressive when you consider the number of recent changes in regulations that the planning service has to take into account when processing applications.”
Under the Government’s new Quality indicator for planning, just 4.3 per cent of Wealden’s major decisions were overturned at appeal. The national average expected target is 20 per cent.
One of the factors underlying economic growth in the District is the number of new homes being built, with 559 new homes completed in 2013/4, well ahead of the target of 450. Of these, 207 were affordable homes, double the Council’s target figure of 100.
The Council has been building its own affordable homes as well as ensuring that planning permission for larger developments includes a significant element of affordable properties to help people on low incomes.
