Hastings draft Local Plan progresses

Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet is being asked to recommend to Full Council that the Local Plan is published for the Regulation 19 consultation on legal compliance and soundness. 

The Local Plan establishes the strategic planning framework for the borough to 2041. It includes policies and site allocations to address housing, employment, infrastructure, climate change, environmental protection and regeneration needs.  

The Plan has been prepared following extensive evidence gathering, ongoing engagement with stakeholders and neighbouring authorities, and two rounds of public consultation under Regulation 18. 

Following the most recent consultation, changes have been made to the draft Plan. A number of site allocation criteria have been updated to address specific concerns raised, to land adjacent to Sandrock Park, Tilekiln Farm and other proposed sites. 

The document also includes a masterplan and development brief for the Former Convent of the Holy Child Jesus in Magdalen Road. This site is proposed as a housing-led mixed-use allocation with a site-specific policy intended to balance heritage protection, new homes and appropriate mixed uses. 

Cllr Mark Etherington, lead councillor for Planning, Infrastructure and Regulatory Services, said: “Our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted their valuable feedback during the recent Regulation 18 consultation. We had more than 2,300 comments from more than 540 individuals and organisations, and our planning policy team has carefully considered all of them. 

“Many of you have also expressed concern about the former convent site on Magdalene Road. The development brief for the site seeks to balance the protection and long-term future of its important historic buildings with the need to provide much-needed homes and secure a positive future for the location. We are keen to work constructively with the site owners and any future development partners.

“This upcoming Regulation 19 consultation on the Plan is different from the earlier consultations. It asks whether the proposed Plan is legally compliant and sound. We will be updating our website and social media with details on how and when feedback can be made.

“This Local Plan remains absolutely vital, and among the most important documents we prepare, because it enables us to set out a clear framework for appropriate development across Hastings. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, local influence over future growth could be reduced and the Council could be more exposed to government intervention in planning matters."

Cabinet will meet at 6pm on Monday 7 September. You can watch the meeting online, or attend in person at Muriel Matters House from 5.45pm. You can read the full reports. Following a change in procedure, public questions need to be submitted in advance before Cabinet meetings, no new questions can be asked at Cabinet.