Town Council Thanks Residents for Their Input on Revised Neighbourhood Plan and Housing Needs Surveys

Hailsham Town Council would like to thank residents, local businesses and stakeholders who took part in the Regulation 14 consultation on the revised Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan, as well as the recent Housing Needs Survey. The feedback received will help to shape a strong, evidence-based vision for Hailsham’s future growth and development.

The six-week Regulation 14 consultation, held in January and early February, gave the community an important opportunity to review and comment on the updated Neighbourhood Plan. This plan is a key strategic document that will guide how Hailsham develops in the years ahead and inform decisions on future planning applications.

Feedback collected from public drop-in events held across the town, alongside online survey responses and initial results processing, has highlighted several priorities and areas for improvement identified by the community, including:

• The future of Hailsham High Street, addressing vacant premises and the diversity of shops and services offered.

• The need for a walk-in medical facility or local Accident & Emergency provision to meet the needs of a growing population.

• Traffic congestion and circulation issues in the town centre, including frequent gridlock.

• Improved bus services and stronger public transport links.

• Additional facilities at Hailsham Country Park, including public toilets and footpaths.

• Concerns over new housing developments lacking adequate supporting infrastructure.

• Calls for increased investment by South East Water in pipeline maintenance and a new reservoir to secure local water supply.

The revised Neighbourhood Plan builds upon the original Plan adopted in 2021, reflecting updated community priorities, changes to national planning policy, and the evolving local development context. It presents a clear, community-led vision for Hailsham’s growth over the next decade and beyond, addressing key areas such as housing, transport, green infrastructure, heritage, climate change, and local services.

Key priorities of the revised plan include:

• Supporting new and enhanced community facilities in accessible locations.

• Improving the vitality, appeal, and functionality of Hailsham town centre.

• Ensuring new development reflects local character and identity.

• Enhancing public transport provision alongside walking and cycling routes.

• Expanding green infrastructure, biodiversity, and shared community spaces.

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, said:

“The Neighbourhood Plan has been created for the community, by the community. It gives local people a real opportunity to influence how Hailsham develops in the years ahead and will play an important role in determining future planning applications. We are extremely grateful to everyone who shared their views, either by attending our drop-in exhibitions or completing the Regulation 14 survey.”

“Our updated Neighbourhood Plan has been shaped through detailed research and invaluable contributions from local residents. It sets out a clear vision for Hailsham’s future, supporting improvements to our town centre, infrastructure, community facilities and overall quality of life.”

To ensure that the plan reflects Hailsham’s emerging housing needs, the Town Council also launched a Housing Needs Survey, inviting residents to share their views via an online questionnaire.

Councillor Laxton added: “Understanding the real housing needs of Hailsham residents is vital. This survey gave people the chance to tell us what types of homes are needed now and in the future. This information helps us make a strong, evidence-based case when responding to the Local Plan and shaping our Neighbourhood Plan.”

The Housing Needs Survey will help in terms of identifying the actual demand for new homes in Hailsham, including:

• The size and type of homes required, such as properties suitable for downsizing, households needing more space, or young people hoping to set up their first home.

• The needs of different household members, ensuring all age groups and lifestyles are considered.

Next Steps

The Town Council will continue to analyse responses from both the Regulation 14 consultation and the Housing Needs Survey. The insights gained will guide policy decisions, planning priorities and investment strategies, ensuring that Hailsham develops sustainably while meeting the needs of its growing population.

View the revised HAILSHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

The Town Council thanks everyone who participated and encourages continued engagement as Hailsham shapes its future together.