Observer column 28 August 2026

Cllr Mark Etherington, lead councillor for planning

We are now at the next stage of the 2023-2041 HBC Local Plan process, where the council’s Cabinet is asked, at the Cabinet meeting Monday 7 September, to recommend the draft Plan to Full Council for final Publication before it is submitted to government at the end of the year.

I’d like sincerely to thank the more than 500 individuals, groups and organisations who shared their valuable feedback with us on the draft earlier this year during the so-called ‘Reg 18’ consultation. Our Planning Policy team has been through the more than 2,000 comments received, and there have been several changes to the draft Local Plan as a result. An updated version has now been published as part of the Cabinet agenda ahead of the September meeting.

The changes include updated site allocation criteria to address specific concerns raised around land adjacent to Sandrock Park, Tilekiln Farm and other proposed locations. The site of the Four Courts, Stonehouse Drive, previously referenced in the supporting text of Housing Renewal Policy H6, now has its own site allocation policy (HS26). Changes have also been made to Policy D1, land at Breadsell, which is identified as an area of Development Potential.

The Plan also includes a dedicated masterplan and development brief for the Former Convent of the Holy Child Jesus in Magdalen Road. We know this site is at the forefront of people’s minds following the recent fire and wider concerns about site security. Alongside pressing those responsible for the site to enhance security and protection measures, HBC officers have also been working with Historic England and representatives of the site owners on the masterplan and development brief. This will form a site-specific policy within the new Local Plan, intended to balance heritage protection, new homes and appropriate mixed uses.

Provided the updated Local Plan is agreed by Full Council later in September, we will then open a final six-week consultation period, known as ‘Reg 19’, during which representations can be made in relation to the legal compliance and soundness of the draft. This is different from earlier consultations and is not intended to reopen the whole Plan for general comments. We will update our website and social media regarding these representations can be made. 

This Local Plan remains vital because it gives the council a clear framework for managing development within Hastings. Without an up-to-date Plan, local influence over future growth could be reduced, and the council would be more vulnerable to speculative development, planning appeals and government intervention. We must perform a difficult task: to balance environmental concerns with the pressing need for more homes, including for people on the housing waiting list; while also responding to the housing requirements set nationally. We are very grateful to all those residents who have taken the time to comment on the draft, and to share their opinions and observations.