Hailsham Town Council has welcomed strong community engagement and broad support following the recent Regulation 14 consultation on the review of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan.
The consultation, organised by the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee and its partners, took place throughout January and February 2026 and invited residents, businesses, statutory consultees and local organisations to comment on the draft revised Plan.
Originally produced in July 2021, the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan is undergoing its first full review. The revised draft builds on the foundations of the adopted 2021 Plan, reflecting updated local priorities, changes to national planning policy and the evolving development landscape in Hailsham.
The Plan sets out a clear, community-led vision for how the town should grow over the coming decade and beyond, addressing key themes such as housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change and local services.
Key policy areas in the revised Plan include:
Supporting new and improved community facilities in accessible locations across Hailsham
Enhancing the vibrancy and attractiveness of the town centre
Ensuring new development responds positively to local character and identity
Improving public transport, walking and cycling routes to enhance accessibility
Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity and community amenity spaces
Feedback received during the consultation indicates significant support for the overall direction and policies of the draft Plan.
Survey responses showed that, on average, approximately 73% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed with the policies, while 17% neither agreed nor disagreed. Only around 10% expressed disagreement or strong disagreement with the policies overall.
Responses were received from a broad range of residents. A high proportion of responses (around 47%) came from residents aged over 65, while younger voices were also represented, with around 8% of responses coming from those aged under 18.
The consultation also generated a wide range of comments on specific policy themes.
Residents expressed strong support for improving community infrastructure, including the need for a new minor injuries unit.
In the town centre, respondents highlighted the need to improve the appearance and maintenance of shopfronts and attract a broader mix of businesses. In response, the Plan will include proposals for a place-branding strategy to help raise the profile of Hailsham and encourage inward investment.
Residents also emphasised the importance of maintaining adequate parking provision in the town centre. The Plan does not propose reducing overall parking availability, but instead supports better use of existing space alongside improved walking, cycling and public transport options.
In terms of housing and development, many respondents supported a greater mix of homes, particularly smaller homes, flats, starter homes and accommodation for older residents. The Plan will be updated to reflect findings from a recent Housing Needs Survey, which highlights demand for more smaller homes and downsizing opportunities.
Transport and movement were another key area of discussion, with residents raising concerns about congestion and bus service quality. In response, the Plan identifies a new project for the Town Council to work with transport providers to improve bus services and explore support for community transport in less well-connected areas.
There was also strong support for policies aimed at protecting the natural environment, particularly the Pevensey Levels, enhancing biodiversity and improving green spaces. The Plan has been strengthened to reference a potential 20% biodiversity net gain target in the emerging Wealden Local Plan and to promote greater awareness of the area’s sensitive habitats.
In terms of recreation recreation and leisure, residents expressed the need for some of the town’s green spaces to be enhanced, including the introduction of facilities at Hailsham Country Park in particular, including public toilets and a cafe.
In addition to these policy themes, respondents raised wider issues including pressure on infrastructure, street maintenance, littering and pavement parking. The Plan will be updated to clarify responsibilities of statutory providers and local authorities, as well as referencing enforcement powers where appropriate.
The Town Council will also consider producing an Executive Summary of the Plan at the submission and referendum stages to help improve accessibility for residents.
Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The consultation on the review of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan has provided invaluable feedback from residents, businesses and organisations across our community. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond.”
“I’m also delighted to see over 200 residents attend our various drop-in exhibitions held in February.”
“It is very encouraging to see such strong support for the Plan’s overall vision and policies. The feedback we have received will help us strengthen the document further, ensuring it reflects the priorities and aspirations of the people who live and work in Hailsham.”
Cllr Laxton added: “The Neighbourhood Plan is a key tool in shaping the future of our town, helping to guide development in a way that protects what makes Hailsham special while supporting sustainable growth and improved facilities for our community.”
The Regulation 14 consultation process was designed to ensure robust and inclusive engagement, and the feedback received has provided a strong mandate for the revised Plan.
Following submission to Wealden District Council, the draft Neighbourhood Plan will now proceed to independent examination. If approved, the final stage will be a local referendum, where residents will be asked to vote on whether the Plan should be formally adopted.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk