Final Weeks to Comment on Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan

Hailsham Town Council is reminding residents, businesses and community organisations that there is still time to have their say on the future of the town by taking part in the public consultation on the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan.

The consultation, being conducted by Wealden District Council on behalf of Hailsham Town Council, remains open until Monday 31 August and provides one of the final opportunities for the community to comment on the updated Plan before it progresses to independent examination.

The revised Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by Hailsham Town Council in partnership with local stakeholders following an extensive review of the original Plan, which was adopted in 2021. The updated document reflects changes in national planning policy while responding to local priorities and the evolving needs of the town.

Once adopted, the Plan will help guide planning decisions and influence how Hailsham develops in the years ahead. It sets out a long-term vision for the town and includes policies designed to:

• Support and improve community facilities.
• Strengthen the vitality of the town centre.
• Ensure new development respects Hailsham’s character and identity.
• Improve walking, cycling and public transport connections.
• Protect and enhance green spaces and biodiversity.
• Encourage sustainable development and help address climate change.

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The revised Neighbourhood Plan will play a significant role in shaping Hailsham’s future, so it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to contribute before the consultation closes.”

“We know people are passionate about the future of our town, and this is their chance to help influence how Hailsham grows and develops over the coming years. Whether you’re a resident, business owner or member of a local organisation, we encourage you to take a few moments to read the Plan and submit your comments.”

The consultation documents, supporting information and online response form can be viewed on Wealden District Council’s website.

For anyone wishing to read the documents in person, hard copies are available throughout the consultation period (excluding Bank Holiday Monday 31 August) at:

• Hailsham Town Council Offices, Market Street (Members’ Room): Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm.
• James West Community Centre, Brunel Drive: Tuesday to Friday, 10am-2pm.
• Hailsham Library, Western Road: Monday 12pm-5pm, Tuesday 12pm-5pm, Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.
• Wealden District Council Offices, Vicarage Lane: Monday 8.30am-5pm, Tuesday 8.30am-5pm, Wednesday 9am-5pm, Thursday 8.30am-5pm and Friday 8.30am-5pm.

Once the consultation has closed, all responses will be considered before the revised Neighbourhood Plan is submitted for independent examination. Subject to the examiner’s recommendations, the final stage of the process is expected to be a local referendum, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether the updated Plan should be formally adopted.

Hailsham Town Council is encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of the town to take part before the consultation closes on Monday 31 August, ensuring their views are represented as the revised Neighbourhood Plan moves towards its final stages.