The meeting focused on procedural matters, approval of previous meeting minutes, and two main agenda items: the High Weald AONB Management Plan and the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan.

High Weald AONB Management Plan 2024-2029

The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan was discussed. The plan, which is updated every five years, has been worked on by officers from 15 local authorities and other stakeholders. The plan has been approved by the Joint Advisory Committee of the High Weald and other involved authorities. David Sculley presented the report, noting that the AONB is now referred to as the High Weald National Landscape.

The plan includes five recommendations:

1. Approval of the management plan.
2. Agreement on the service level agreement and future funding.
3. Adoption of the High Weald National Landscapes Dark Skies Planning Advice Notice.

The plan aims to guide development and other activities within the High Weald National Landscape for the next five years. It also includes new sections on climate change and other updated guidance. The service level agreement sets out roles and responsibilities and includes an increase in funding, which has been agreed upon by most authorities. The Dark Skies Planning Advice Notice aims to minimize light pollution.

Councillor Warren highlighted the importance of the management plan and the new landscapes duty under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act, which requires public bodies to actively seek to further the purposes of conserving and enhancing natural beauty. The council agreed to include training for all councillors on the new plan and duty.

Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan

The Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan, which has been in production since 2020, was discussed. The plan has been examined by an independent examiner, Mr. Andrew Ashcroft, who recommended some modifications. The parish council has agreed to these modifications, and the plan is now ready to proceed to a referendum scheduled for September 5, 2024.

Key modifications include:

1. Deletion of certain policies and elements that were in conflict with the emerging local plan.
2. Recasting of some policies for clarity.

The plan will become part of the statutory development plan for Capel Parish if it passes the referendum. The council agreed to progress the plan to the referendum and publish the decision statement.

Councillor Fairweather and Councillor O'Keefe praised the thoroughness of the plan and the efforts of Capel Parish. Councillor O'Keefe raised a concern about the exclusion of allotments from the local green spaces, but it was clarified that this decision was based on national policy criteria.

Other Business

The meeting also discussed the possibility of holding future meetings online via Teams, but no final decision was made. The next meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2024.