One Week to Go: Have Your Say on Hailsham’s Neighbourhood Plan

With just over a week remaining, Hailsham Town Council is urging residents, businesses and community organisations to take part in the public consultation on the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan before the opportunity to comment closes.

The consultation, being run by Wealden District Council on behalf of Hailsham Town Council, closes on Monday 31 August. This is an important opportunity for the community to review the revised Plan and help shape the policies that could influence planning and development decisions in Hailsham for many years to come.

The Neighbourhood Plan is a key document for the town. It sets out a long-term vision for how Hailsham should evolve and provides locally focused planning policies intended to ensure that future development reflects the character, needs and priorities of the community.

The revised Plan has been produced by Hailsham Town Council in collaboration with local stakeholders, following a detailed review of the original Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in 2021. The review has taken account of changes to national planning policy, as well as the changing circumstances and priorities of Hailsham.

If successfully adopted, the updated Plan will become an important consideration when planning applications are assessed. It will help provide a stronger local voice in decisions about development and how the town grows in the future.

Among the key areas covered by the revised Plan are policies aimed at:

• Supporting and improving community facilities and infrastructure.
• Maintaining and strengthening the vitality of Hailsham town centre.
• Ensuring new development is appropriate to Hailsham’s character and distinctive identity.
• Improving opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport.
• Protecting important green spaces, landscapes and biodiversity.
• Promoting sustainable development and helping Hailsham respond to climate change.

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The consultation deadline is now fast approaching, and I would strongly encourage everyone who has an interest in Hailsham to take this opportunity to have their say.”

“Neighbourhood planning gives our community an important opportunity to help influence the future shape of the town. The revised Plan has been developed with Hailsham’s long-term needs in mind, but it is essential that people take the time to look at the proposals and tell us what they think.”

She added: “You don’t need to be a planning expert to take part. If you live, work or run a business in Hailsham, or represent a local community organisation, your views are important. Even if you only have a short amount of time available, I would encourage you to read the key information and submit a response before the consultation closes.”

The consultation documents, supporting evidence and online response form are available to view on Wealden District Council’s website.

Residents who would prefer to view the documents in person can also access hard copies during the consultation period. These are available at the following locations, subject to their opening hours:

• 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.

The consultation represents one of the final opportunities for the public to comment on the revised Plan before it moves to the next stage of the neighbourhood planning process.

Following the close of the consultation, representations received will be reviewed and considered before the revised Neighbourhood Plan is submitted for independent examination. An independent examiner will then assess whether the Plan meets the required legal and policy tests.

Subject to the outcome of the examination and any recommendations made, the Plan is expected to proceed to a local referendum. This would give Hailsham residents the final say on whether the revised Neighbourhood Plan should be formally adopted.

Councillor Laxton concluded: “Hailsham is continuing to change and develop, and the decisions made today can have an impact on the town for decades to come. The Neighbourhood Plan is about making sure that local priorities are properly reflected in that future.”

“With only a short time left to respond, please don’t miss the opportunity to have your voice heard. Take a look at the revised Plan, consider what it could mean for Hailsham and submit your comments before Monday 31 August.”

Hailsham Town Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to take action now and make sure their views are included before the consultation closes.