Time Is Running Out to Have Your Say on the Future of Hailsham

Hailsham Town Council is urging residents, businesses and stakeholders who have not yet taken part in the Regulation 14 public consultation on the updated Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan to do so before the survey closes on 14 February. With the deadline fast approaching, there is now limited time left to help shape the future of the town.

The six-week consultation provides an important opportunity for the community to comment on the revised Neighbourhood Plan, which will guide future development and be used to help determine planning applications in Hailsham.

During recent public drop-in sessions held at venues across the town in January, as well as through responses submitted online, residents raised a number of key concerns and priorities, including:

• The future of the High Street, particularly the number of empty units and the mix of shops available

• The need for a walk-in medical or accident and emergency facility to support the town’s growing population

• Traffic congestion, poor traffic flow and regular gridlock in the town centre

• Improved bus routes and better public transport connectivity

• The need for additional facilities at Hailsham Country Park, such as public toilets

• New housing development taking place without sufficient supporting infrastructure

• Greater investment by South East Water in pipeline maintenance and the provision of an additional reservoir

The revised Neighbourhood Plan builds on the original Plan adopted in 2021 and reflects updated community priorities, changes in national planning policy and the evolving development landscape. It sets out a clear, community-led vision for how Hailsham should grow and develop over the next decade and beyond, covering key themes such as housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change and local services.

Key priorities within the draft Plan include:

• Supporting new and improved community facilities in accessible locations

• Enhancing the vitality and attractiveness of Hailsham town centre

• Ensuring new development respects local character and identity

• Improving public transport, walking and cycling routes

• Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity and community amenity spaces

A significant new addition to the updated Plan is the Design Guide and Code, developed to ensure that future development respects Hailsham’s character, strengthens local identity and supports sustainable growth. The Design Code sets out clear and enforceable principles relating to building styles, materials, layouts, landscaping and public spaces, in line with national guidance and best practice.

Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The Neighbourhood Plan has been created for the community, by the community. It gives local people a real opportunity to influence how Hailsham develops in the years ahead and will play an important role in determining future planning applications. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has already shared their views, and we now want to hear from those who have not yet taken part.”

REGULATION 14 PUBLIC CONSULTATION – CLOSING SOON

The public consultation on the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan and accompanying Design Code closes on 14 February. Residents, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the documents and submit their feedback via the online survey.

>>View the revised HAILSHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

>>Complete the REGULATION 14 SURVEY (Google form)

Survey forms can also be downloaded, printed and returned by hand or by post to Hailsham Town Council, Inglenook, Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE.

Cllr Laxton added: “Our updated Neighbourhood Plan has been shaped through detailed research and valuable contributions from local people. It sets out a clear vision for Hailsham’s future, supporting improvements to our town centre, infrastructure, facilities and overall quality of life.”

“If you haven’’t yet completed the survey, I strongly encourage you to do so before the deadline. This is your opportunity to make sure the final Neighbourhood Plan truly reflects the priorities and aspirations of those who live and work in Hailsham – but there isn’t long left!”