Cabinet to meet – Tuesday 28 January

Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 28 January to discuss a range of reports. These include recommendations to make a planning directive that will stop some building or development in specific areas of the borough where there are land stability concerns, and to recruit an officer to support healthy ageing in Hastings. 

In light of land stability issues in St Leonards, officers are recommending stricter rules for building and development in two specific areas where there are concerns about land stability. These rules, called an Article 4 Direction, would mean that building work involving digging in those areas would have to go through the full planning permission process, replacing the current system where some projects can go ahead without permission under permitted development rights. 

The recommendation is to bring these rules in immediately, so that any new projects in the affected areas can be carefully reviewed. This process would ensure land stability issues are properly considered before building or development can begin. The report details specific addresses within the two areas, and if the recommendation is agreed all residents who would be affected would be contacted about what the direction means for them. There would also be a consultation period where anyone can make comments about the direction. 

Cabinet will also discuss whether to accept funding from Public Health to appoint a Healthy Ageing Officer for Hastings. This post would work closely with the council, Public Health and Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) to support developing and delivering the Age Friendly Communities Programme across Hastings. This would help residents live well as they age in Hastings. Statistics show that East Sussex has an ageing population and there has been a lack of officer resource to support ageing well in Hastings over the last few years. 

Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of the council, said: “As always, we will be discussing some key reports at this Cabinet meeting. The Article 4 Direction for the West Hill Road/Marina area is very important for protecting residents who live in that area and those who have businesses from the land stability issues that are becoming more frequent. This is one piece of work that is being done around land stability, and if it is agreed I hope it gives everyone in that area some reassurance about any future development. 

“We’re really pleased to have been offered funding by Public Health so we can appoint someone dedicated to helping residents live the most fulfilling life as they age. It is an exciting opportunity to work with HVA and our older residents on this programme. We hope there will be a positive shift in the narrative on ageing across Hastings and our partners, celebrating the diverse contribution of older adults.” 

Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for adult social care and health at East Sussex County Council, said: “This is a very positive programme for Hastings and I am glad East Sussex Public Health is able to support it. Initiatives such as this help support our residents to age well and are key to ensuring our older residents have the best experience of later life as possible, living in independence and enjoyment.” 

The meeting will also discuss the pay policy statement 2025/26. 

There will be half an hour at the start of the meeting for the public to ask questions about anything, including things not on the meeting agenda. Other councillors will also be able to ask questions about the reports being discussed during the meeting, and the public are welcome to attend and listen. The meeting will be at Muriel Matters House on Tuesday 28 January from 6pm. If you are unable to attend in person you can watch online. You can read the full reports online.