Last Chance to Take Part in Neighbourhood Plan Survey

Hailsham Town Council is calling on residents, local businesses and other stakeholders to take part in the Regulation 14 consultation on the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan before it closes on 14 February. With only a short time remaining, the Council is encouraging anyone who has not yet responded to make their views known and help influence the town’s future.

The six-week consultation allows the community to comment on the updated Neighbourhood Plan, a key document that will guide how Hailsham develops in the years ahead and inform decisions on future planning applications.

Feedback gathered during January’s public drop-in events held at locations across the town, alongside responses submitted online, has highlighted a range of important local issues and priorities. These include:

• The future of the High Street, including vacant premises and the variety of shops on offer

• The need for a walk-in medical or accident and emergency facility to meet the needs of a growing population

• Traffic congestion, poor circulation and frequent gridlock within the town centre

• Improved bus services and stronger public transport links

• Additional facilities at Hailsham Country Park, including public toilets

• Concerns about new housing being delivered without adequate supporting infrastructure

• Calls for increased investment by South East Water in pipeline maintenance and a new reservoir

The revised Neighbourhood Plan builds on the original Plan adopted in 2021, taking account of updated community priorities, changes to national planning policy and the changing development context. It presents a clear, community-led vision for Hailsham’s growth over the next decade and beyond, addressing key areas such as housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change and local services.

The draft Plan focuses on a number of key priorities, including:

• Supporting new and enhanced community facilities in accessible locations

• Improving the vitality, appeal and function of Hailsham town centre

• Ensuring that new development reflects local character and identity

• Enhancing public transport provision alongside walking and cycling routes

• Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity and shared community spaces

A major new feature of the updated Plan is the Design Guide and Code. This has been produced to ensure future development respects Hailsham’s character, reinforces local identity and supports sustainable growth. The Design Code provides clear, enforceable guidance on building styles, materials, layouts, landscaping and public spaces, in line with national guidance and recognised 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.”

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REGULATION 14 PUBLIC CONSULTATION – CLOSING SOON

The Regulation 14 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)

Paper copies of the survey can also be downloaded, completed 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!”