Hailsham Town Council has launched the Regulation 14 public consultation for the updated Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan. The six-week consultation, running until 14th February, marks a key step in shaping the future of Hailsham.
After extensive community engagement, expert input and careful revision, the revised Neighbourhood Plan builds upon the foundations of the original version of the Plan, which was adopted in 2021. It reflects significant updates to local priorities, national planning policies and the evolving development landscape. The Plan sets out a clear, community-led vision for how Hailsham should grow over the next decade and beyond, addressing key issues such as housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change and local services.
Key policies in the draft Plan include:
Supporting new and improved community facilities in accessible locations across Hailsham
Enhancing the vibrancy of the town centre
Ensuring new development responds well to local character and identity
Improving public transport and walking/cycling routes for better accessibility
Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity, and community amenity spaces
A notable addition to the updated Plan is the new Design Guide & Code, created to ensure that all new developments in Hailsham respect the town’s character, contribute to local identity and promote sustainability. The Design Code provides clear, enforceable principles on building styles, materials, layouts, landscaping and public spaces, in line with government guidance and best practices in urban design.
Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, commented: “The Neighbourhood Plan has been created for the community by the community. It will enable us to help shape future development in Hailsham and will be used to determine planning applications in the area. Many thanks to all who previously provided ideas for inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan. We have used those ideas to prepare a draft Plan and are now seeking your feedback on this.”
The public consultation on the revised Neighbourhood Plan and accompanying Design Code runs from 3rd January until 14th February. During this period, residents, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to review the documents and provide feedback through an online survey.
>>View the revised HAILSHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
>>Complete the REGULATION 14 SURVEY
The survey forms can also be downloaded, printed and submitted by hand or post to the Town Council offices (Inglenook, Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE).
To help inform the public and encourage feedback, the Town Council is hosting a series of public exhibitions across the town, where residents can learn more about the draft Plan, ask questions and share their views:
Wednesday 14th January 2026
10.30am – 12 noon, Railway Club, Station Youth Centre, Western Road
2pm – 4pm, James West Community Centre, Brunel Drive
6pm – 7.30pm, Dippy Doodahs Café, 52 High Street
Wednesday 21st January 2026
10.30am – 12 noon, James West Community Centre, Brunel Drive
2pm – 4pm, Members’ Room, Town Council Offices (Inglenook), Market Street
6pm – 7.30pm, Dippy Doodahs Café, 52 High Street
Wednesday 28th January 2026
5pm – 6.30pm, Hailsham Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane
Paper copies of the consultation survey will be available at the public exhibitions.
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 and a set of policies to guide Hailsham’s future development – supporting enhancements to our town centre, local facilities, infrastructure and the overall wellbeing of our community.”
“I encourage all residents to take part in the consultation and share their thoughts. Your feedback is essential in making sure the final Neighbourhood Plan truly represents the priorities, hopes and ambitions of everyone who lives and works in Hailsham. This is your opportunity to help influence the town’s future – so please get involved and make your voice heard!”
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk