Residents Turn Out for Neighbourhood Plan Drop-in Event

Housing design, transport and accessibility, infrastructure and town centre retail were among the many subjects discussed at the first of two Neighbourhood Plan drop-in consultation events held at the Hailsham Civic Community Hall on Friday [11 August], at which residents and Neighbourhood Planning Team representatives attended.

The public engagement event, organised by the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Planning Committee, enabled residents to provide feedback on the emerging ideas and policies which came about from comments made during consultation events held earlier this year.

There were various display boards outlining the various draft policies and project ideas for the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan in relation to the Hailsham area, for future development sites, and the town centre.

Committee members and volunteers were on hand to answer questions about the way forward with the Plan and listen to the views of residents on how future housing development can best be accommodated in the future.

A soft-play area was available for children on the day and parents stated it was encouraging to see such activities for children to participate in.

“Thanks to all residents who came along to our first of two new public consultations and to everyone who helped organise and staff the event,” said Councillor Glenn Moore, chairman of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee.

“We will continue to listen to what you have to say and all responses on the emerging neighbourhood plan ideas will be reviewed accordingly. Following this, a draft plan will be produced for consultation later this year, before then submitting to Wealden District Council for examination and referendum.”

“If you vote in favour of the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan, it will become part of the Town Council’s package of planning policies and be used to guide, shape and help determine development, infrastructure and investment opportunities in Hailsham.”

Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman said: “The Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan is being produced for the benefit of local people and public engagement exercises such as this provide a real opportunity for residents to help influence the way in which Hailsham is developed in the future.”

“We hope residents found yesterday’s drop-in event useful and informative. If you missed it, there will be a second public engagement event at the Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane this coming Friday [18^th August] from 2pm-4.30pm. Please do attend if you can.”

To coincide with the latest public consultation events, the Neighbourhood Planning Committee has launched a 4-week consultation questionnaire in which residents can have their say on the emerging ideas and identify priorities for local infrastructure and other provision in the future.

The survey, which runs until 4pm on Thursday 31^st August, can be completed online at:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HailshamNDPAugConsultation.

Alternatively, hard copies can be obtained from the Hailsham Town Council offices in Market Street and will be available at the next public engagement event taking place on Friday 18^th August (2pm-4.30pm – Hailsham Civic Community Hall).

For more information on the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan’s progress and latest announcements visit www.hailshamneighbourhoodplan.co.uk.