Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan Review Progresses to Next Stage

At its meeting of Full Council held last Wednesday [25 March], Hailsham Town Council agreed to submit the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood (Development) Plan to Wealden District Council.

The next stage will be independent examination of the Plan and then, subject to a successful outcome, a local referendum at which residents will be asked to decide whether the Plan should be formally adopted.

This milestone follows a successful Regulation 14 consultation, which demonstrated strong community engagement and broad support for the draft revised Plan.

The consultation, organised by the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee and its partners, took place throughout January and February. Residents, businesses, statutory consultees and local organisations were invited to comment on the draft document.

Originally adopted in July 2021, the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan recently carried out a full review. The revised version builds on the existing Plan, taking account of updated local priorities, changes to national planning policy and the evolving development context within the town.

The Plan sets out a clear, community-led framework for future growth in Hailsham over the coming years, addressing key issues including housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change and local services.

Key policy priorities

The revised Plan includes a number of key policy areas, including:

• Supporting the delivery and improvement of community facilities in accessible locations
• Enhancing the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre
• Ensuring new development reflects local character and identity
• Improving public transport provision, alongside walking and cycling infrastructure
• Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity and accessible open spaces

Strong community support

Feedback from the Regulation 14 consultation indicates a high level of support for the Plan’s overall direction. Survey results show that approximately 73% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed policies. A further 17% neither agreed nor disagreed, while around 10% expressed disagreement.

Responses were received from a broad cross-section of the community. Nearly half of respondents were aged over 65, while younger residents were also represented, including contributions from those under the age of 18.

Key themes from consultation feedback

The consultation generated detailed feedback across a range of policy areas:

• Community infrastructure: Strong support was expressed for improvements to local facilities, including calls for a new minor injuries unit.
• Town centre: Respondents highlighted the need to improve the appearance and maintenance of shopfronts and to attract a wider mix of businesses. In response, the Plan proposes the development of a place-branding strategy to enhance the town’s profile and support inward investment.
• Parking and accessibility: Residents emphasised the importance of maintaining adequate parking provision. The Plan does not propose a reduction in overall parking capacity but supports more efficient use of existing spaces, alongside improved walking, cycling and public transport options.
• Housing: There was support for a broader mix of housing, particularly smaller homes, starter properties and accommodation for older residents. The Plan will be updated to reflect findings from a recent Housing Needs Survey, which identifies demand for downsizing opportunities and more compact housing.
• Transport: Concerns were raised regarding congestion and bus service provision. The Plan identifies a project for the Town Council to work with transport providers to improve bus services and explore community transport options, particularly in less well-served areas.
• Environment: Respondents strongly supported measures to protect the natural environment, including the Pevensey Levels, enhance biodiversity and improve green spaces. The Plan has been strengthened to reference a potential 20% biodiversity net gain target within the emerging Wealden Local Plan.
• Recreation and leisure: Residents highlighted opportunities to enhance existing green spaces, particularly Hailsham Country Park, including the potential provision of facilities such as public toilets and a café.

Plan strengthened through consultation

In addition to policy-specific feedback, respondents raised wider concerns including pressure on infrastructure, street maintenance, littering and pavement parking. The revised Plan will include clearer references to the responsibilities of relevant authorities and, where appropriate, enforcement mechanisms.

To improve accessibility, the Town Council will also consider producing an Executive Summary of the Plan at the referendum stage.

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The consultation has provided valuable feedback from residents, businesses and organisations across Hailsham, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute.”

“It is particularly encouraging to see strong support for the Plan’s overall vision and policies. This feedback will help us refine and strengthen the document to ensure it reflects the priorities of our community.”

“Over 200 residents also attended our drop-in exhibitions in February, demonstrating a high level of local interest and engagement.”

Councillor Laxton added: “The Neighbourhood Plan is a key tool in shaping the future of Hailsham. It enables us to guide development in a way that supports sustainable growth while protecting the character and qualities that make the town distinctive.”

The Regulation 14 consultation process was designed to ensure inclusive and meaningful engagement. The level of participation and feedback received provides a strong foundation as the Plan progresses to the next stage.