Photo: Russell Jacobs.

Council calls for comments on draft Local Plan

The new Local Plan for Hastings is out to consultation in draft, and the council has issued a call for people to get involved and give their views – it will be the guiding document for planning for the next 18 years. Nick Terdre reports.

Consultation on the first draft of the new Local Plan for Hastings began on Thursday. “This is an opportunity for people to get involved and help shape development in Hastings over the next 18 years,” the council said.

“The new plan, when it is completed, will guide the future development of land and buildings in our town through to 2039. It aims to support a thriving future for Hastings, with improved prospects for all.”

The consultation remains open for eight weeks, closing on Wednesday 24 March. Comments and ideas can be submitted online or via a dedicated phone line for those with no access to the internet.

Themes in the plan include an emphasis on quality housing within well designed neighbourhoods, the provision of sustainable transport links and infrastructure that assists with the growth of businesses to help boost the local economy and offer new skills and job opportunities for residents, the council said.

It also has an important role in helping to protect the environment and tackling climate change, helping the town to work towards its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.

All comments received will be published on the HBC website in anonymous form. After the consultation closes, all comments, from the public and other consultees, will be reviewed, assessed and where appropriate incorporated into a second draft.

Submission version

Once signed off by the Cabinet, this so-called submission version will then go out to a second round of consultation, after which an inquiry will be opened at which a planning inspector will go over it to ensure that the proper process has been followed, possibly calling for further information or suggesting amendments. At this stage anyone who has made further comments will have the chance to be heard.

The revised draft will then go to Full Council for final approval before being submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

“The Local Plan consultation offers an exciting opportunity for everyone with an interest in Hastings to share their thoughts on the future development of this beautiful town,” said council leader Kim Forward.

“This is your town, your future and it is important that we hear your views so that we have a plan that offers benefits for everyone in our community and helps create a place where people love to live, work and visit.”

The government is in the process of reforming the planning system but it is not yet known which of its proposed measures will be adopted.

In normal times consultation materials would be displayed at council offices and libraries but this measure has been suspended this year due to the coronavirus.

Online access to the consultation; an explanatory video can also be viewed here. Those needing assistance can call 01424 451102.

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