District Plan: consultation opens on proposed changes

- 28/07/2026

The Mid Sussex District Plan is currently being examined by a government-appointed Planning Inspector. As part of the examination, the Inspector is now consulting on some proposed changes to the Plan.

The Mid Sussex District Plan (2021–2040) is currently being examined by a government-appointed Planning Inspector. The Plan sets out how future homes, jobs and infrastructure will be delivered across Mid Sussex, helping the Council plan strategically and make sure development is supported by the infrastructure it needs, which requires long-term planning.

The Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination in July 2024. Following public hearings held in February and March 2026, the Planning Inspector has recommended a number of proposed changes, known as Main Modifications. These modifications are considered necessary to ensure that the District Plan is legally compliant and sound.

The Inspector is consulting on these proposed changes for a six-week period, from Monday 27 July until 11.59pm on Monday 7 September 2026. This consultation relates only to the proposed Main Modifications and not to the District Plan as a whole. Comments on any other aspects of the Plan will not be accepted by the Inspector.

All comments received by the deadline will be sent to the Inspector for consideration. Comments received after the consultation closes will not be accepted by the Inspector.

The Inspector is consulting on the following: DP2a Schedule of Main Modifications, DP16 Sustainability Appraisal – Main Modifications Report, DP17 Habitat Regulations Assessment – Main Modifications Report, C8 Community Involvement Plan, and C9 Equalities Impact Assessment.

The Council will collect comments on behalf of the Inspector to help inform the next steps of the examination.

Comments should be submitted using the Main Modifications Consultation Web Page. Comments can also be sent by post to Planning Policy, Mid Sussex District Plan, Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands, Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1SS, or by email to policyconsultation@midsussex.gov.uk. 

Consultation site link: District Plan Review - Examination - Mid Sussex District Council