Hailsham Town Council will launch the Regulation 14 public consultation for the updated Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan, beginning on 3rd January 2026. This six-week consultation period will mark 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 will officially begin on 3rd January 2026 and run until 14th February 2026. During this period, residents, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to review the documents and provide feedback through an online survey – which will be available on the Town Council website (hailsham-tc.gov.uk) from the consultation start date.
When made available to the public, the survey forms can also be downloaded, printed and submitted by hand or post to the Town Council offices.
The revised Neighbourhood Plan, Design Code, and further information will be available on the Hailsham Town Council website from 3rd January 2026.
To help inform the public and encourage feedback, the Town Council will be 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 – 12pm, 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 – 12pm, 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: “The updated Neighbourhood Plan has been developed based on extensive evidence and community input. It outlines policies that will help shape Hailsham’s growth in the years to come, including improvements to our town centre and infrastructure.”
“We encourage all residents to get involved and share their views so we can ensure the final Neighbourhood Plan truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community!”
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk