Have your say on the future of Hastings

Hastings Borough Council has launched a consultation on its draft Local Plan - an important planning document that will shape how the town grows and develops up to 2041.

The Local Plan sets out what can be built, where it can be built and how it should benefit people who live and work in Hastings. Without an up-to-date plan, Hastings would be at risk of unplanned development, reducing local control over what is built and whether important services like roads, schools and health centres are provided.

It is therefore essential that Hastings has a robust plan to carefully manage growth, so the town works well for everyone, now and in the future. The plan aims to:

• Provide homes that people can afford and are energy efficient
• Protect and enhance our parks and open spaces, and create new ones
• Keep the coastline and countryside safe from too much building
• Look after historic places, protecting our local history and what makes Hastings unique
• Support jobs and businesses to help boost our local economy and create more opportunities for people to work, shop, and thrive
• Create spaces for fun and leisure, such as sports facilities and play areas
• Attract new investment to improve Hastings and provide more opportunities
• Improve transport options, including buses, paths and cycling routes, to make it easier to get around without a car, keeping Hastings healthy and green
• Carefully plan where shops, workplaces, schools, health centres and sports facilities could go, so the town works well for everyone, and people can enjoy their free time closer to home.

Cllr Mark Etherington, lead for strategic planning and climate adaptation, said: “We all care deeply about Hastings - its heritage, coastline, green spaces, and unique character. The Local Plan is our chance to protect these things, while also planning for the homes, jobs, and services we need to thrive in the future.

“This means allocating spaces in the borough that are suitable for new houses, businesses, transport, and leisure facilities, and the right services such as schools, health centres and other community infrastructure.

“Councils are required to align their plans with national planning policy and government priorities. This includes the government’s plan to build 1.5 million new homes across the country. For Hastings, this means planning for approximately 700 new homes per year - that’s more than 12,000 homes over the plan period.

“This will be very difficult to achieve, because we have very little building land available. Hastings is already highly urbanised, and squeezed by the sea, country parks and High Weald National Landscape. Our remaining green spaces really matter to us, and our administration, and we will all naturally feel concern about increased traffic and the lack of alternative infrastructure, potential flooding, the effects on nature and pressure on already stretched services.

“But we are required by government to ‘plan positively’ - in other words, to do all we can to meet the statutory targets set for us. Therefore, the choices we need to make will be tough ones. We need everyone’s help in making these difficult decisions by looking at the proposed sites and policies and sharing their views at www.hastings.gov.uk/localplan.”  

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, Leader of the Council and lead for housing, community wellbeing and leisure services, added: “The Local Plan covers a lot of important areas, including housing, which is one of the biggest challenges facing Hastings. Everyone needs a secure, affordable home to live well and support their families. Having enough homes is vital for Hastings’ future, and for the wellbeing of current and future generations.

“We need homes that local people can afford, that are energy efficient and built in the right places with good access to transport, jobs and services, so people can live healthy and fulfilling lives.  

“The plan shows a number of locations where homes could be built. We want to hear what residents think about these sites, and how we can ensure new housing works for local people. Please take some time to look at the plan and share your comments. Make sure to explain the reasons for your views.”

Being included in the draft Local Plan does not mean development has been approved. Sites are still being assessed and can be changed or removed if they are shown to be unsuitable. That is why it is so important that people share their views and include any supporting information they feel is relevant.

Find out more and comment on the plan at www.hastings.gov.uk/localplan before 11.59pm on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

Planning Policy officers will be attending community events across the borough to answer any questions and listen to local views. A full list of events will be available on the council’s website shortly.

Paper copies of the plan are available at:

• Hastings Library, Brassey Institute, 13 Claremont, Hastings, TN34 1HE
• Hollington Library, 96 Battle Road, St Leonards, TN37 7AG
• Ore Community Library, 467 Old London Road, Hastings, TN35 5BP
• Hastings Community Contact Centre, Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings, TN34 3UY.

If you have questions or need the documents in a different format, please contact the Planning Policy team by emailing fplanning@hastings.gov.uk or calling 01424 451102.