Hailsham residents are being encouraged to help shape the future of their town by taking part in a public consultation on the review of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan.
Following extensive work by Hailsham Town Council and community stakeholders, the revised Neighbourhood Plan has now been submitted to Wealden District Council, which is conducting a Regulation 16 consultation before the Plan proceeds to independent examination.
The consultation will run from Monday 6 July to Monday 31 August, giving residents, businesses and organisations the opportunity to review the updated Plan and submit their comments.
The Neighbourhood Plan, supporting documents and consultation response form will be available online from 6 July via Wealden District Council’s website: Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan Review Consultation.
Originally adopted in 2021, the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan has undergone a comprehensive review to ensure it continues to reflect local priorities, responds to changes in national planning policy and addresses the evolving needs of the town.
The revised Plan sets out a community-led vision for Hailsham’s future development and includes policies aimed at:
Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said: “The Neighbourhood Plan is one of the most important documents influencing how Hailsham develops in the years ahead. It reflects the aspirations of our community and helps ensure that future growth is accompanied by the infrastructure, facilities and environmental protections that residents value. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to read the Plan and share their views during the consultation period.”
Residents who wish to view hard copies of the Neighbourhood Plan and supporting documents can do so at the following locations during the consultation period (except Monday 31st August, which is a bank holiday):
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
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Wealden District Council Offices, Vicarage Lane
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.30am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Following the consultation, the Plan will be considered by an Independent Examiner. Subject to the outcome of the examination, the next stage may include a local referendum, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether the revised Plan should be formally adopted.
Further information on neighbourhood planning and the stages following consultation can be found on Wealden District Council’s website: Neighbourhood Planning Guidance and Support
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk