More than 14,000 homes could be built in East Sussex after Wealden District Council approved their Local Plan.
The authority has agreed to a proposal to build around 950 homes every year for the next decade.
This is in order to deliver the target 14,228 properties within the 2013 to 2028 time period.
Frant, Bells Yew Green, Heathfield and Mark Cross are among the list of places where development would be permissible.
But the council does not choose how many houses are built where, rather, it is up to a developer to present a plan.
Ashdown Forest is set to be safeguarded under a clause in the Local Plan.
This states no residential development will be allowed within 400m of the historic forest, unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’.
Examination
Now the Conservative-led Wealden District Council has given the go-ahead, the Local Plan will be forwarded to the Secretary of State for examination.
An amendment to the Local Plan, proposed by Cllr David White and seconded by Cllr Stephen Shing, seeking to relocate a proposed development site in Lower Horsebridge failed.
Cllr Ann Newton, Cabinet member for Planning, said: ‘Our proposals are in line with the latest Government aims to meet the widespread housing need.
‘Mitigation measures and a thorough review system will ensure that the growth and prosperity needed in Wealden does not conflict with our many environmental responsibilities.
‘These include Ashdown Forest, one of the largest stretches of lowland heath in Britain; the Lewes Chalk Downs and the Pevensey Levels.
‘Developers will be expected to install certain infrastructure items on site and make a contribution to ensure this protection succeeds.’
