The Mid Sussex Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) has been found 'sound' by a government appointed Planning Inspector.

The Mid Sussex District Plan 2014-2031, which was adopted in March 2018, sets out in broad terms what, where, when and how development will take place in Mid Sussex up until 2031. The Sites Allocation DPD was required by the Planning Inspector to identify more sites to ensure the housing and employment needs of the district are met in full. The Site Allocation DPD addresses that requirement and recommends 22 housing and 7 employment sites, as well as a Science and Technology Park to the west of Burgess Hill.

Work to prepare the Site Allocations DPD began in 2018. It has been shaped by two public consultations before being submitted to the Independent Planning Inspector for final assessment and a public examination in December 2020.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

"The Site Allocations Development Plan Document was required as part of the adoption of the current District Plan in order to 'top up' housing supply in the coming years. The finding by the Independent Inspector that the Document is sound and can be adopted is an important step. Once adopted, it will help to protect Mid Sussex from speculative, unplanned developments by ensuring we continue to have a five-year housing land supply.

"I am also delighted that the Inspector has approved the Council's preferred location for a new regionally-significant Science and Technology Park along the A2300 west of Burgess Hill. This is an important part of our local economic plan to ensure Mid Sussex continues to attract innovative businesses and high-quality jobs to our area".

The Independent Planning Inspector's final report is available to view on the Mid Sussex District Council website at www.midsussex.gov.uk/SitesDPD.

Mid Sussex District Council will be recommended to adopt the Site Allocations DPD at a meeting on 29 June 2022